If you’re thinking about cultivating a garden herb to start you off
on container gardening, then one way to choose what herbs to plant is
to select those that you use often. With a garden herb that you use
often, you’ll appreciate your work much more and enjoy the fruits of
your labor, too!
But sometimes, what you think is the simplest, easy-to-grow herb
turns out to be quite the opposite. So how do you decide on what to
plant in the first place?
Know your herbs. Doing some research into what herbs to plant always
pays off. You can scour the internet for information, ask friends,
garden tools suppliers, or even consult books like “Healthy Happy Herbs:
A Beginner’s Guide To Herbs and Herb Gardening”. When you know how
each herb behaves, then you can choose and plan your herb garden much
better.
To start you off, here are some information on common herbs that are
easy to plant and that don’t require much maintenance to thrive:
Oregano. Also known as the pizza herb, the oregano
is one of the easiest herbs to plant. It complements almost all tomato
based dishes known to man, and is indispensable in Italian, Spanish and
Mexican kitchens. Oregano does well in partial shade, and should not
be kept moist for so long. A perfect place for the oregano herb would
be an indoor windowsill garden.
Mint. It is excellent with vegetables (such as
carrots and peas). It cools the palate when combined with dairy
products such as yogurt. Some even say that it complements lamb
perfectly. But the best thing about is it that it is an easy herb to
plant and cultivate. Peppermint and spearmint are the two most common
kinds of mint grown. It grows fast and wild though, so mint must have
its own spot in the garden or its own container. Small mint cuttings
are the easiest to grow – it needs only a little water and partial
shade for growth.
Thyme. Often paired with the bay leaf, thyme is one
of the easiest and loveliest herbs to have in the garden. It has many
uses, including medicinal uses (said to be helpful in treating sore
throats and other minor respiratory infections). Due to its strong
flavor, it is used sparingly except for dishes that requires its full
taste, such as creamed onions.
Growing thyme is best done using clay-based soil. Use a large
container so that the herb will have room to grow. From seeds, it can
take up to a year for the plant to develop and it is not even
recommended to harvest in the first year of growth. If you want to grow
it fast, the best way is to use root division so you’ll have a mature
plant in just a couple of months. Full sun is best for this plant, but
it will grow under shade as well.
Basil. Like the oregano, the basil herb is used a
lot in tomato based dishes. You cannot grow basil indoors since it
needs a lot of sunlight to thrive. Do not over-water. The soil should
be kept dry in between waterings.
Basil can be grown from transplants or seeds – cheaper if you start
from seeds, but faster if you use transplants. You can pick your
poison, so to speak, and still be able to start your basil garden. Sweet
basil is usually the easiest to grow of all basil varieties, and
Genovese (which is considered as the Italian basil) grows well in pots
with an exceptional flavor amongst them all. When harvesting, get the
larger and darker leaves as these will have the most flavor.
Most herbs don’t need excessive amounts of water so remember to have
sufficient holes and drainage at the bottom of your container for it
not to store more water than necessary.
If you are serious about cultivating an organic herb garden, be sure to check out “Healthy Happy Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide To Herbs and Herb Gardening”
by Jeannie Woods. It’s a book packed with all the information you need
to be able to successful start and keep a thriving organic herb garden.
You can read more about it here: http://healthyhappyherbs.com.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Herb Planting – Oregano in a Mini-Garden
If you are just about to set out creating your own mini garden, you
may be thinking of what plants and herbs to cultivate. It might help
you in making your selection to have a handy guide such as the one by
Jeannie Woods called “Healthy Happy Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide To Herb
and Herb Gardening”. When you know the various properties of each herb
plant, you’ll be able to plan your garden quickly and more efficiently.
Now, one popular herb that all beginner gardeners should consider is oregano. The name oregano connotes Italian origins. In fact, Italians even have their own spelling for it - origano.
Used mainly in Mediterranean dishes and also known as wild or pot marjoram (although culinary enthusiasts will attest that oregano has an entirely different flavor from marjoram), the humble oregano is at the forefront of herb popularity. This herb, which can grow up to 2 feet tall, is frequently used in making pizza, spaghetti and tomato-based sauces.
Unbeknownst to others though, this herb not only makes food taste and smell good, but it also has centuries-old medicinal benefits as well. It is said that even Hippocrates – the father of medicine – saw its potential and used it as an antiseptic. The oil that the herb contains has antibacterial properties that inhibit the growth of some kinds of bacteria. Oregano is also sometimes being given as a treatment for giardiasis (an infection of the small intestine caused by the giardia lamblia organism).
