Organic herbs are the perfect recipe for your indoor garden. Most herbs are small and will grow very well in pots or window boxes that you can place in a sunny spot in your kitchen, living room or bedroom.
Others, like bay, need a larger pot but will happily grow indoors and provide a beautiful leafy corner in your home. With the wider spreading large herbs like rosemary and lavender, you may be able to find dwarf varieties that will grow in pots on the window sill.
Even if you have a big garden outside, there are advantages to growing your herbs indoors. First, you do not have far to go when you want to add a taste of your favorite herb to a dish that you are cooking. You do not have to brave the cold or wet weather, either. Just pluck a few leaves and throw them in the pot.
Second, some herbs such as mint can be invasive and take over your whole garden if you are not careful, popping up all over the lawn and overwhelming their smaller defenseless neighbors. You have to grow them in a pot if you want to be able to control them at all, so you may as well have them in the house where you know they cannot cause any trouble.
Growing herbs in the house will also bring their fresh natural fragrances into your home. It is like having your home permanently scented with essential oils. You can put plants that smell good together into the same room. Almost every herb can find a place in your house.
Lavender is traditionally used around clothes and in the bedroom. Stronger smelling herbs that you often use in your own cooking will be best in the kitchen, both for convenience and to give the room the scent of your own cooking. Some plants will prefer the damper atmosphere of the bathroom, some will like to be where it is warm, others prefer cooler spots and part shade.
It is fun, too. You will naturally take good care of the plants because you will see them every day.
If you have kids, you can involve them in the process and have them look after some of the plants or help you water or pick them. You may find that your cooking becomes more adventurous as you are tempted to use more of the new and different herbs that you are growing.
And since you are growing them in the house, why not go organic? This is the best solution for all of your food and it is easy enough to do. Most of the pests and airborne diseases that can plague your garden plants will not be found in the house. So all you have to do is buy organic herb seeds and potting soil, avoid using chemical fertilizers, and you have your indoor organic herbs.
Monday 17 November 2008
Saturday 20 September 2008
Growing An Indoor Herb Garden Is Easy
By Jeff Glasser
Article: Instead of planting a big outdoor herb garden consider planting one indoors. Many smaller varieties and dwarf varieties of herbs grow quite well in small pots that can be placed on a kitchen window sill. Now when you are cooking you do not have to run to your outside garden to pick a few herbs to add to your cooking. You can just simply turnaround and grab a few leaves!
It's easy to grow your own indoor herb garden. Many kits are available that have everything that you need to get started. Look for the chia herb garden which is a fun way to get the kids involved too. You can enjoy the same benefits that you would outside, but with a few distinct advantages with an indoor herb garden.
Advantages Of An Indoor Herb Garden
With an indoor herb garden you can easily monitor your plants. You will notice quickly if they need any maintenance. If they need a quick misting you can accomplish the task with little effort. Outdoor gardens are more frequently overlooked. Indoors you will not have issues with bugs eating the leaves of your herbs. You will not have to contend with trying to find a safe chemical that can be used to treat your herbs to keep bugs away.
You can do it within the comfort of your own home when it is time to harvest all of your fresh herbs. You will not have to deal with mosquitoes or other bugs while you are trying to garden.
When you plant an indoor herb garden you can bring in the wonderful fragrance that they provide. Now your kitchen will smell delicious like fresh basil or rosemary. Being surrounded by the fragrances of an indoor herb garden might even inspire your cooking. Instead of using dried herbs that have been sitting in a cabinet, any meals you do cook will now taste even better as you will be able to add fresh herbs.
Having an indoor herb garden will also protect any other plants that might be in your garden. Known to be extremely invasive are some species of herbs. Once they start growing they are hard to stop and before you know it your herb garden has taken over. By planting your herbs in small individual pots inside you can control its spreading.
Plants can make indoor spaces feel warm and cozy. Why not add a few practical plants to your kitchen to achieve the same result. You can generate an inviting atmosphere while growing herbs to use in your cooking.
Growing your own indoor herb garden is simple. Several kits are available that have everything that you need to get started. Now when you are cooking you do not have to run to your outside garden to choose a few herbs to add to your cooking.
Article: Instead of planting a big outdoor herb garden consider planting one indoors. Many smaller varieties and dwarf varieties of herbs grow quite well in small pots that can be placed on a kitchen window sill. Now when you are cooking you do not have to run to your outside garden to pick a few herbs to add to your cooking. You can just simply turnaround and grab a few leaves!
It's easy to grow your own indoor herb garden. Many kits are available that have everything that you need to get started. Look for the chia herb garden which is a fun way to get the kids involved too. You can enjoy the same benefits that you would outside, but with a few distinct advantages with an indoor herb garden.
Advantages Of An Indoor Herb Garden
With an indoor herb garden you can easily monitor your plants. You will notice quickly if they need any maintenance. If they need a quick misting you can accomplish the task with little effort. Outdoor gardens are more frequently overlooked. Indoors you will not have issues with bugs eating the leaves of your herbs. You will not have to contend with trying to find a safe chemical that can be used to treat your herbs to keep bugs away.
You can do it within the comfort of your own home when it is time to harvest all of your fresh herbs. You will not have to deal with mosquitoes or other bugs while you are trying to garden.
When you plant an indoor herb garden you can bring in the wonderful fragrance that they provide. Now your kitchen will smell delicious like fresh basil or rosemary. Being surrounded by the fragrances of an indoor herb garden might even inspire your cooking. Instead of using dried herbs that have been sitting in a cabinet, any meals you do cook will now taste even better as you will be able to add fresh herbs.
Having an indoor herb garden will also protect any other plants that might be in your garden. Known to be extremely invasive are some species of herbs. Once they start growing they are hard to stop and before you know it your herb garden has taken over. By planting your herbs in small individual pots inside you can control its spreading.
Plants can make indoor spaces feel warm and cozy. Why not add a few practical plants to your kitchen to achieve the same result. You can generate an inviting atmosphere while growing herbs to use in your cooking.
Growing your own indoor herb garden is simple. Several kits are available that have everything that you need to get started. Now when you are cooking you do not have to run to your outside garden to choose a few herbs to add to your cooking.
Thursday 28 August 2008
Kitchen Herb Gardens a Match Made for Cooking
By: Kent Higgins
While apartment or condo living may have its advantages, and is all but a necessity in packed major cities and congested areas, one of the major drawbacks for someone used to living in a house or similar structure, aside from the lack of space, is the lack of an outdoor patch of green to call their own. Gardeners especially, who would be more than content with just a tiny patch of soil to churn and care for will feel out of sorts cooped up in an apartment. Short of offering your gardening services to the landlord, what is one to do?
Your burning gardening desire can be sated somewhat by working on an indoor garden. Sure it's not quite the same as sitting on the soft earth with the hot sun beating down on your brow, but it beats the alternative, that being artificial plants or none at all.
