Fresh herbs are great to have on hand while cooking at home. Whether using fresh basil for spaghetti or fresh cilantro for Taco Tuesday, herb gardening can be easy to maintain and will elevate meals. All one needs is a sunny place with filtered light, a water source, and a few minutes daily for upkeep.
Herb Gardening is Inexpensive
Containers are easy to come by, too. Whether it is the old-fashioned terra cotta style you are looking for, or a more streamlined, clean look with containers such as individual drawer dividers or other rectangular containers, herbs will grow anywhere. Just be sure the water drainage is appropriate. Herbs do not like to sit in water and will rot quickly.
Another thing to be aware of is the amount of water different herbs need. Most herbs do fine with the soil drying out between waterings. Finally, some herbs grow better when they are put together. Woody herbs like rosemary don’t grow well with delicate-stemmed herbs like parsley. Also, be careful of different soils. An indoor potting mixture is adequate for herb gardening.
When Grown Properly, Fresh Herbs Are Available All Year
Do some research to see which herbs are considered to have more of a trunk and which herbs have softer stems, and keep the like plants together. Thyme and oregano grow well together since they both have woody stems and absorb water and nutrients at about the same rate. Whereas coriander and basil are better when planted together.
There are also plenty of kits on the market to look for that have already done the legwork for you. If you want to get serious about herb-growing, several hydroponic units are affordable and will keep herbs growing year-round. If you are looking at soil-growing year-round, grow lights will be needed to meet the sunlight requirement in herb gardening.
Conclusion
Herb seeds are reasonably priced and can be purchased at the local dollar store, box stores, online, or garden centers. Remember that most herbs will re-seed themselves, providing seeds for the next growing season. You can also dry or freeze herbs, so fresh herbs are readily available all year. Herb growing is an art, so get a couple of books, sit back with a favorite tea, and learn how to surround yourself with sustainable plants that will continue to provide. “Fresh herbs belong anywhere,” according to Alex Guarnaschelli, www.ironchef.com