Oregano is also rich in antioxidants. In fact, compared to other fruits and vegetables sources, oregano may actually have more of the antioxidant properties we so desire. Fresh oregano is a good source of fiber. And, it is loaded with vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, manganese vitamin C, vitamin A and essential omega-3 fatty acids. However, since oregano is used sparingly as a spice in food, we only consume a little of it at a time.
An an herb plant, oregano is pretty easy to grow and care for. You have the option to grow it outdoors in a garden or in a container. You can start your plant from the cutting of an existing one. Choose an existing plant with a strong flavor to ensure the quality of your own plant.
Should you decide to start from seed, that would be fine too. The seed germinates for about 8 to 14 days. It also just needs moderately fertile soil for it to thrive in. Alternatively, you can also grow it in soil-less potting mixes, perlite, vermiculite, rock wool, coco peat and Oasis form – all of which can be easily found in gardening supply stores in your area.
It is suggested that it be planted a foot to about 15 inches (about 30 to 38 cm) apart from each other. Plant only once winter has passed. Within 6 weeks of planting it, trim the shoots to stimulate lush growth.
Oregano is ready to be harvested as soon as flowers appear. However, some mini-gardeners tend to pick leaves constantly during growth which prevents flowering. If grown outdoors, it would prefer the power of the full sunlight. If grown indoors, it will also grow well under high output fluorescent, compact fluorescent or high intensity discharge (metal halide or high pressure sodium) plant growing lights – all of which are available in hardware stores (and sometimes, even in gardening shops or DIY stores).
Standard lamps should be placed 2 to 4 inches away from the tops of plants; high output and compact fluorescent lamps should be about a foot away. High intensity discharge lights should be 2 to 4 feet above the plant, depending on the wattage.
Lastly, do not overwater – oregano is sturdy and durable enough to withstand drought.
With the benefits and ease of maintenance, who wouldn’t want to have oregano in their garden? Plant one now.
If you are serious about cultivating an organic herb garden, be sure to check out “Healthy Happy Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide To Herbs and Herb Gardening” by Jeannie Woods. It’s a book packed with all the information you need to be able to successful start and keep a thriving organic herb garden. You can read more about it here: http://healthyhappyherbs.com.
Now, one popular herb that all beginner gardeners should consider is oregano. The name oregano connotes Italian origins. In fact, Italians even have their own spelling for it - origano.
Used mainly in Mediterranean dishes and also known as wild or pot marjoram (although culinary enthusiasts will attest that oregano has an entirely different flavor from marjoram), the humble oregano is at the forefront of herb popularity. This herb, which can grow up to 2 feet tall, is frequently used in making pizza, spaghetti and tomato-based sauces.
Unbeknownst to others though, this herb not only makes food taste and smell good, but it also has centuries-old medicinal benefits as well. It is said that even Hippocrates – the father of medicine – saw its potential and used it as an antiseptic. The oil that the herb contains has antibacterial properties that inhibit the growth of some kinds of bacteria. Oregano is also sometimes being given as a treatment for giardiasis (an infection of the small intestine caused by the giardia lamblia organism).
Oregano is also rich in antioxidants. In fact, compared to other fruits and vegetables sources, oregano may actually have more of the antioxidant properties we so desire. Fresh oregano is a good source of fiber. And, it is loaded with vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, manganese vitamin C, vitamin A and essential omega-3 fatty acids. However, since oregano is used sparingly as a spice in food, we only consume a little of it at a time.
An an herb plant, oregano is pretty easy to grow and care for. You have the option to grow it outdoors in a garden or in a container. You can start your plant from the cutting of an existing one. Choose an existing plant with a strong flavor to ensure the quality of your own plant.
Should you decide to start from seed, that would be fine too. The seed germinates for about 8 to 14 days. It also just needs moderately fertile soil for it to thrive in. Alternatively, you can also grow it in soil-less potting mixes, perlite, vermiculite, rock wool, coco peat and Oasis form – all of which can be easily found in gardening supply stores in your area.
It is suggested that it be planted a foot to about 15 inches (about 30 to 38 cm) apart from each other. Plant only once winter has passed. Within 6 weeks of planting it, trim the shoots to stimulate lush growth.
Oregano is ready to be harvested as soon as flowers appear. However, some mini-gardeners tend to pick leaves constantly during growth which prevents flowering. If grown outdoors, it would prefer the power of the full sunlight. If grown indoors, it will also grow well under high output fluorescent, compact fluorescent or high intensity discharge (metal halide or high pressure sodium) plant growing lights – all of which are available in hardware stores (and sometimes, even in gardening shops or DIY stores).