There's nothing wrong with having one or more plants in every room, so you could certainly have a good deal of work and future gardening upkeep ahead of you if you wish. Plants will add a charming touch to every room, improve the air quality, and can even provide a different fragrance for each room, one suited to that particular room and its atmosphere.
Choosing which rooms to place specific plants in will always depend on the room's humidity, average temperature and amount of either direct or indirect sunlight. Be sure you in advance the kind of environment each plant on your radar will thrive in and place it in an appropriate environment. Apartments and condos will have rooms with largely similar environments, though full bathrooms will always be far more humid perfect for indoor houseplant care.
Beyond just plants, you can also get creative and add touches like dried plants or flowers to a room. Dried lavender for example provides a pleasant aroma that can last for weeks, and adds a unique look when tied in bunches and displayed.
Another unique touch is by adding a small herb garden to your kitchen. It may not quite make up for the lack of a vegetable garden, but it will add that perfect touch to your dishes and some will provide a nice aroma to your kitchen as well.
You have a lot of options when it comes to indoor gardening. It may slightly lack that connection with nature you get when gardening outdoors, but the process can be just as enjoyable and rewarding indoors.
For more details on the topic of indoor plant care. Visit us at http://www.plant-care.com.
While apartment or condo living may have its advantages, and is all but a necessity in packed major cities and congested areas, one of the major drawbacks for someone used to living in a house or similar structure, aside from the lack of space, is the lack of an outdoor patch of green to call their own. Gardeners especially, who would be more than content with just a tiny patch of soil to churn and care for will feel out of sorts cooped up in an apartment. Short of offering your gardening services to the landlord, what is one to do?
Your burning gardening desire can be sated somewhat by working on an indoor garden. Sure it's not quite the same as sitting on the soft earth with the hot sun beating down on your brow, but it beats the alternative, that being artificial plants or none at all.
There's nothing wrong with having one or more plants in every room, so you could certainly have a good deal of work and future gardening upkeep ahead of you if you wish. Plants will add a charming touch to every room, improve the air quality, and can even provide a different fragrance for each room, one suited to that particular room and its atmosphere.
Choosing which rooms to place specific plants in will always depend on the room's humidity, average temperature and amount of either direct or indirect sunlight. Be sure you in advance the kind of environment each plant on your radar will thrive in and place it in an appropriate environment. Apartments and condos will have rooms with largely similar environments, though full bathrooms will always be far more humid perfect for indoor houseplant care.
Beyond just plants, you can also get creative and add touches like dried plants or flowers to a room. Dried lavender for example provides a pleasant aroma that can last for weeks, and adds a unique look when tied in bunches and displayed.
Another unique touch is by adding a small herb garden to your kitchen. It may not quite make up for the lack of a vegetable garden, but it will add that perfect touch to your dishes and some will provide a nice aroma to your kitchen as well.
You have a lot of options when it comes to indoor gardening. It may slightly lack that connection with nature you get when gardening outdoors, but the process can be just as enjoyable and rewarding indoors.
For more details on the topic of indoor plant care. Visit us at http://www.plant-care.com.
Sunday 24 August 2008
Herbs to grow indoors
Here are some of the herbs which will grow well indoors. Choose as many of these as you can find room for. They will bring fragrance to your home, exciting taste to your foods, and a little fillip to your imagination.
ANISE
Hung over your bed, anise may not make you as fair and youthful as our ancestors believed, but surely the new interest which it brings to foods will keep your appetite young. Although anise is generally grown for its sweet seed, the fresh leaves are appetizing in fruit salads, soups, stews and herb teas.
Start anise from seed or bring in a young plant from the garden and let it have plenty of sunlight.
BASIL
This herb grows particularly well in the kitchen, for it doesn't mind the heat. Keep the plants trim by using the leaves generously in salads, stews, ground meats, poultry stuffings and fruit cups. It is a necessity in any dish containing tomato, or with fresh tomatoes. If you have enough basil, sprays are beautiful in bouquets.
Start basil from seeds or bring in healthy small plants from the garden. You can put three or four light green, smooth-leaved basil plants in the same container. In the spring I set the basil plants back in the garden. These plants can be counted on to produce seed. This is not always true of those raised the first year from seed, because our growing season is too short for seeds to ripen thoroughly.
BORAGE
Although borage is more attractive in the garden than in the house, a pot containing three or four plants will furnish young cucumber-flavored leaves for salads and cool drinks.
If it blooms, the blue flowers are worth the space given this somewhat coarse, hairy-leafed plant. Borage loses its flavor when dried, so use its young, tender leaves. Start the borage from seed or bring in young plants from the garden.
BURNET
Burnet trails its feathery leaves when grown indoors. It is one of the prettiest plants, and the dainty, cucumber-flavored leaves are delicious in salads. A sprig is attractive in cool drinks.
Because of their trailing stems, burnet, santolina (French lavender), and sweet marjoram are good choices for hanging pots or those placed on shelves at cupboard ends or alongside windows.
Bring burnet in from the garden or buy a plant.
CHERVIL
This fine-leaved herb resembles parsley in looks but not in taste. It is too lovely to look at and too good to eat to be left out of the kitchen herb garden. Bring in a plant and use the fresh anise-flavored leaves for garnishing and to season sauces, soups and salads. The white blossoms are small and fragile. It will germinate rapidly and may be grown from seed.
CHIVES
A clump of chives may be bought at almost any grocery store. If you have both an outdoor and indoor garden, divide a large plant and bring part of it to the kitchen window. The spikey leaves are excellent wherever a delicate onion taste is desired.
DILL
The Orientals used dill in brewing up charms. We “charm” our guests by using its seeds in pickles, fish sauces and salads, but Europeans use the leaves, too, in cooking. Why not try them?
PARSLEY
This herb, one of the oldest known to man, is as popular today as always. When grown in a sunny window in a glazed or metal pot so that the roots will not dry out, it will thrive for a long time. Use rather small plants, for the taproots of mature plants are long. Parsley does better in a cool temperature. Do not use fertilizer. Although parsley will do well inside, it will not be as strong and full as when it grows outdoors. The curly-leafed variety is the prettiest, the flat-leafed type the tastiest.
If you do not have a plant to bring in from the garden, it should be easy to get one from a nursery.
ROSE GERANIUM
Best-known and easiest to find of the fragrant-leaved geraniums is the rose geranium. The leaves are useful in potpourris, sachets and in bouquets, and they are soothing in the tub. A bit of leaf in a cup of tea gives an indescribable fragrance. If you don't know how to use it in apple jelly and cakes.
Start new plants with cuttings from an established plant. Since they are sensitive to cold, you must bring rose geraniums indoors in the winter.
