The Top 11 Herbs For Your Garden

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Written by Tee  
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Growing herbs is not only fun and exciting, but a must if you enjoy cooking. Adding fresh herbs to your dishes can add flavor and aroma that dried herbs can’t touch. Growing fantastic herbs is quite easy, and they do not take up much room. Growing herbs in containers is the prefect match for those that live in apartments, or condos. You can grow a number of herbs all in one container creating a mini-garden. Check out an easy container herb garden I created. It only took about ten minutes to put together, and supplied me with fresh herbs all summer and fall. Having an herb garden can become a huge money saver, since grocery store prices for herbs can add up quickly.

Now is a great time to start thinking about what herbs you enjoy the most, and which ones you would like to plant. If you are new to gardening, then growing fresh herbs is a great way to get your feet wet. If you are looking to add some herbs to your vegetable garden this year, you don’t want to miss any of these top eleven herbs for your garden.

Basil

Basil is by far my most used herb in my cooking. I love to add basil in salsas, sauces, dips, soups, and much more. There are more than 30 different varieties of basil, but ‘Sweet’ basil is the most common. You can grow basil from seeds, or by using transplants purchased from your local garden center. Basil is highly adaptable so it can grow almost anywhere. Cut, or pinch off, flowers as they appear to promote bushier growth. Try ‘African Blue’ basil for a colorful variety.

Chives

Chives can be used in many ways, from adding it to soups, and dips, to whipping it into butter. Chives feature an onion-like taste, but much milder. The most common chives found are ‘Common’ and ‘Garlic’. They can grow to about 12 inches tall with a pretty purple bloom on top.

I love using chives as a topping for baked potatoes, or on eggs and omelets.

Cilantro

Cilantro is very common in Italian and Mexican cooking, but is also used in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Asian meals. You actually get two uses from this one plant, as cilantro seeds are ground up and used as coriander. A popular variety of cilantro is ‘Santo’ due to its ability to withstand high temperatures.

Dill

Dill is most famous for its use in pickling, but can also be added to soups, meats, and breads. Common dill can grow to heights reaching three feet, and may need protection from wind if it gets leggy. Popular varieties of dill are ‘Bouquet’, and the colorful ‘Fernleaf’. Dill has a long root system, so if you are planting them in containers, make sure to use one that is deep. Dill is best planted in cooler temperatures, and will readily re-seed itself.

Mint

Mint is another perennial herb that has a strong flavor and aromatic quality. Mint is a very useful herb for adding to teas, flavoring ice cream, and adding to cake frosting. Mint can reach a height of about 18 inches, but spreads rapidly through the garden. Mint can quickly become invasive, so you may want to grow it in a container. It can overtake your garden if left unattended.

Mint sometimes has white or light pink blooms that can attract butterflies and bees. Some popular varieties of mint are ‘Peppermint’ and ‘Orange’.

Oregano

Oregano is a drought-tolerant Mediterranean herb that has a pungent flavor which goes well with potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, seafood, and poultry. It is also high in antioxidants and fiber.

Oregano grows purple or pink flowers that can attract butterflies and bees. The most common varieties are ‘Greek’ and ‘Mexican’. Oregano can be grown from seed, but is a slow grower. Try using healthy transplants from your local garden center, especially if you have shorter growing seasons.

Parsley

Parsley is most popular as a garnish, but can be used to add flavor to meats, salads, and soups. The plant can be slow to germinate, so soak the seeds over-night before planting. Parsley can reach heights of about 18 inches, and spread to nine inches. The most popular varieties of parsley are ‘Curled’ Parsley and ‘Flat Leaf’.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a very aromatic herb that also has medicinal qualities. It’s a powerful antioxidant that can reduce the risk of blood clots, cancer, and strokes. It is also believed that the scent of rosemary oil can improve memory.

Rosemary is great for adding to baked chicken, fish, lamb, pork, and potatoes. There are many varieties of rosemary to choose from such as ‘Blue Boy’ and ‘Rexford’. Some rosemary plant can grow to become large bushes in warmer climates.

Sage

Sage can add color and fragrance to your garden as well as great flavor for pasta, meats, and soups. Sage is most commonly added to beef. Most types of culinary sage feature purplish flowers and fuzzy leaves that range in color from gray-green to variegated colors. ‘Gold’ sage and ‘Purple’ sage are two popular varieties.

Tarragon

Tarragon is a perennial herb that grows to a height of about two feet, and is known for its aromatic qualities. Tarragon is mostly used in seafood and poultry dishes, but can also be added to some soups. The most popular varieties of tarragon are ‘French’ and ‘Russian’, with ‘French’ being the most used in cooking due to its stronger flavor.

Thyme

Thyme is another herb that is very aromatic and goes well in sauces, marinades, jellies, and just about any meat. Creeping Thyme also doubles as a nice ground cover. Place it between stones in a walkway, and you have a great scent every time you take a step.

Some very popular varieties of thyme are ‘Summer Thyme’ and ‘Lemon’. Lemon Thyme has a nice lemony flavor. Thyme is a perennial herb that doesn’t require much attention, which makes it perfect for a new gardener.

Some Herb Cooking Notes

Most herbs retain their color and flavor better if added towards the end of the cooking process. If you are substituting fresh herbs for dried herbs in a recipe, remember to reduce the amount that’s called for in the recipe. Fresh herbs are much more powerful than dried. You may need to experiment a little to get it just right.

Whether you live in a huge city, a small town, an apartment, or a mud hut – there really is no excuse for not growing some fresh herbs this year. Go ahead and try a couple plants, you won’t be disappointed!

Are you planning to grow some herbs this year? If so, what are your favorite herbs to grow?

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