Standard lamps should be placed 2 to 4 inches away from the tops of plants; high output and compact fluorescent lamps should be about a foot away. High intensity discharge lights should be 2 to 4 feet above the plant, depending on the wattage.
Lastly, do not overwater – oregano is sturdy and durable enough to withstand drought.
With the benefits and ease of maintenance, who wouldn’t want to have oregano in their garden? Plant one now.
If you are serious about cultivating an organic herb garden, be sure to check out “Healthy Happy Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide To Herbs and Herb Gardening” by Jeannie Woods. It’s a book packed with all the information you need to be able to successful start and keep a thriving organic herb garden. You can read more about it here: http://healthyhappyherbs.com.
Mint – A Garden Herb for Many
When considering which herbs to plant, the mint herb is probably one
of the herbs that come to mind. And why not? Mint can be used for many
dishes in the kitchen – for soups (especially that with carrots, peas
and potatoes), roast lamb and other meats, salads, etc.
But unlike other herbs, the flavorful mint has a tendency to seek garden domination. It is a rapid grower, and if not kept in check, it can choke and kill other herbs grown with it.
Now before you decide to forget about planting mint, I should tell you that you can still enjoy growing this garden herb as long as you observe certain precautions. And when you grow them properly, mint can be a rewarding herb to plant. The are easy to care for and can grow in any type of soil. Whether you put them under either full sunlight or full shade, it will still grow.
There are 3 types of mints usually grown by the herb gardener:
It is advisable though, to plant it in a container or pot first, before transferring the pot into the ground. This would prevent the roots from spreading on to other herbs and plants and will lessen the likelihood of unconscious plant murder. As long as the roots are contained, it will never be able to grow beyond the pot and will stay so for as long as the pot holds it.
Mint takes to container growing well. Water it regularly (but not too much, even though mint plants love moisture) and try to feed with organic liquid plant food (found in gardening stores in your area) at least once a month during growing season.
Like other plants, mint can be affected by bugs and pests. Unfortunately, they are more prone to a particular plant disease called rust. Always check your leaves, especially the undersides. If there are orange, rust-colored blobs on the leaf itself, immediately cut it to avoid the disease from spreading.
However, if a lot of leaves have been affected, the best option is to cut the plant down and burn it to avoid the rust from spreading to not just mint, but to other plants as well. Discard the soil and clean the pot or container with disinfectant before putting new soil in it and replanting.
When harvesting mint leaves, don’t remove all the leaves at once - doing so will hamper its growth. Try to cut the leaves at the top of the plant (to encourage the leaves to grow at the sides). Cut only what you need, using a pair of scissors.
Mint is a pretty reliable herb once you get to know it. Mastering the ways of containment for the mint is the key to completing your perfect home herb garden.
If you would like to learn more about growing mints and other herbs that are perfect for beginners, I recommend a guide like “Healthy Happy Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide To Herbs and Herb Gardening”. Following a comprehensive guide can make growing easier and more rewarding for you. It can help minimize mistakes when you have everything you need from just one source.
If you are serious about cultivating an organic herb garden, be sure to check out “Healthy Happy Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide To Herbs and Herb Gardening” by Jeannie Woods. It’s a book packed with all the information you need to be able to successful start and keep a thriving organic herb garden. You can read more about it here: http://healthyhappyherbs.com.
But unlike other herbs, the flavorful mint has a tendency to seek garden domination. It is a rapid grower, and if not kept in check, it can choke and kill other herbs grown with it.
Now before you decide to forget about planting mint, I should tell you that you can still enjoy growing this garden herb as long as you observe certain precautions. And when you grow them properly, mint can be a rewarding herb to plant. The are easy to care for and can grow in any type of soil. Whether you put them under either full sunlight or full shade, it will still grow.
There are 3 types of mints usually grown by the herb gardener:
-
Pennyroyal mint – the most common mint.
-
Spearmint – traditionally the one used for cooking, with mint sauces.
-
Peppermint – with the usual peppermint flavor we associate with candies.
It is advisable though, to plant it in a container or pot first, before transferring the pot into the ground. This would prevent the roots from spreading on to other herbs and plants and will lessen the likelihood of unconscious plant murder. As long as the roots are contained, it will never be able to grow beyond the pot and will stay so for as long as the pot holds it.
Mint takes to container growing well. Water it regularly (but not too much, even though mint plants love moisture) and try to feed with organic liquid plant food (found in gardening stores in your area) at least once a month during growing season.
Like other plants, mint can be affected by bugs and pests. Unfortunately, they are more prone to a particular plant disease called rust. Always check your leaves, especially the undersides. If there are orange, rust-colored blobs on the leaf itself, immediately cut it to avoid the disease from spreading.