ROSEMARY
Rosemary, the herb of poetry and legend, is not easy to grow, but it is worth the trouble. Grown in a pot as a house plant, it may be less than a foot tall and its lower branches will fall gracefully over the sides of the pot. The leaves resemble long, oval pine needles, particularly when dried. The leaves of rosemary are more fragrant than the flowers, and when gently crushed, they will give off the warm odor of pine.
Rosemary is a tropical plant, and it must be cut back, potted and brought indoors before frost. Your first plant should be purchased from a nursery as it is hard to start rosemary from seed.
SAGE
If you can find a small sage bush, it may be brought indoors. Its furry grey-green leaves are attractive and its fragrance pleasant. Although you will probably use sage which you dried during the summer, a growing plant gives a nice variation in hue to your indoor garden.
TARRAGON
Tarragon must be brought in for the winter in most climates, and may be set back in the garden in the spring. Early in the summer, start new plants from cuttings, for tarragon does not set seed which will germinate. Plunge the new plants in the earth, pots and all, and let them grow during the summer. When the first heavy frost causes the leaves to fall, you can trim back the stems and transfer the plants to larger pots for wintering indoors. Its young leaves are delicious in eggs, fish, meat and poultry dishes and salads. Plants must be purchased at a nursery.
THYME
Thyme will thrive in your window. Use it sparingly, in poultry stuffings, stuffed peppers, onions, zucchini squash, in meat and fish dishes. Start thyme from seed, and make sure that it has a sunny spot in which to grow.
ANISE
Hung over your bed, anise may not make you as fair and youthful as our ancestors believed, but surely the new interest which it brings to foods will keep your appetite young. Although anise is generally grown for its sweet seed, the fresh leaves are appetizing in fruit salads, soups, stews and herb teas.
Start anise from seed or bring in a young plant from the garden and let it have plenty of sunlight.
BASIL
This herb grows particularly well in the kitchen, for it doesn't mind the heat. Keep the plants trim by using the leaves generously in salads, stews, ground meats, poultry stuffings and fruit cups. It is a necessity in any dish containing tomato, or with fresh tomatoes. If you have enough basil, sprays are beautiful in bouquets.
Start basil from seeds or bring in healthy small plants from the garden. You can put three or four light green, smooth-leaved basil plants in the same container. In the spring I set the basil plants back in the garden. These plants can be counted on to produce seed. This is not always true of those raised the first year from seed, because our growing season is too short for seeds to ripen thoroughly.
BORAGE
Although borage is more attractive in the garden than in the house, a pot containing three or four plants will furnish young cucumber-flavored leaves for salads and cool drinks.
If it blooms, the blue flowers are worth the space given this somewhat coarse, hairy-leafed plant. Borage loses its flavor when dried, so use its young, tender leaves. Start the borage from seed or bring in young plants from the garden.
BURNET
Burnet trails its feathery leaves when grown indoors. It is one of the prettiest plants, and the dainty, cucumber-flavored leaves are delicious in salads. A sprig is attractive in cool drinks.
Because of their trailing stems, burnet, santolina (French lavender), and sweet marjoram are good choices for hanging pots or those placed on shelves at cupboard ends or alongside windows.
Bring burnet in from the garden or buy a plant.
CHERVIL
This fine-leaved herb resembles parsley in looks but not in taste. It is too lovely to look at and too good to eat to be left out of the kitchen herb garden. Bring in a plant and use the fresh anise-flavored leaves for garnishing and to season sauces, soups and salads. The white blossoms are small and fragile. It will germinate rapidly and may be grown from seed.
CHIVES
A clump of chives may be bought at almost any grocery store. If you have both an outdoor and indoor garden, divide a large plant and bring part of it to the kitchen window. The spikey leaves are excellent wherever a delicate onion taste is desired.
DILL
The Orientals used dill in brewing up charms. We “charm” our guests by using its seeds in pickles, fish sauces and salads, but Europeans use the leaves, too, in cooking. Why not try them?
PARSLEY
This herb, one of the oldest known to man, is as popular today as always. When grown in a sunny window in a glazed or metal pot so that the roots will not dry out, it will thrive for a long time. Use rather small plants, for the taproots of mature plants are long. Parsley does better in a cool temperature. Do not use fertilizer. Although parsley will do well inside, it will not be as strong and full as when it grows outdoors. The curly-leafed variety is the prettiest, the flat-leafed type the tastiest.
If you do not have a plant to bring in from the garden, it should be easy to get one from a nursery.
ROSE GERANIUM
Best-known and easiest to find of the fragrant-leaved geraniums is the rose geranium. The leaves are useful in potpourris, sachets and in bouquets, and they are soothing in the tub. A bit of leaf in a cup of tea gives an indescribable fragrance. If you don't know how to use it in apple jelly and cakes.
Start new plants with cuttings from an established plant. Since they are sensitive to cold, you must bring rose geraniums indoors in the winter.
ROSEMARY
Rosemary, the herb of poetry and legend, is not easy to grow, but it is worth the trouble. Grown in a pot as a house plant, it may be less than a foot tall and its lower branches will fall gracefully over the sides of the pot. The leaves resemble long, oval pine needles, particularly when dried. The leaves of rosemary are more fragrant than the flowers, and when gently crushed, they will give off the warm odor of pine.
Rosemary is a tropical plant, and it must be cut back, potted and brought indoors before frost. Your first plant should be purchased from a nursery as it is hard to start rosemary from seed.
SAGE
If you can find a small sage bush, it may be brought indoors. Its furry grey-green leaves are attractive and its fragrance pleasant. Although you will probably use sage which you dried during the summer, a growing plant gives a nice variation in hue to your indoor garden.
TARRAGON
Tarragon must be brought in for the winter in most climates, and may be set back in the garden in the spring. Early in the summer, start new plants from cuttings, for tarragon does not set seed which will germinate. Plunge the new plants in the earth, pots and all, and let them grow during the summer. When the first heavy frost causes the leaves to fall, you can trim back the stems and transfer the plants to larger pots for wintering indoors. Its young leaves are delicious in eggs, fish, meat and poultry dishes and salads. Plants must be purchased at a nursery.
THYME
Thyme will thrive in your window. Use it sparingly, in poultry stuffings, stuffed peppers, onions, zucchini squash, in meat and fish dishes. Start thyme from seed, and make sure that it has a sunny spot in which to grow.
Your Indoor Herb Garden
By now you no longer think of herbs only as bits of dry seasoning, bottled and hidden on the kitchen shelves. There isn't a room in any house or apartment that won't be more attractive with fragrant herbs growing there.
If you are an apartment dweller, surrounded by concrete out of doors, you can have an indoor herb garden. In fact, you can grow almost as many varieties of herbs indoors as you could in an average-sized outdoor garden. On the other hand, if you have an herb garden outdoors, you will enjoy being surrounded by herbs inside too. For example, why not have a sweet scented geranium in your living room? These lovely plants were often found in Victorian parlors. Dittany of Crete (Origanum dictamus), immortalized by Virgil, was also popular. Both will fit into your home.
