Many people elect to grow their own herbs in a garden patch or patio containers each year. There are several which are commonly grown from seed or plants available from greenhouse producers. The information below will be helpful to the aspiring cook/gardner in making selections. From an economic view it makes sense to grow the herbs that
one uses the most of each year. The more exotic ones may be used
infrequently making it more practical to purchase them from the store.
Many recipes respond well with the use of fresh herbs. Having an herb garden means fresh herbs are always available and encourages experimentation. Plant them in the ground alongside the house, or in containers on the porch or patio. Growing herbs in a container is convenient when it is time to bring them inside for the winter. Container growing allows control over soil content and optimal nutrient conditions. Some plants tend to spread and take over the garden; container growing allows them to be controlled easily.
Growing Basil. Basil grows well in full sun. It likes a well-drained soil. One or two basil plants or a few seeds will provide enough basil for most normal culinary uses. Extra basil made into pesto and frozen flavors sauces year round. Basil leaves are flavorful until late summer when the plant flowers. Use basil fresh in salads, pesto, with tomatoes and in tomato sauces. The PH for the soil Basil will grow best in is
between 5.5 & 6.5. It can begin to be harvested six weeks after it is
planted just before the flowers bloom. There are about 150 variets of
Basil available. Basil is a relative of Mint. Sew seeds from mid spring till mid summer.
Basil is a deterrent to Fly's
and it can soothe a wasp sting
and help with indigestion.
Ancient people believed it would bring good luck and was
commonly sprinkled around places of business. Used in making snuff.
Growing Chives. Chives are a member of the onion family with a very mild onion flavor. Chives prefer full sun or partial shade as long as they don't get too dry. Grow chives from seed, or divided clumps. Chives will grow year round if brought indoors in colder areas, or will re-grow in the spring if they are allowed to die off in winter. Snip leaves with scissors, as desired, to use, leaving about an inch of leaf. The leaves will re-grow and can be cut again. Use chives anywhere a mild onion flavor is desired. They are most popular on baked potatoes and fish, in salads and soups. Water regularly & plant in full sun.
The PH of the soil should be between 6.1 & 7.8.
Chives are one of the
most ancient of all
herbs enjoyed in China
as long ago as 3000 BC. They were used as an antidote for poison.
They will repel aphids
& Japanese Beetles. They help get rid of
mildew & moths in the
home. Grow chives beside carrots to improve their flavor.
Growing Dill. Dill is easy to grow from seeds and is well suited for container gardens. The wispy fernlike leaves are used as a seasoning and also make an excellent garnish. Dill flavor is strong and can overpower food, so restraint is recommended until you find the amounts that you like. Dill seed heads are used in pickling fruits and vegetables. The PH for Dill is between 5.5 & 6.5. Grown best in well drained sany soil in full sunlight. Sewn in early spring will mature
in early August. Harvest when plants turn yellowish brown in the early morning or late evening. Dry the heads on trays in the sun in
modest heat.
Growing Cilantro. Cilantro is the leaves of Coriander and is called
Mexican Parsley. It is closely akin to Parsley and will grow similarly. The PH of 6.5 to 7.5 is best. Plant in early spring in well drained soil. Harvest it in July and Auguat.
Cilantro is one of the most ancient flavoring substances
as the Egyptians and
Israelites knew of it
and it was eaten at
passover. Before 1670 It was grown in
the Colonies. Thought
to have romantic power. Insects avoid it. Famous in Mexico.
In midieval days knights placed burned dill seeds on open wounds to speed healing. I was used
as a love potient. Dill is common to India. It is beneficial for those with Diabetes. A remedy for hiccups &
insomnia.
Growing Mint. A much underused herb, spearmint is the most commonly grown. Peppermint is a close second to it. Mint loves a moist spot, and given enough water, will take over the garden. Plant mint in a shady spot, along a north wall is ideal. Mint can tolerate full sun as long as it does not dry out. Enjoy spearmint in mint sauces, mint juleps, tea, and jelly. The PH for growing Mint is 6.5 & 7.0. Plant
in March and by July & August it is ready to be harvested.
