THE 9 MOST POPULAR PLANTS FOR YOUR EASY HERB GARDEN
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Easy to Grow Herb Garden for Cooking
Setting up an herb garden is easier than you think. Learning how to grow an herb garden for use in cooking or fragrance and holistic purposes is a fun past time.
The use of herbs in cooking goes back thousands of years, so it seems that a practice that has weathered this test of time would be simple and streamlined.
Not so fast! There are many varieties and the sheer abundance of fresh, dried, or preserved herbs can confuse even the most accomplished cook.
But don’t worry, the rewards of using these delicious complements to your dishes is raving satisfaction from family and friends.
How Do You Grow an Easy Herb Garden?
Green thumb or not, herbs have grown wild for centuries, consequently most are hardy. Many herb gardens can be easily grown along with the regular pansies or impatiens in your flower beds.
Most require only full to partial sun, regular water and regular harvesting.
However, if your herb garden produces abundance, learning to grow herbs that are easy to preserve by drying or freezing will preserve your extra herbs.
Easy To Grow Herbs in Pots
An almost fail-safe herb for beginners is basil. Basil will proliferate in the garden and add freshness to a variety of dishes including pastas, crowd-pleasing pizzas, and refreshing salads.
Many other herbs can grow in containers:
- dill
- garlic
- oregano
- thyme
- mint
- cilantro
- sage
Tips for Container Gardening
You can use most any container for your herb garden. The most important aspect of container gardening is WATER.
Too much water is bad, but so is too little water.
Because you have a smaller plot of soil, that soil is going to dry out faster. But, it also needs a system to drain off excess moisture. There are many potting soils with non-organic materials that help to drain pots as well as fertilize and hold the right amount of moisture for optimum growing.
These specially formulated potting soils would not be feasible for filling whole flower beds, but for an herb garden housed in number of smaller pots, they are ideal!
Herbs growing in containers are PERFECT if you are tight on space like an apartment patio or small courtyard. Containers must be also be managed by harvesting and pruning, otherwise they can overtake their space and are susceptible to disease.
Salsas and sauces beg for the fragrant herbaceous accent of cilantro and parsley. Harvest often to encourage their naturally prolific growth.
Some herbs, like mint, are aggressive and will overtake beds if not maintained. Spend 5 – 10 minutes each day harvesting and pinching back fast-growing herbs.
Grow rosemary in a hot, dry, sunny location. Rosemary is evergreen in most of the southern growing areas. Rosemary is also an herb that grows in a container beautifully; you can bring it indoors in the winter in colder climates.
Chives, the mildest form of scallions, fit into the onion family with leeks and garlic. The green sprouts that come from garlic are called ramps and spates. These mild sprouts are limited in availability. Consequently, they are highly valued on restaurant menus.
Ideas For Edible Herb Gardens
Italian Herb Garden – Basil, Oregano, Rosemary and Parsley
French Herb Garden – Tarragon, Chervil, Thyme, Marjoram, Fennel
Asian – Cilantro and Lemongrass
Mexican – Cilantro, Laurel (bay), Lemon Verbena
What About Herbs for a Tea Garden?
Chamomile, Peppermint and Spearmint are excellent for a Tea Garden!
These tea garden plants can all be grown in containers and pots or in a small bed.
How Do You Use a Strawberry Pot for Herbs?
Strawberry pots have several spaces for planting one pot. Although they were designed for strawberry plants that “trail” they are perfect for growing herbs!
HOMEMADE GARDEN PESTO
HOMEMADE GARDEN PESTO
Ingredients
- 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil divided
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup Pecorino/Romano or Parmesan cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Combine the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add 1/2 cup of the oil and process until fully incorporated and smooth. Season with salt and pepper
In summary, the secrets of how to grow herbs in your very own herb garden are simple. Best for a beginner to start off with sprouted young plants, not seeds, and the right amount of water and fertilizer – just a little TLC required.
