How to start, grow, harvest, and enjoy your own herb garden

Transcription

1 How to start, grow, harvest, and enjoy your own herb garden Karen King To Work With My Hands Be Encouraged ~ Be Inspired ~ Be Creative

2 7 Easy-to-Grow Herbs for Your Herb Garden Copyright 2015 by Karen King No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form except by express written permission of the author, except for brief quotations in articles, blog posts, or reviews. 2

3 Contents Introduction 4 Sweet Basil.5 Oregano...8 Rosemary..10 Parsley...12 Mint 15 Lemon Balm.17 Mexican Tarragon 20 Further Links 22 3

4 Introduction Herbs are one of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow in the garden. Not only do many of them have low maintenance requirements, they re also great for adding delicious fresh flavor to your food, creating healing products, and simply adorning the garden and attracting beneficial insects. While a few, such as basil, dill, and cilantro, are annuals that must be started fresh each year, most are perennials. Once you get them established, they ll provide years of beauty and usefulness. Herbs are also some of the easiest plants to propagate, which allows you to expand your garden for practically free, or to have new plants to share with friends. With the exception of parsley, all of the herbs covered in this book will propagate easily. I hope you ll find this short list of herbs helpful as you begin, or add to, your herb garden. Above all, be sure to enjoy your gardening experience and you ll be rewarded with an enjoyable hobby that can last a lifetime. 4

5 Sweet Basil Likely the most popular herb to grow, basil s easy care and prolific habit make it a perfect choice for a beginning gardener or to add to a large collection of an established kitchen herb garden. A member of the mint family, basil is believed to have originated in India. While sweet basil is the most common type of basil grown, there are actually over 150 varieties to choose from! The serious basil grower could have an entire bed devoted to just this one herb. Basil is such an icon of the summer garden and for good reason. A tender annual, basil can t tolerate nighttime temperatures that drop below 50 degrees, and actually prefer to remain above 60 degrees. The first cold snap of fall will be the end of basil left outdoors. However, because it propagates incredibly easy, with only minimal effort you can start new plants in late summer to bring indoors during the winter and have fresh basil all year long. For the longest and tastiest harvest of sweet basil leaves during the summer, anyone who has grown it knows that this eager grower needs frequent pruning. Once the tiny beeattracting flowers begin to bloom, the stems become woody and leaf production and pungency declines dramatically. 5

6 It s best to save flowering for the end of the season if you want to collect seeds. And, for the best pruning that will yield the most tender leaves, don t just pinch the flowers, but remove several sets of leaves as well, leaving only two or three sets on the stem. This will promote strong growth and tastier leaves. One gentle brush with the fingers and you know the pungent essential oils of sweet basil are on the surface of the stems and leaves. Because of this, dry basil loses much of its flavor and using the leaves fresh is much preferred. When cooking with fresh basil, it s best to add it toward the end of cooking to retain as much of the flavor as possible. To keep cut basil fresh for a couple of days, place stems in a glass of water out of direct sunlight. You can also wrap the glass loosely with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for about a week. There are countless ways to use fresh basil. The ever-popular pesto sauce is a great way to use up an abundance of basil, and it freezes well so that the fresh flavor can be enjoyed during the winter when basil can t grow outdoors. 6

7 More about Basil: How to propagate basil: Fresh garden pesto: Fresh herb pizza: Homemade Italian breadsticks: Herbed homemade chicken broth: How to make a herb vignette: 7

8 Perhaps not as high on the list of common herbs as basil, oregano isn t far behind. Nearly everyone is familiar with this classic pizza herb. Oregano Growing in the mountains of Greece and Italy, the Greek meaning of oregano is actually joy of the mountain. It s easy to understand why the familiar herb is referred to as a joy. Widely used in both Greek and Italian fare, what tomato-based Italian recipe would be complete without the addition of oregano? Paired with basil, it s the classic flavor of Italian cuisine. Oregano is extremely easy to grow, and since it s a perennial, once you have established plants, you ll have a constant supply of this wonderful herb. It starts quite easily from seed, but can also be divided which is actually a great way to maintain a large plant. Since it spreads readily, you can purchase a plant in the spring and likely be ready to divide by the end of summer. Oregano grows well in pots or the garden and is truly a no-fuss herb. It has a beautiful trailing habit, which makes it perfect for pots, allowing the vines to spill gracefully over the sides. Since it s a Mediterranean herb, oregano will thrive is soil that isn t rich or particularly well structured, and it doesn t require frequent watering. It loves sunshine, but I ve had great success growing oregano in partial shade. You can also grow oregano indoors and it makes a perfect kitchen window herb. 8

9 Harvesting and maintaining oregano is simple. Clip the tops to encourage fullness and discourage leggy growth. That s no problem if you re using it regularly. Oregano benefits from deep and infrequent watering, so be sure your soil drains well to prevent root rot. A few delicious ways to enjoy fresh oregano: Greek salad dressing: Fresh herb butter: Fresh herb whole wheat bread: 9