There are several ways to begin your indoor herb garden. You may bring plants in from your outdoor garden, if you have one; start plants from seeds, from cuttings or you may acquire the plants themselves from a friend, a florist or nursery, and then pot them. If you are starting new annuals to bring indoors, plant them late in the season outdoors and transplant before the first frost.
You may plant seeds of sweet marjoram, parsley, basil, dill, anise and coriander directly in your indoor containers. However, I have never had any trouble bringing plants of parsley and basil in from the garden. I choose small plants of basil, since they are apt to grow quite tall, and small parsley plants, since otherwise the taproot would be too deep to transplant.
If you want to grow chives and do not wish to divide your outdoor clump, buy another clump and set it in a bulb pan or low pot filled with light, sweet soil. Cut back the foliage and let new growth start. There is no need to waste the trimmings; chop them and freeze them.
Put the chives in a sunny window where they will not get too warm—55° to 60° Fahrenheit is best—and keep them on the dry side. One reason that so many people have trouble keeping chives growing through the winter is the heat of the kitchen.
In your outdoor garden you may have had some perennials such as rose geranium, rosemary and lavender which need the protection of the house during the winter. These plants are not easy to start from seed, nor are the plants themselves readily available. So, once started, you will not want to take the chance of letting them winter-kill. Bring them inside.
If your house space is limited, try this idea. Keep one rose geranium indoors and let it grow as large as it wishes, so that you can cut slips from it. I keep mine in one of the big round planters now so popular. Let the geranium be the focal point of the planter instead of the more usual cut-leaf philodendron, which almost every house plant owner has climbing up a center pole of spagnum moss. Why not be different ? Fasten the leggy branches of your rose geranium to the pole, and put your smaller herbs around it. If you want more vividness, tuck in a few artificial flowers. Give the planter a place on the floor or on a low table by a sunny window.
More gardening ideas.
If you are an apartment dweller, surrounded by concrete out of doors, you can have an indoor herb garden. In fact, you can grow almost as many varieties of herbs indoors as you could in an average-sized outdoor garden. On the other hand, if you have an herb garden outdoors, you will enjoy being surrounded by herbs inside too. For example, why not have a sweet scented geranium in your living room? These lovely plants were often found in Victorian parlors. Dittany of Crete (Origanum dictamus), immortalized by Virgil, was also popular. Both will fit into your home.
There are several ways to begin your indoor herb garden. You may bring plants in from your outdoor garden, if you have one; start plants from seeds, from cuttings or you may acquire the plants themselves from a friend, a florist or nursery, and then pot them. If you are starting new annuals to bring indoors, plant them late in the season outdoors and transplant before the first frost.
You may plant seeds of sweet marjoram, parsley, basil, dill, anise and coriander directly in your indoor containers. However, I have never had any trouble bringing plants of parsley and basil in from the garden. I choose small plants of basil, since they are apt to grow quite tall, and small parsley plants, since otherwise the taproot would be too deep to transplant.
If you want to grow chives and do not wish to divide your outdoor clump, buy another clump and set it in a bulb pan or low pot filled with light, sweet soil. Cut back the foliage and let new growth start. There is no need to waste the trimmings; chop them and freeze them.
Put the chives in a sunny window where they will not get too warm—55° to 60° Fahrenheit is best—and keep them on the dry side. One reason that so many people have trouble keeping chives growing through the winter is the heat of the kitchen.
In your outdoor garden you may have had some perennials such as rose geranium, rosemary and lavender which need the protection of the house during the winter. These plants are not easy to start from seed, nor are the plants themselves readily available. So, once started, you will not want to take the chance of letting them winter-kill. Bring them inside.
If your house space is limited, try this idea. Keep one rose geranium indoors and let it grow as large as it wishes, so that you can cut slips from it. I keep mine in one of the big round planters now so popular. Let the geranium be the focal point of the planter instead of the more usual cut-leaf philodendron, which almost every house plant owner has climbing up a center pole of spagnum moss. Why not be different ? Fasten the leggy branches of your rose geranium to the pole, and put your smaller herbs around it. If you want more vividness, tuck in a few artificial flowers. Give the planter a place on the floor or on a low table by a sunny window.
More gardening ideas.
Friday 11 July 2008
How to grow your own herbs
If you’re not the type of person that wants to spend their time managing an elaborate fruit or vegetable garden, you might consider planting and maintaining an herb garden. While the product might not seem as significant, you’ll still enjoy the constant availability of fresh, delicious herbs to flavor your meals with.
First you’ll want to choose the herbs that you’ll plant. You might have a hard time doing this because of the huge scope of herbs available. But the best way to choose is to do what I did; just look at what you have in your kitchen. By planting your own collection of these herbs, you can save money on buying them from the grocery store while having the added benefit of freshness. Some of the herbs you might start with include rosemary,sage, basil, dill, mint, chives, and parsley among others.
When choosing an area to put your herb garden, you should remember that the soil should have extremely good drainage. If the dirt gets watered and stays completely saturated, you have no chance of ever growing a healthy plant. One of the best ways to fix the drainage problem is to dig a foot deep in the soil, and put a layer of crushed rocks down before replacing all the soil. This will allow all that water to escape, thus saving your plants.
When you are ready to begin planting herbs, you might be tempted to buy the more expensive plants from the store. However, with herbs it is much easier to grow them from seed than it is with other plants. Therefore you can save a bundle of money by sticking with seed packets. Some herbs grow at a dangerously fast rate. For example, if you plant a mint plant in an open space then it will take over your entire garden in a matter of days.The best way to prevent this problem is to plant the more aggressive plants in pots (with holes in the bottom to allow drainage, of course).
When it comes time to harvest the herbs you have labored so hard over, it can be fatal to your plant to take off too much. If your plant isn’t well established, it isn’t healthy to take any leaves at all, even if it looks like its not using them. You should wait until your plant has been well established for at least several months before taking off any leaves. This wait will definitely be worth it, because by growing unabated your plant will produce healthily for years to come.
Once you’ve harvested your delicious home grown herbs, you’ll want to use them in cooking. Why else would you have grown them? Well first the process begins with drying them out. This is easily achieved by placing them on a cookie sheet and baking them 170 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 4hours. After they’re sufficiently dried to be used in cooking, you can consult the nearest cookbook for instructions on using them to effectively flavor a dish.
If you want to store your herbs for later usage, you should keep them in a plastic or glass container. Paper or cardboard will not work, because it will absorb the taste of the herbs. During the first few days of storage, you should regularly check the container and see if any moisture has accumulated. If it has, you must remove all the herbs and re-dry them. If moisture is left from the first drying process, it will encourage mildew while you store your herbs. Nobody likes mildew.
