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Grow Your Own Basic Herb Garden And Supply Most Of Your Kitchen Needs
With today’s changing culinary tastes we tend to use a lot of herbs for seasoning and appreciate having our own supply of fresh product. We can put in our own basic to grow the ones we use the most. Most of the common herbs used in cooking can be successfully grown in your backyard or in flower pots, most will grow in average soil but some, such as oregano, require organically rich soil.
Additionally, some herbs in a basic such as parsley are biennial plants. This means the first year they are grown they will not be useful for seasoning. It is during the second year that the crop can be used. Ideally, with parsley, during the second year, plant a new crop of seeds so that in a couple of years they will overlap, providing u sable seasoning every year.
Most of the herbs grown in a basic such as, parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano and basil are tolerant of direct sun, but will require a minimum amount of water to survive. However, thyme is a very forgiving plant and if it dries out will likely come back when an appropriate amount of water is given. Since some have different soil requirements and can grow under slightly different conditions, having them separated by variety can help get them started and keep them growing throughout their life.
Plant Herbs Close To Where They Will Be Used
In most cases it is easier on the grower to plant the basic close to the kitchen for easy harvesting of the fresh crop. Remember, the entire growth does have to be cut and used at once. With the right care, the
spices will continue to grow and be usable during the entire season. Drying the extra cuttings at the end of the season can possibly supply the spice throughout the winter, often lasting until the next crop produces the following year.
When planting a basic would take more room than available, certain herbs can be planted among other plants, especially tomatoes. Parsley can play well with other plants specifically tomatoes, asparagus and among roses. Broccoli and cauliflower also welcome rosemary in their midst.
Be sure to protact your vegetable and herb gardens from the various pests that abound. If they be of the four legged variety your herb plants may suffer, not from being eaten but more likely from being trampled under foot. For the smaller insects of bugs that may try to invade your crop, it is recommended that you make sure that your soil is well nourished through the addition of good quality compost, manure and other natural fertilizers, strong healthy plants deter the bugs and produce much better crops.
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