10 Rosemary With its sharp, piney fragrance, and distinct, rich flavor, who doesn t love rosemary? Historically known as the herb of remembrance, rosemary was commonly used in both weddings and funerals in centuries past. Its properties of memory enhancement was known to the Greeks whose students wore rosemary garlands around their necks to improve memory, and its strong aroma was considered helpful in staying the Black Plague in Europe during the 14 th century, when boughs were liberally scattered on floors and burned in homes resulting in a speedy surge in its cost and value. Today we know that rosemary does indeed have properties that have been shown to improve memory and alertness, and contains antiseptic qualities. Growing rosemary is easy. Because it s a Mediterranean plant, it prefers a sandy, not-toofertile, well-draining soil, and doesn t require a lot of water. Growing abundantly in the Mediterranean region, rosemary is one of the most common aromatic wild plants of the landscape. This gorgeous plant will perform well with very little care. The easiest way to get started with rosemary in your garden is by getting an established plant. Once the plant is well established in your garden, you can take cuttings and use them for propagation to grow your rosemary collection. There s a link at the end of this book for an article, which includes a discussion on propagation by cuttings. 10

11 You can begin harvesting rosemary as soon as it s large enough to handle a trim, and the trimming will actually encourage fuller growth. Because of its sturdy and bushy habit, rosemary can be trimmed and trained into beautiful elements of your landscape. Simply cut the stems with sharp shears then pluck the leaves with your fingers. You can use them whole stems for roasting meats and vegetables, or strip the leaves from the stems for more direct uses. Enjoying rosemary: Homemade crackers: Seasoned kefir cheese: Infused olive oil: Rosemary cheddar whole wheat biscuits: How to make a rosemary topiary: 11

12 Most commonly recognized as a pretty garnish on the side of a plate, parsley has much more to offer than just aesthetics. Parsley Native to the Mediterranean region, it isn t surprising that parsley was first used medicinally. Greeks considered it sacred, using it to adorn the winners of athletic events as well as for decorating tombs. Our modern practice of garnishing plates, however, can be traced all the way back to the Romans, and the use of parsley as a seasoning likely began during the Middle Ages. Even though it s a little challenging to start from seed, parsley is really not difficult if you understand its preferences. More than anything else, you need to be patient with it. Parsley can take up to 8 weeks to germinate, and requires heat, so it s best to start them indoors with heat beneath your starting mix, with a cover to prevent moisture loss. Parsley is a biennial, which makes it a bit unique in the herb garden. During the first year you can expect lots of fresh, leafy growth that you can use immediately, and throughout the winter in milder zones. 12

13 The second year is devoted to seed production, and if you save your own seeds, this is when you ll get them. Since the plant is focused on producing its seeds, there s not so much usable growth during the second year. If you want to enjoy a steady supply of fresh parsley, simply start seeds every year. Because it can be a bit fussy to germinate, you should start parsley seeds indoors long before the last frost date. Even if you have an early germination, they ll thrive just fine indoors with adequate heat and light. Once the true leaves begin emerging and the last frost has passed, you can begin hardening them off for the garden. Parsley prefers rich, well-drained soil, so be sure to add plenty of organic matter and mulch to the bed. In order to encourage continued growth, harvest the outermost stalks first, and cut it at ground level. If you only clip the upper portion where the leaves are, it won t be encouraged to continue growing. The stalks can be used if you wish, or added to your compost pile. Likely, most people don t realize just how nutritious parsley is, and consider it just a pretty plate garnish. Parsley is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, and a good source of vitamin A, folate, and iron, so it s a great herb to add to your recipes for improved nutrition. 13

14 Using parsley: 3 Easy ways to preserve fresh parsley: The basic 5: Breakfast casserole: Chunky chicken salad: Bread crumbs and croutons: Cheddar bay biscuits: Chicken & grits casserole: 14

15 Mint If you think you have a brown thumb, then mint is the herb for you. You have to work to kill this stuff. That s the good news. The better news is that when you grow mint, you ll have an endless supply of this fragrant and delicious herb available whenever you want. It grows vigorously during the summer and is winter hardy to zone 3. Mint s history can be traced as far back as the Bible (see Matthew 23:23). Recorded uses are in both Greek and Roman history as well. Introduced into England by the Romans, it was supposedly used to whiten teeth as early as the 14 th century. Today, there are quite a few varieties of mints. Some of the most popular ones are peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint, apple mint, orange mint, pineapple mint, and watermint. Mint is extremely easy to grow, but there are a few things to remember about it: Mints prefer moist, well-drained soil. If you want to truly earn a brown thumb, let mint dry out that s just about the only way you can fail in growing it. Mints produce the strongest flavors when planted in direct sunlight. However, if you live in very hot regions, it will appreciate and do well in some partial shade, which will aid in preserving moisture. 15