Spearment outdates Peppermint as Hippocrates
wrote of Spearment where
Peppermint showed up around 1696. The Romans used Spearmint to treat
wasp stings. Grows well
with Borccoli, Tomatos,
Cabbage, & Strawberries.
Repells rodents, red ants,
moths and black flea.
Growing Oregano. Oregano is part of the Mint family. Famous in Italy
it is called the "Joy of the Mountains". Oregano also likes full sun and a well-drained soil. There are many types of oregano, with Italian and Greek oreganos being the most popular. Mexican oregano has good flavor when dried, but is not true oregano. Bring oregano inside in the winter for a year round supply. Oregano is popular in Spanish, Mexican, and Italian cooking. The best PH range for growing is between 6.0 & 8.0. Plant in dry soil, in cooler weather. Plant in the spring and harvest by mid summer and again in September. Needs
exposure to sun.
Was used in marriage
ceremonies in early times. Is helpful
to relieve sea sickness. Was once used to dye Wool Purple. Reduces swelling & toothaches. Will
attract butterflies.
Known as cooking herbs and for sauces.
Growing Sage. Sage is a universal flavoring herb. There are 500 varieties. Grow in well drained average to fertile soil in full sun.
Plant in spring and harvest by fall, it is a very easy herb to grow.
Dry in shade to preserve the essencial oils in the leaves. The PH
range for Sage is 5.6 to 7.8. Sage is known as a falvoring for Pork
and Sausage.
Sage is seen as a cure
for all ills. It is a
spice for rich fatty
meats. The Romans thought it gave
longevity. It attracts
Hummingbirds. The Germans use it in wines
in their Rhine region.
The Chinese valued Sage
so much they traded 3 lbs of tea for 1 lb Sage, with the Dutch.
The 10 Best Herbs for
Cottage Gardens
1)Borrage
2)Caraway
3)Chicory
4)Dill
5)Evening Primrose
6)Foxglove
7)Lemon Balm
8)Poppies
9)Queen Ann's Lace
10)Shepherd's Purse
The 10 Best Herbs for
Window Boxes
1)Aloe Vera
2)Artemisias
3)Camomile
4)Lavenders
5)Lemon Verbena
6)Madagascr Periwinkle
7)Pansies
8)Sage
9)Santolina
10)Scented Geraniums
The 10 Best Herbs for
Pots
1)Bay
2)Cardamom
3)Lavender
4)Lemon Grass
5)Lemon Verbena
6)Pansies
7)Rosemary
8)Sage
9)Sented Geraniums
10)Thyme
The 10 Best Herbs for
Indoors
1)Basil
2)Bay
3)Cardamom
4)Chives
5)Dill
6)Lemon Verbena
7)Parsley
8)Rosemary
9)Sage
10)Thyme
The 10 Best Herbs for
planting from cuttings
1)Artemisia
2)Basil
3)Beebalm
4)Lemon Verbena
5)Mints
6)Rosemary
7)Salvias
8)Sented Geraniums
9)Vervain
10)White Willow
The 10 Best Herbs for
planting from seed
1)Anise
2)Basil
3)Caraway
4)Cilantro
5)Coneflower
6)Dill
7)Flax
8)Foxglove
9)German Chamomile
10)Lemon Balm
One commonly grown Herb that is often called the "secret ingredient" is Horseradish. It is a plant that will sprawl and grow deep so you may want to plant it out in the woods or along a roadside on public land. Legend has it the Oracle of Delphic told Apollo, "The radish is worth its weight in lead, the beet its weight in silver, but the horseradish its weight in gold." The PH should be between
6.0 to 6.8. It can be harvested about anytime but cold weather is
said to improve it. If it is ground the longer it is left before vinegar is added the hotter it will become.