So if you enjoy herbs or gardening, or both, then you should probably consider setting up an herb garden. It might require a little bit of work at first to set it up for optimal drainage, and pick what herbs you want to grow. But after the initial hassle, it’s just a matter of harvesting and drying all your favorite herbs.
First you’ll want to choose the herbs that you’ll plant. You might have a hard time doing this because of the huge scope of herbs available. But the best way to choose is to do what I did; just look at what you have in your kitchen. By planting your own collection of these herbs, you can save money on buying them from the grocery store while having the added benefit of freshness. Some of the herbs you might start with include rosemary,sage, basil, dill, mint, chives, and parsley among others.
When choosing an area to put your herb garden, you should remember that the soil should have extremely good drainage. If the dirt gets watered and stays completely saturated, you have no chance of ever growing a healthy plant. One of the best ways to fix the drainage problem is to dig a foot deep in the soil, and put a layer of crushed rocks down before replacing all the soil. This will allow all that water to escape, thus saving your plants.
When you are ready to begin planting herbs, you might be tempted to buy the more expensive plants from the store. However, with herbs it is much easier to grow them from seed than it is with other plants. Therefore you can save a bundle of money by sticking with seed packets. Some herbs grow at a dangerously fast rate. For example, if you plant a mint plant in an open space then it will take over your entire garden in a matter of days.The best way to prevent this problem is to plant the more aggressive plants in pots (with holes in the bottom to allow drainage, of course).
When it comes time to harvest the herbs you have labored so hard over, it can be fatal to your plant to take off too much. If your plant isn’t well established, it isn’t healthy to take any leaves at all, even if it looks like its not using them. You should wait until your plant has been well established for at least several months before taking off any leaves. This wait will definitely be worth it, because by growing unabated your plant will produce healthily for years to come.
Once you’ve harvested your delicious home grown herbs, you’ll want to use them in cooking. Why else would you have grown them? Well first the process begins with drying them out. This is easily achieved by placing them on a cookie sheet and baking them 170 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 4hours. After they’re sufficiently dried to be used in cooking, you can consult the nearest cookbook for instructions on using them to effectively flavor a dish.
If you want to store your herbs for later usage, you should keep them in a plastic or glass container. Paper or cardboard will not work, because it will absorb the taste of the herbs. During the first few days of storage, you should regularly check the container and see if any moisture has accumulated. If it has, you must remove all the herbs and re-dry them. If moisture is left from the first drying process, it will encourage mildew while you store your herbs. Nobody likes mildew.
So if you enjoy herbs or gardening, or both, then you should probably consider setting up an herb garden. It might require a little bit of work at first to set it up for optimal drainage, and pick what herbs you want to grow. But after the initial hassle, it’s just a matter of harvesting and drying all your favorite herbs.
Monday 21 April 2008
Organic Herbs - Grow Herbs Organically In 3 Easy Steps
If you are a cook or a chef, or just simply enjoy tasty food that is seasoned with herbs, one of the best things you can do for yourself and your family is to begin to grow your own herbs. At the local supermarket, purchasing herbs on a regular basis, especially if you use them frequently, can be very expensive. However, with a simple plan of action, and a few solid tips, you can begin to grow your own organically grown herbs in the comfort of your home or outside if you have the space to do so. Here are three easy steps that you can take in order to begin growing organic herbs without all of the hassle and price when buying them at your local store.
First of all, you will need a few things in order to begin. You can purchase most of these things and use them for years without needing to invest again or at least for some time. Other things must be purchased on a regular basis and they are low cost, especially when compared against the yields that you will have from your organic herbs that will be grown in a natural and healthy way.
You will of course need some organic fertilizer. This can be purchased at your local nursery or if you are an avid gardener already, or someone that does worm composting on the side, you can use some of your freshly produced organic fertilizer for this process. In fact, it would be better if you make the fertilizer yourself as homegrown compost seems to work much better for most people.
If you do not have your own compost pile in your backyard, but you do not want to buy non organic fertilizer, you should probably begin this process well before the planting season begins. The process that I am talking about is creating a compost pile or buying a compost bin so that you can begin to utilize the natural chemical processes that will occur via the composting process or you can procure some red worms and place them in a bin specifically designed for vermicomposting in order for the worms to begin creating compost for you.
Another possibility is that you can use what are called fish emulsions as an alternative to the composting process or purchasing compost outright. Fish emulsions are also a product that you can purchase from almost any horticulture resource or online store and have it sent to your home in no time at all.
You will also need some planting containers, a couple of watering cans that you can use to water your herbal crops, a soil scoop or gardeners hand fork, some mulch and of course the herb seed you are going to use in order to grow the organic herbs of your choice.
Before planting, also realize that some herbs are in dire need of sunlight on an almost full time basis whereas others prefer partial shade. Also, some herbs are suitable for growing in small pots that you can sit in your windowsill whereas others prefer to be planted in larger containers. Your other alternative is to plant them in the natural environment outside but that of course depends upon where you live and the climate that is best suited for each plant. So whether you are growing basil, chives, or parsley, make sure that the place that you will be growing them is best suited for their optimal growth.
The next thing you must do is mix your soil. By taking soil from the ground perhaps from an old garden area and placing it in the pots, you will now need to mix in your fertilizer in the form of compost from either your compost pile or the worm bin, or if you decided to purchase something else such as fish emulsion, simply mix that according to directions into water in order to get the proper mix for your herbal plants to grow. Most herbs prefer to be slightly undernourished than overfertilized.
Once done, plant each of your seeds and make sure that you label what each one is. Make sure that you place each pot or container in the appropriate area so that each herb receives the proper amounts of sunlight once it begins to grow as well as the correct seed germinating temperature. This process to prepare your herb garden should take just a few hours depending upon how many herbs you are deciding to grow and how long it takes you to mix your soil for each potting container. You should also check on the pH of the soil in order to determine if it has the proper balance. There are many pH testing tools that you can purchase on the cheap that will ensure that the acidic and base levels are at the proper level. Most herbs prefer a slightly acidic ph to grow in.
Finally, it is time to write your daily schedule in order to take care of your plants in the seedling stage. By creating a check list of the things you need to do such as checking pH levels, watering, making sure that they are in the proper areas and at the proper temperatures, this will ensure that your herbal crops will grow to completion in record time and you can begin enjoying the organic herbs that you love to eat in no time at all. Also, remember that herbs love to be pruned while they are growing. This will create bushier plants and more herbs to harvest in the long run.
