.png)
Some helpful tips on planting, maintaining, and storing herbs
Spring is the perfect time to start thinking about planting and cultivating herbs! Herbs are not only wonderful for adding flavor to your dishes but also for their medicinal properties. Let's dive into how to plant, maintain, and cultivate herbs, as well as explore some of the most popular herbs and their medicinal benefits:
Planting and Cultivating Herbs:
1. Choose the Right Location: Most herbs thrive in well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Select a location in your garden or balcony that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
2. Prepare the Soil: Ensure the soil is loose, well-drained, and rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or compacted, consider adding compost or perlite to improve drainage.
3. Select Herbs: Choose herbs that you use frequently in your cooking and that are well-suited to your climate. Some popular herbs for beginners include basil, parsley, mint, rosemary, thyme, and chives.
4. Planting: Plant herbs either from seeds or nursery-bought plants. Follow the instructions on the seed packet or plant tag for spacing and depth. Water the newly planted herbs thoroughly.
5. Watering: Herbs generally prefer moderate watering. Water the plants when the soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
6. Maintenance: Regularly prune your herbs to encourage bushy growth and prevent them from becoming leggy. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plants healthy.
7. Fertilization: Herbs generally do not require heavy fertilization. You can feed them with a balanced organic fertilizer once or twice during the growing season, following the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of disease, such as fungal infections or powdery mildew, and take appropriate measures to address them.
Keeping Herbs Fresh:
To keep your herbs fresh for as long as possible:
1. Harvesting: Harvest herbs regularly to encourage new growth and prevent them from becoming woody or overgrown. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the herbs just above a leaf node.
2. Storage: Store freshly harvested herbs in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towels or in airtight containers. Alternatively, you can preserve herbs by drying them or freezing them in ice cube trays with olive oil or water.
3. Watering: If you're growing herbs in pots or containers, make sure they have adequate drainage and water them regularly to prevent wilting.
Popular Herbs and Their Medicinal Benefits:
1. Basil: Basil is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also believed to have antibacterial and antimicrobial effects.
2. Parsley: Parsley is high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron. It may help support kidney health and improve digestion.
3. Mint: Mint has calming properties and is often used to relieve indigestion and nausea. It also has antimicrobial properties and can freshen breath.
4. Rosemary: Rosemary contains compounds that may improve memory and cognitive function. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
5. Thyme: Thyme is rich in vitamins and minerals and has antibacterial properties. It may also help relieve coughs and respiratory infections.
6. Chives: Chives are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like calcium and iron. They may help boost the immune system and promote healthy digestion.
By planting, maintaining, and cultivating herbs in your garden or balcony, you can enjoy a fresh supply of flavorful ingredients and reap the numerous health benefits they offer. Whether you're cooking up a delicious meal or brewing a soothing herbal tea, herbs are sure to add a touch of freshness and vitality to your life.
Here are two salad dressing recipes that you can make with your fresh herbs from your garden:
Herb Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and minced garlic until
well combined.
2. Stir in the chopped parsley, basil, and thyme.
3. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Whisk again until all the ingredients are emulsified.
5. Drizzle the herb vinaigrette over your favorite salad and toss to coat evenly. Enjoy!
Creamy Herb Dressing:
Ingredients:
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Mix
until smooth and well blended.
2. Stir in the chopped dill, chives, and parsley until evenly distributed throughout the dressing.
3. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Mix well to incorporate all the ingredients.
5. Use the creamy herb dressing immediately or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to allow
the flavors to meld.
6. Drizzle over salads or use as a dip for fresh vegetables. Enjoy the creamy and flavorful
dressing!
Feel free to adjust the quantities of herbs and other ingredients according to your taste preferences. These dressings can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days in an airtight container.
SPECIAL NOTE FOR READER:
Appealing Herb Additions for your Landscaping
Herbs are one of the easiest and most forgiving edible plants to add to the landscape! I find them most aesthetically pleasing tucked in amongst landscape plants vs raised veggie garden beds which can be difficult to maintain.
Rosemary is my top choice because it generally stays evergreen in the garden and creates a beautiful color contrast with its silvery green foliage. It comes as an upright shrub, or as a trailing plant, which looks great in pots or spilling over rocks in the garden.
Basil is so easy to grow, but it can get quite large, so give it some room. I love to tuck chives and sage into potted containers.
Aloe Vera is another great one for our area, and I’ve found it to come back even after a freeze! I use it as a focal point in garden beds.
Yarrow deserves more space in our gardens! I have found it to survive all our weather changes, and it has such a sweet bloom and beautiful delicate ferny foliage.
Mint is fun and so useful, but make sure to keep it in a contained area or pot because it will quickly invade and take over bedding areas.
Edible gardens are so popular now, and herbs are the easiest way to get started.
Happy Gardening!
Grow Landscape Studio, the vision of Landscape Designer Michelle Riley, is a boutique design firm based in The Woodlands, TX. Grow partners with each client to create unique garden sanctuaries with a calm yet modern aesthetic and thoughtful focus on every design detail.
Comments