However, if a lot of leaves have been affected, the best option is to cut the plant down and burn it to avoid the rust from spreading to not just mint, but to other plants as well. Discard the soil and clean the pot or container with disinfectant before putting new soil in it and replanting.
When harvesting mint leaves, don’t remove all the leaves at once - doing so will hamper its growth. Try to cut the leaves at the top of the plant (to encourage the leaves to grow at the sides). Cut only what you need, using a pair of scissors.
Mint is a pretty reliable herb once you get to know it. Mastering the ways of containment for the mint is the key to completing your perfect home herb garden.
If you would like to learn more about growing mints and other herbs that are perfect for beginners, I recommend a guide like “Healthy Happy Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide To Herbs and Herb Gardening”. Following a comprehensive guide can make growing easier and more rewarding for you. It can help minimize mistakes when you have everything you need from just one source.
If you are serious about cultivating an organic herb garden, be sure to check out “Healthy Happy Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide To Herbs and Herb Gardening” by Jeannie Woods. It’s a book packed with all the information you need to be able to successful start and keep a thriving organic herb garden. You can read more about it here: http://healthyhappyherbs.com.
Herb to Plant -- Rosemary
In planting herb garden, knowing all you can about the herb that you are growing is important to making sure you care for it properly. Finding out the conditions the herb needs to thrive, when and how to harvest it, and its particular uses can make this hobby much more enjoyable. And for those who like to entertain and show off their herb gardens, knowing a bit about the history and the folklore surrounding the herb makes for good conversation.
If you are not sure where to start, a good book for home herb gardening is certainly a good idea. One such book is “Healthy Happy Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide To Herb and Herb Gardening”. Books like these can help you get started, and teach you how to grow different kinds of herbs. More importantly, it can help you avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that frustrate most beginner herb gardeners.
One of the most popular, and easy herb to plant is rosemary. Did you know that this herb was named Herb of the Year by the International Herb Association in 2000? Rosemary is said to be one of the oldest herbs in history. Early records of it dates back to when cuneiform writing on storm tablets were still the norm, which is around 5th millenium B.C. It’s Latin name, rosmarinus, means “dew of the sea” and is associated with the story of the birth of Venus, the Greek goddess of beauty.
In Christianity, there’s a popular story involving the rosemary herb. In this story, it is believed that rosemary’s flowers were originally white. It became blue when Mary (mother of Jesus) once placed her coat to dry on a rosemary bush.
Nowadays, rosemary is popularly known as a kitchen herb, used best when flavoring lamb and chicken, and widely used in Mediterranean cooking. Several varieties of the herb exists, including Miss Jessup, Tuscan Blue, Spice Island (these three are the ones usually used and recommended for cooking; the plant grows 4 to 6 feet from the ground and have fragrant, large leaves), White, Benenden Blue, Golden Rain and Ingram.
Rosemary is actually one of the easiest herbs to grow, requiring little or even no attention at all once firmly established. In fact, fussing over it too much can actually be detrimental to its growth.
It is usually propagated by cuttings, but starting with a nursery-grown plant would be your best bet. Seeds are not recommended to beginners as they have a hard time germinating. A 2-inch cutting from a rosemary plant would be more than enough for you to start. A dry, well-drained soil and about 8 hours of sunlight are all that your rosemary plant needs for it to survive and thrive.
It is better to put rosemary in a container or pot so that during winter, you will be able to easily transfer it indoors. Terra cotta pots are a good choice. When kept indoors during winter, artificial light can substitute for sunlight. But, when the weather permits it, allowing your rosemary it’s quota of sunlight is best.
If the air is humid, then be on the lookout for powdery mildew – a kind of fungus that is white and powdery and thrives in humid environments. While it won’t kill the rosemary, it will definitely weaken it. As much as possible, allow the soil to dry in-between waterings. Make sure that there’s enough air to dry excess water (if there’s no breeze, you can bring out an electric fan). And leaving the plant in sunlight will also help dry the soil.
Aphids and spider mites are two more pests that usually attack during winter. They don’t just attack the rosemary, but other plants as well. Spray plants with natural or organic insecticides to repel these pests.
Rosemary is a perfect herb as a container plant if you are looking for a low maintenance plant. All it needs is sunshine, air, water and a bit of tender loving care.
If you are serious about cultivating an organic herb garden, be sure to check out “Healthy Happy Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide To Herbs and Herb Gardening” by Jeannie Woods. It’s a book packed with all the information you need to be able to successful start and keep a thriving organic herb garden. You can read more about it here: http://healthyhappyherbs.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)