Chris Dailey is the owner of Super Organic Gardening Secrets, a free online service that provides valuable information on organic gardening and organic herbs. To download his 7 free organic gardening reports, go to http://www.superorganicgardeningsecrets.com
First of all, you will need a few things in order to begin. You can purchase most of these things and use them for years without needing to invest again or at least for some time. Other things must be purchased on a regular basis and they are low cost, especially when compared against the yields that you will have from your organic herbs that will be grown in a natural and healthy way.
You will of course need some organic fertilizer. This can be purchased at your local nursery or if you are an avid gardener already, or someone that does worm composting on the side, you can use some of your freshly produced organic fertilizer for this process. In fact, it would be better if you make the fertilizer yourself as homegrown compost seems to work much better for most people.
If you do not have your own compost pile in your backyard, but you do not want to buy non organic fertilizer, you should probably begin this process well before the planting season begins. The process that I am talking about is creating a compost pile or buying a compost bin so that you can begin to utilize the natural chemical processes that will occur via the composting process or you can procure some red worms and place them in a bin specifically designed for vermicomposting in order for the worms to begin creating compost for you.
Another possibility is that you can use what are called fish emulsions as an alternative to the composting process or purchasing compost outright. Fish emulsions are also a product that you can purchase from almost any horticulture resource or online store and have it sent to your home in no time at all.
You will also need some planting containers, a couple of watering cans that you can use to water your herbal crops, a soil scoop or gardeners hand fork, some mulch and of course the herb seed you are going to use in order to grow the organic herbs of your choice.
Before planting, also realize that some herbs are in dire need of sunlight on an almost full time basis whereas others prefer partial shade. Also, some herbs are suitable for growing in small pots that you can sit in your windowsill whereas others prefer to be planted in larger containers. Your other alternative is to plant them in the natural environment outside but that of course depends upon where you live and the climate that is best suited for each plant. So whether you are growing basil, chives, or parsley, make sure that the place that you will be growing them is best suited for their optimal growth.
The next thing you must do is mix your soil. By taking soil from the ground perhaps from an old garden area and placing it in the pots, you will now need to mix in your fertilizer in the form of compost from either your compost pile or the worm bin, or if you decided to purchase something else such as fish emulsion, simply mix that according to directions into water in order to get the proper mix for your herbal plants to grow. Most herbs prefer to be slightly undernourished than overfertilized.
Once done, plant each of your seeds and make sure that you label what each one is. Make sure that you place each pot or container in the appropriate area so that each herb receives the proper amounts of sunlight once it begins to grow as well as the correct seed germinating temperature. This process to prepare your herb garden should take just a few hours depending upon how many herbs you are deciding to grow and how long it takes you to mix your soil for each potting container. You should also check on the pH of the soil in order to determine if it has the proper balance. There are many pH testing tools that you can purchase on the cheap that will ensure that the acidic and base levels are at the proper level. Most herbs prefer a slightly acidic ph to grow in.
Finally, it is time to write your daily schedule in order to take care of your plants in the seedling stage. By creating a check list of the things you need to do such as checking pH levels, watering, making sure that they are in the proper areas and at the proper temperatures, this will ensure that your herbal crops will grow to completion in record time and you can begin enjoying the organic herbs that you love to eat in no time at all. Also, remember that herbs love to be pruned while they are growing. This will create bushier plants and more herbs to harvest in the long run.
Chris Dailey is the owner of Super Organic Gardening Secrets, a free online service that provides valuable information on organic gardening and organic herbs. To download his 7 free organic gardening reports, go to http://www.superorganicgardeningsecrets.com
Tuesday 4 March 2008
A place to buy your herb gardening gear
Whilst surfing the net recently, I found Gasper.net the site of Gasper Landscape Design & Construction, based in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Gasper run a Garden Center Nursery Bucks County together with landscape design, patio and masonry work, decks and structures, swimming pools and executive garden care services.
Gasper's online store has, at present, some nice discounts on garden furniture, garden ornaments and plants as well as up to $800 off their design services.
In addition to the online store, Gasper also run a garden center where they sell a selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and hanging baskets as well as herbs. There's a nice online tour of the center on the site together with a good image library showing the products that are available.
If you are interested in their landscaping services, they provide a free DVD of previous work, which can be requested online, for prospective new clients. There's also a nice library of images showing previous landscaping work too.
The site itself is nicely designed and easy to navigate, although it took me a while to find the full selection of images.
If you are looking for a Garden Center Bucks County then Gasper are worth checking out. If you are not based in the area, it's well worth visiting the site for some ideas and inspiration.
Gasper's online store has, at present, some nice discounts on garden furniture, garden ornaments and plants as well as up to $800 off their design services.
In addition to the online store, Gasper also run a garden center where they sell a selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and hanging baskets as well as herbs. There's a nice online tour of the center on the site together with a good image library showing the products that are available.
If you are interested in their landscaping services, they provide a free DVD of previous work, which can be requested online, for prospective new clients. There's also a nice library of images showing previous landscaping work too.
The site itself is nicely designed and easy to navigate, although it took me a while to find the full selection of images.
If you are looking for a Garden Center Bucks County then Gasper are worth checking out. If you are not based in the area, it's well worth visiting the site for some ideas and inspiration.
Thursday 21 February 2008
Showing off your herbs
I don't know about you, but I like to show off my herbs in nice teracotta pots, particularly when I'm growing them indoors. They make a nice feature in the kitchen or conservatory and are a talking point when friends and family drop by.
I like to label them as I can't always remember each variety, particularly if I am growing several similar types. Plastic labels look OK, but I prefer to use metal ones - they look much nicer and are more robust.
Metalgardenmarkers.com supply garden markers, plant stakes, and plant labels in a range of differing styles, shapes and sizes. They are a simple, attractive, and inexpensive way to keep your herbs organized. They also sell accessories such as marker pens and provide information on how to best use the labels.
The mini version is perfect for using for your herb pots. They are just 6″ tall, so will fit neatly, even in the smallest of pots.
The markers are available in packs of 25 or 100. In the slightly larger sizes, I like the copper version which is 10″ tall. Metal Garden Markers also offer a free brochure and you can sign up for a monthly newsletter on the site as well.
Metal Garden Markers really are a great way to label your herbs.
I like to label them as I can't always remember each variety, particularly if I am growing several similar types. Plastic labels look OK, but I prefer to use metal ones - they look much nicer and are more robust.
Metalgardenmarkers.com supply garden markers, plant stakes, and plant labels in a range of differing styles, shapes and sizes. They are a simple, attractive, and inexpensive way to keep your herbs organized. They also sell accessories such as marker pens and provide information on how to best use the labels.
The mini version is perfect for using for your herb pots. They are just 6″ tall, so will fit neatly, even in the smallest of pots.
The markers are available in packs of 25 or 100. In the slightly larger sizes, I like the copper version which is 10″ tall. Metal Garden Markers also offer a free brochure and you can sign up for a monthly newsletter on the site as well.
