Herbs add flavor and personality to any dish. Herbs fresh from the garden are especially flavorful. There are a wide variety of herbs that can be grown at home, anywhere from pots in a sunny window to a full-scale herb garden.
Many herbs can be grown from seeds that are planted each year. Some herbs are perennial, which means that once they are established they will return each year. Most perennial herbs are grown from young plants, while annual herbs are grown from seed. You can start seeds indoors in pots and then move them outdoors to the garden if you like. Herbs often grow well in large pots on a deck or patio.
Herbs are easy to find and include in your garden plans. Many types of herb seeds are readily available in home and garden centers, or from online sources. You can also find small indoor or container herb gardens to get you started with growing these tasty plants.
Annual herbs include oregano, basil and dill. Some popular perennial herbs are rosemary, thyme, chives, mint and parsley. All of these herb varieties add fresh flavors to your cooking.
Basil is very popular and easy to grow. Basil leaves are used in Italian pasta sauce along with oregano. The longer the sauce is simmered, the more flavor is released from the basil leaves. Fresh basil is an important part of the delicious margherita pizza, along with fresh garden tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Fresh basil can be chopped and incorporated into salads, pastas and vegetable dishes.
Parsley adds fresh flavor to almost any dish. It is also a natural breath freshener. Try chopping parsley and freezing in small containers to add to your cooking throughout the year.
Rosemary is a strong, robust herb. In certain climates it can be grown as a beautiful ornamental shrub. It adds incredible flavor to lamb and other meats. Rosemary pairs especially well with garlic – try adding rosemary to your garlic bread, roasted potatoes or other vegetables.
Dill is a fresh summer annual that adds zip to salads, breads and soups. It’s often paired with sour cream or yogurt for dips or a cool summer soup. It works well with salmon.
Mint is a perennial herb that spreads easily throughout your garden. It livens up teas and adds freshness to lush berries and cream. Mint complements grilled lamb and adds an exotic flavor to dishes.
Herbs can be dried and preserved for up to one year. Dry the herbs thoroughly and store them whole, in rigid containers with airtight seals. You can also freeze herbs in Ziploc bags and store for up to two years. These preserved herbs will continue to add life to your cooking long after harvest.
When you are planning your vegetable garden, don’t forget to include herbs. They are an essential part of the freshest and most tasty recipes. You’ll find hundreds of uses for these versatile plants.