16 To have a steady supply, and to keep your plants strong and vigorous, trim them regularly during the growing season. This will also keep flowering in check that presents cross-pollination concerns if you are growing several varieties. The strongest mint flavor is available just before flowering. If you check your plants regularly, you can see them preparing to produce flowers. This is your most flavorful mint and a perfect time to harvest. If you re a brave soul and have a bare spot that needs a good ground cover, mint is a great choice. It s natural habit of spreading easily makes it perfect for covering an area with is dark green leaves. Because if its characteristic habit of rapid spreading, most gardeners choose to grow mints in pots. If you love the look of mint in the ground, but don t want it to spread, you can simply put it into a clay pot and bury the pot in the ground. Having a supply of mint in your garden allows you to enjoy its delicious flavor anytime. Some favorite uses are a steeped mint tea, chopped and tossed into a fresh fruit salad, or added to plain water or lemonade for a burst of refreshing flavor. More ways to use peppermint: Blackberry peppermint smoothie: How to infuse dry herbs in oil: Make it yourself: peppermint lip balm: 16

17 Lemon Balm If there s one herb that truly lives up to its namesake, this is it. With its distinctly lemony flavor, lemon balm is a deliciously wonderful addition to the herb garden. Cultivated for more than 2,000 years, lemon balm was used by ancient civilizations for its healing and restorative properties. Growing lemon balm from seed is practically food-proof. Scatter a few seeds on the surface of the soil, keep it moist and reasonably warm, and you ll grow lemon balm! Native to southern Europe, gardeners in zones 5-9 can enjoy lemon balm as a hardy perennial, which can make it a permanent resident in your herb garden. As a member of the mint family, it has the same habit of spreading. However, unlike true mints, lemon balm s spreading habit isn t a result of underground growth, but happens instead through self-seeding. Given plenty of space and the opportunity to flower and set seeds, lemon balm will freely and successfully expand its territory. Although it prefers a moist, well-drained soil, and part shade to full sun growing conditions, lemon balm is somewhat drought tolerant. However, do remember that if you choose to grow it in a pot to control its growth, it will tend to dry out more quickly and will require extra moisture. 17

18 If you re interested in attracting pollinators to your garden, lemon balm is a good choice. In fact, the Greek meaning of its name is honeybee. Not only is it pleasant to see butterflies visiting your garden, having them, along with bees, provides an extra opportunity to keep your garden thriving. Although you can harvest leaves anytime you wish, for the very best flavor that lemon balm offers, harvest them just when the flowers are beginning to open. To maintain your plants, cut them back after flowering has finished, or if you want to grow your bed, allow the seeds to mature. You can either leave them in place and let them self-sow, or collect the seeds and begin new plants the following season. Seeds aren t the only successful way to propagate lemon balm, however. You can also expand by dividing or rooting cuttings. Once you have an established plant, it s not hard at all to keep a healthy population of this delicious herb in your garden. With a healthy supply of lemon balm in your garden, how will you use it? Infuse it along with black tea and make lemon balm sun tea. Add chopped leaves to a fresh fruit salad. Bruise a few leaves and add to your water bottle. Make lemon balm butter and serve with fish (link below). Chop and add the fresh leaves right to your salad. Make a lemon balm infused oil (for skincare) or vinegar (for salad). Brew an herbal tea and serve with honey. 18

19 Ways to use lemon balm: Fresh herb butter: How to infuse dry herbs in oil: 19

20 Mexican Tarragon While most people are familiar with (or at least aware of) French tarragon, Mexican tarragon may not be as widely known. It was certainly a new herb to me when I purchased my plant at a fall plant sale two years ago. Native to Mexico and Central America, Mexican tarragon has both medicinal and culinary uses. While French tarragon doesn t do very well in extreme heat, Mexican tarragon thrives in it, and that makes it an excellent choice for southern gardens. Even in northern gardens it can be grown as an annual. In warm climates, it behaves as a halfhardy perennial, dying down in the winter, and sprouting again each spring. In late summer it grows beautiful golden-yellow flowers that are responsible for its common name: Mexican marigold. Mexican tarragon can be propagated with seeds, by cuttings, by layering, or by dividing an existing plant. I ve had great success with cuttings. Simply trim a few healthy stems, place them in a vase or jar of water, and sit in a sunny window. Make sure the water level stays high especially in summer. Roots will develop in 2-3 weeks, when you can then transfer them to a pot, and finally to the garden. 20

21 Preferring a rich, deep, and well-draining soil, Mexican tarragon has a shallow root system, so care should be taken when cultivating. Still, it s a sturdy and vigorous plant that will thrive and grow with very little attention. You can begin harvesting as soon as the plant is large enough to handle a trim. Mexican tarragon has a very strong aroma when cut or bruised and retains its distinctive flavor, even when heated. It has a slight anise-like flavor, which I was surprised to find very appealing. One of my favorite ways to use it is sprinkled over a beef roast before simmering in a slow cooker all day long. It fills the house with its delicious aroma! Try this with Mexican tarragon: Fresh herb vinegar: 21

22 Further links: 4 Easy {and FREE} Ways to Expand Your Garden: STOP Spending Money: How to Grow Vegetables, Herbs, and Flowers for FREE: Karen King is a blessed wife and grateful mom to seven sons and one daughter. When she s not homeschooling her youngest 5 children, she enjoys trying new bread recipes, working on DIY projects, sipping a hot mug of tea, or seeking to find the beauty in everyday life. She loves gardening and is passionate about growing from heirloom seeds. Visit her at 22