Metal Garden Markers really are a great way to label your herbs.
Wednesday 13 February 2008
Storing your herbs
When you are storing the herbs you have collected there are many methods to investigate. Some will work better than others. It is all a matter of preference. You can read through and decide what will work for you.
The first method which many people find very simple is freezing. There are two ways to freeze herbs. You can collect the fresh leaves and put them on a cookie sheet in the freezer. When the leaves have been frozen completely, just place them in a storage bag, label the bag with the date and contents, and stick it back in the freezer. Just do not expect the herbs to act or look like fresh when you thaw them. They will still be good for cooking.
Another way to freeze the fresh herbs is one of my favorites. Fill an ice cube tray with the chopped leaves from the herb plant you desire. Fill the tray with water and freeze. When the ice cubes have completely frozen, separate them and put them into freezer bags which you have labeled. You can then take them out of the freezer one cube at a time to add to stews, soups, and other dishes.
I will say that you can store dried herbs in the freezer as well. This can keep them from becoming rancid from being stored too long. This is a good precautionary method in case you did not let the herbs dry long enough. There are times when you think the herbs are dry but you find later they are mildewing in the jars. This means moisture still existed in the leaves. When you freeze the dried herbs, if there is any moisture, it will not affect the herbs.
Many times you will find it is easy to store dried herbs in containers. The best container is one which does not let in light. You can find many apothecary jars with tight fitting lids or even rubber seals. These are the perfect storage containers. With a dark colored jar or bottle the light cannot get to the herbs. Making sure the lid seals properly assures no air can get into the herbs, as well.
Storing herbs in oil is also a good way to preserve the flavor. As long as the oil stays fresh you can keep the herbs. Make sure the leaves are dry and insert into an oil filled jar. This will preserve the flavor. If the oil goes bad, which usually happens in six months or so, the herbs must be disposed of. One of the benefits of preserving the herbs in the oil is you will wind up with an herbal oil which is excellent in cooking.
Boiling water can be a challenge to the beginning cook. Add some herbs to that pot of water and you have the basis for a great soup. Any dish can be enhanced with the use of herbs. Their natural fragrance and flavor just add that perfect blend to make a meal complete.
Herbs like oregano and basil are the base of many Italian dishes. Cilantro and Cumin are what make Mexican dishes taste so authentic. More exotic spices like allspice and ginger can add beauty to the kitchen as well as tasteful treats to the mouth.
There is a difference between using fresh and dried herbs in cooking. The fresh herbs add a delicate flavor. The essential oil is not as concentrated as it is in the dried herbs. The general rule of thumb when using dried herbs is 1 teaspoon dried to 1 tablespoon fresh herbs.
You can blend herbs together to make many different fragrances and flavors. Some of the most popular seem to almost compliment each other as well as the food we put them in.
For some of us, natural is the way to go. With an endless supply of fresh herbs, which you can dry, there is no end to the mixes you can make for dips and salsas, or spreads and appetizers. I have included some of my favorites to give you an idea of what you can do with the herbs you grow.
There are many dishes you can make yourself instead of buying the boxed version. Fresher is better every time. When you taste the recipe which you have made with your own natural herbs, you may never want to use the boxed stuff again.
The first method which many people find very simple is freezing. There are two ways to freeze herbs. You can collect the fresh leaves and put them on a cookie sheet in the freezer. When the leaves have been frozen completely, just place them in a storage bag, label the bag with the date and contents, and stick it back in the freezer. Just do not expect the herbs to act or look like fresh when you thaw them. They will still be good for cooking.
Another way to freeze the fresh herbs is one of my favorites. Fill an ice cube tray with the chopped leaves from the herb plant you desire. Fill the tray with water and freeze. When the ice cubes have completely frozen, separate them and put them into freezer bags which you have labeled. You can then take them out of the freezer one cube at a time to add to stews, soups, and other dishes.
I will say that you can store dried herbs in the freezer as well. This can keep them from becoming rancid from being stored too long. This is a good precautionary method in case you did not let the herbs dry long enough. There are times when you think the herbs are dry but you find later they are mildewing in the jars. This means moisture still existed in the leaves. When you freeze the dried herbs, if there is any moisture, it will not affect the herbs.
Many times you will find it is easy to store dried herbs in containers. The best container is one which does not let in light. You can find many apothecary jars with tight fitting lids or even rubber seals. These are the perfect storage containers. With a dark colored jar or bottle the light cannot get to the herbs. Making sure the lid seals properly assures no air can get into the herbs, as well.
Storing herbs in oil is also a good way to preserve the flavor. As long as the oil stays fresh you can keep the herbs. Make sure the leaves are dry and insert into an oil filled jar. This will preserve the flavor. If the oil goes bad, which usually happens in six months or so, the herbs must be disposed of. One of the benefits of preserving the herbs in the oil is you will wind up with an herbal oil which is excellent in cooking.
Boiling water can be a challenge to the beginning cook. Add some herbs to that pot of water and you have the basis for a great soup. Any dish can be enhanced with the use of herbs. Their natural fragrance and flavor just add that perfect blend to make a meal complete.
Herbs like oregano and basil are the base of many Italian dishes. Cilantro and Cumin are what make Mexican dishes taste so authentic. More exotic spices like allspice and ginger can add beauty to the kitchen as well as tasteful treats to the mouth.
There is a difference between using fresh and dried herbs in cooking. The fresh herbs add a delicate flavor. The essential oil is not as concentrated as it is in the dried herbs. The general rule of thumb when using dried herbs is 1 teaspoon dried to 1 tablespoon fresh herbs.
You can blend herbs together to make many different fragrances and flavors. Some of the most popular seem to almost compliment each other as well as the food we put them in.
For some of us, natural is the way to go. With an endless supply of fresh herbs, which you can dry, there is no end to the mixes you can make for dips and salsas, or spreads and appetizers. I have included some of my favorites to give you an idea of what you can do with the herbs you grow.
There are many dishes you can make yourself instead of buying the boxed version. Fresher is better every time. When you taste the recipe which you have made with your own natural herbs, you may never want to use the boxed stuff again.
Monday 4 February 2008
Choosing your Herbs
Herb gardens have strong roots in American gardening, and with increased interest in natural foods and alternative medicines, are growing in popularity. Cultivating your own herbs can save you lots of money, and store-bought herbs can't compare with the taste and aroma of freshly harvested herbs. Extracts and dried herbs can be dried and used long after the growing season is over for cooking, health, fragrance and decorative items such as wreaths.
Easy to grow, herbs are seldom attacked by insects and diseases. While most herbs are small, non-woody plants, some herbs, such as rosemary and lavender, may grow to small shrub-like plants.
