Fresh Herb Gardening

In this great big world, there are a whole lot of herbs out there to choose from.  Some people pick the ones they think are the prettiest.  Others look at the growing conditions for the herbs and try to match the herbs with the space that they have for them. 

I choose my herbs primarily by how I can use them.  Don’t get me wrong, I also care about growing conditions and how pretty they are, but my primary method of choosing herbs is about how I’m going to use them.

Here’s an example, fresh herb gardening is a way I always have herbs growing that I can use in the kitchen.  This includes basil, rosemary and oregano for pasta sauce or chamomile and mint for tea.  I never go far from my aloe vera plant either.  They are so helpful with burns (which clumsy people like me who cook often have). 

What you plant in your fresh herb garden is totally up to you.  I recommend spending a little bit of time doing research before you go to the nursery, greenhouse or home improvement store.  It can be overwhelming to see all those little herbs in their cute pots.  You could be tempted to buy one of each.  So do your research, and make a list too. 

Start with about 12 different herbs that will give you a mix of culinary flavor, scented fragrances, and those that are good for medicinal purposes and those that are just plain beautiful. 

Here’s my baker’s dozen of favorite herbs:

• Oregano:  This king of Italian herbs will grow just about anywhere and is drought resistant. 

• Basil:  If oregano is the king of Italian herbs, basil is the queen.  No Mediterranean meal is right without it.

• Lemongrass:  The smell alone is enough for me.  Lemongrass is a fast growing, tropical grass that adds great flavor for tea and your favorite dishes, especially Thai meals.

• Rosemary:  This herb is great for cooking, but I especially love to use rosemary when I grill out.  I just reach over and grab a handful of leaves and sprinkle on my chicken and vegetables.  Its appearance reminds me of a pine tree, which adds a whole different texture to the herb garden.

• Garlic:  The oniony flavor of garlic makes it a perfect addition to most Italian dishes.  You can add it to your mashed potatoes and even roast it with some olive oil and to eat by itself.  Be warned, the longer you cook garlic, the milder the flavor becomes so don’t overcook it!

• Thyme:   I love thyme because of the many varieties and colors and flavors it has.  You can eat it, bathe in it, wash your hair with it and rub it on as a lotion.

• Parsley:  If you only use parsley as a garnish, you’re missing one of the best herbs around.  Add fresh parsley to your food to enhance the flavors of the other herbs, while adding both vitamin C and iron. 

• German Chamomile:  I grow chamomile for its soothing properties.  It makes a great tea for calming the nerves.  Beyond tea, you can use it in your bath to soak your tired muscles.  I also make soap and a shampoo from the daisy-like blossoms.

• Peppermint:  I love the whole mint family, but I like peppermint the best.  Drinking a cup of peppermint tea will help your upset stomach.  I keep it restricted to a pot because it will otherwise take over your whole flower bed.

• Aloe Vera:  It is the best thing ever for burns and other skin issues, including sunburn, poison ivy and even acne.  It’s also an antiseptic.  I keep it in the kitchen and also out near the grill, where I seem to need it most. 

• Calendula:  Also known as the marigold, calendula has beautiful flowers.  When in bloom, it keeps the mosquitoes away and is helpful for cuts, scrapes and other fist aid needs.

• Madagascar Periwinkle:  This plant can tolerate anything, including heat, drought and poor soil.  Plus, it’s also completely cute.  Not a year goes by that I don’t have some in my garden.

• Lemon Verbena:  I love trimming a stem of lemon verbena to put in a vase in the bedroom.  It has such a clean, fresh scent.  You can’t beat it.  You can also cook with it and add it to your summer drinks.  You can even add it your bath for extra refreshment.

That’s 13, but I can’t stop there.  Others favorites to consider include lavender, flax, lemon balm, hens-and-chickens and of course poppies.

Good luck with your herb gardening.  Be sure to let me know how your herb garden grows.