Whether you are a passionate cook or a newbie very interested in the art and craft, you must know that there is a great way to
Relatively easy to grow, planting herbs in your garden is not just a way to get your hands dirty and spice up your dinners but also a passion that will save you some money and trips to the market. Not to mention that, with their strong fragrance, herbs are attractive for bees and butterflies and a fantastic start for any novice gardener since they don’t need much time and space or improved soil.
If you believe that herbs are a good option for your good ol’ or brand new garden, continue reading and find out the top 3 seasoning stars you must grow this year.
Parsley
There is no doubt parsley is a renowned herb in many places, not only for being easy to grow and care for but also because of its remarkable taste. Parsley is an adaptable herb, but moist soil and moderate-to-full sun are its two principal needs. It is a biennial plant, so you can sow it every year from seed, in spring and summer.
Whether you use it in Mediterranean goodies or Middle Eastern salads, you make delicious pesto by combining it with basil, or you enhance flavors of more complex dishes like stews and fishcakes, you should grow parsley in your garden this year.
Coriander
Known as Chinese parsley or cilantro and loved by many for its strong taste, coriander is another herb that deserves a spot in your garden. It is a short-lived, tender annual, which grows in a tropical climate, needing warm, humid weather. However, extreme heat is not necessary or desirable.
The whole plant is edible, with the seeds and leaves having different flavors. Whether you use the ground seeds as spices or its chopped leaves as garnish, coriander can enhance the taste of famous dishes and is especially used in Asian cuisine. So, if you love Chinese and Thai delicacies, Indian curries like the well-known tikka masala, or you are a grill master who likes making meat marinades, fill your garden with coriander. It also has fantastic health benefits, and for this reason, people everywhere use it in herbal remedies.
Basil
If your garden is blessed with full sun, basil will have great chances to thrive in summer. Although it is originally from India, this aromatic plant is a top ingredient in dishes around the world, especially Mediterranean dishes, and refreshing salads.
Besides loving the sun, for its warmth and light, basil needs to grow in fertile soil and be watered at the base of the plant every time dryness makes its way to the soil. Whether you love it with smashed avocado on toast, chopped and stirred into your pasta sauce, or sprinkled on your salad, use the tasty basil leaves when and as you want, but always leave a third of the plant behind to ensure it keeps growing.
Bonus: A Few Things to Remember When Growing Herbs
Herbs are easy to care for, and you can grow them in any well-drained, reasonably fertile soil. If you are not sure the drainage is good, you can plant your green goodies in pots or make raised beds.
Your herbs will also need lots of sunlight. This is why we recommend growing your favorites in the best lit area of your garden. You want to obtain good flavor, don’t you?
Compost is always a great idea, but don’t be tempted to add too much as it can decrease the concentration of the flavors. Sure, your herbs might rapidly grow! But, what we are aiming for is a memorable taste. We suggest not adding more than a bag of compost for every square meter.
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