Historically, people have used herbs to flavor food, heal, and create magical charms. Many of the charms can be connected to what we now know to be medicinal properties. Early settlers brought to the new land the herbs they used for health, flavoring, storing linens, fabric dyes and home fragrance. Immigrants from European, Asian and other lands contributed their herbs to the ongoing exchange of slips, seeds, and plants. Of course, American Indians had already been using many of these herbs, in their cooking, healing and leather dying.
With so many herbs today, it can be difficult to choose which ones to grow.
Just as with any plant, you should select herbs that will grow well in your location zone (unless growing indoors of course). The USDA hardiness zones serve as a rough guide, and your local university extension can also help. Remember, microclimates can exist within these zones, and plus shady spots provide cooler temperatures and sunny spots provide warmer temperatures.
Other things to consider:
How do you want to use the herbs?
If using for culinary purposes, which flavors do you like?
What type of visual impact do you want? (herb garden design will be discussed
in Part 2)
Which herbs have the fragrances that you will enjoy when visiting your garden
or using in the home?
For example, a few of the herbs commonly used by chefs include rosemary, oregano, dill and mint. Herbs with medicinal properties include oregano (respiratory), comfrey (arthritic or rheumatoid dogs), rosemary (headaches), and many more. Herbs treasured for this fragrance include lemon balm, mint, sage and well, just about any herb! Some herbs, such as the mints, are quite invasive, but there are solutions for this we'll discuss in Part 3.
Don't worry about making all of your selections right away. Space can be left in your garden for not only propagating the herbs you enjoy but for adding herbs
as your interest and needs increase.
Finally, here are a few examples of commonly used herbs:
Annuals (bloom one season and die): anise, basil, chervil, coriander, dill and summer savory.
Biennials (live two seasons, blooming second season only): caraway and parsley.
Perennials: (overwinter; bloom each season once established): chives, fennel, lovage, marjoram, mint, tarragon, thyme and winter savory.
To learn about the qualities and growing habits of individual herbs, consult a good, garden catalog, your library, and/or your local nursery.
Easy to grow, herbs are seldom attacked by insects and diseases. While most herbs are small, non-woody plants, some herbs, such as rosemary and lavender, may grow to small shrub-like plants.
Historically, people have used herbs to flavor food, heal, and create magical charms. Many of the charms can be connected to what we now know to be medicinal properties. Early settlers brought to the new land the herbs they used for health, flavoring, storing linens, fabric dyes and home fragrance. Immigrants from European, Asian and other lands contributed their herbs to the ongoing exchange of slips, seeds, and plants. Of course, American Indians had already been using many of these herbs, in their cooking, healing and leather dying.
With so many herbs today, it can be difficult to choose which ones to grow.
Just as with any plant, you should select herbs that will grow well in your location zone (unless growing indoors of course). The USDA hardiness zones serve as a rough guide, and your local university extension can also help. Remember, microclimates can exist within these zones, and plus shady spots provide cooler temperatures and sunny spots provide warmer temperatures.
Other things to consider:
How do you want to use the herbs?
If using for culinary purposes, which flavors do you like?
What type of visual impact do you want? (herb garden design will be discussed
in Part 2)
Which herbs have the fragrances that you will enjoy when visiting your garden
or using in the home?
For example, a few of the herbs commonly used by chefs include rosemary, oregano, dill and mint. Herbs with medicinal properties include oregano (respiratory), comfrey (arthritic or rheumatoid dogs), rosemary (headaches), and many more. Herbs treasured for this fragrance include lemon balm, mint, sage and well, just about any herb! Some herbs, such as the mints, are quite invasive, but there are solutions for this we'll discuss in Part 3.
Don't worry about making all of your selections right away. Space can be left in your garden for not only propagating the herbs you enjoy but for adding herbs
as your interest and needs increase.
Finally, here are a few examples of commonly used herbs:
Annuals (bloom one season and die): anise, basil, chervil, coriander, dill and summer savory.
Biennials (live two seasons, blooming second season only): caraway and parsley.
Perennials: (overwinter; bloom each season once established): chives, fennel, lovage, marjoram, mint, tarragon, thyme and winter savory.
To learn about the qualities and growing habits of individual herbs, consult a good, garden catalog, your library, and/or your local nursery.
Saturday 19 January 2008
Indoor Herb Garden - 8 Wonderful Tips For A Wonderful Indoor Herb Garden!
Can you imagine any meal being cooked without spices or rather, herbs? You would probably comment, “It tastes like sawdust!” At the same time, it feels rather tiresome to keep making umpteen trips to the market just because you have run out of some herb or the other! Therefore, the best thing to do is to cultivate your own indoor herb garden.The advantage to having herbs within your reach is that all your meals get that added spice and color. And if you collect some tips on how to take care of them, you could grow them in containers or pots the whole year round. So they are always within your reach!
Here are some suggestions on getting started with your indoor herb garden:
(1) Ensure that the soil is of very good quality. Since it is to be kept in a pot or container, the soil should have the capacity to retain water. In fact, if the purchased soil has organic matter added to it, so much the better; the herbs will grow faster. If you feel that soil quality does not matter, then you should not worry about the quality of your herbs either!(2) Your indoor herb garden does not require all that much water - if they are watered once or twice every week without fail, it should do. This keeps the moisture at the correct level - the soil is always damp, but no water is left standing at the bottom. Too much of water will cause the roots to begin rotting.
(3) Indoors or outdoors, no plant can live without sunlight. Most of the herbs need to be under direct sunlight; so placing them near windows is best. Herbs such as chives, rosemary, basil, thyme and oregano require more than six hours of direct sunlight each day. In case it is not possible to provide direct sunlight, grow lamps or specialized natural light bulbs are available.
(4) Though the indoor herb garden requires direct sunlight, it would be wise to keep the plants a few inches away from the window and not in direct contact with the window glass or window sill. The sills become very hot in the summer months and affect the plants. During winter months, the temperature near the window is much cooler than the temperature a little inside the room.
(5) To ensure faster growth, dried or dead leaves should be removed. So also dead blossoms from plants that produce flowers
(6) The biggest leaves are found at the ends of branches or shoots. Pluck them first for the growth stays in control.
(7) The plants in your indoor herb garden need trimming from time to time. Otherwise, they may become too big for the containers or pots. Trimming should be done with a pair of sharp scissors, never with a knife. A knife can damage the plants because a pulling motion is used.
(8) For additional information, you could become a member of a gardening club or organization. Otherwise, turn to the Internet for advice. Experience is of course the best teacher to guide you regarding your indoor herb garden!
Abhishek is a self-confessed Gardening addict! Visit his website http://www. Gardening-Master.com and download his FREE Gardening Report “Indoor Gardening Secrets” and learn some amazing Gardening tips for FREE! Create the perfect Garden on a shoe-string budget. And yes, you get to keep all the accolades! But hurry, only limited Free copies available!. http://www. Gardening-Master.com
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