Tag: #Herbs

6 Herbs that Actually Grow Better in Pots

 

The Best Herbs for Easy Container Growing

These six herbs will actually perform better in a pot than in the ground, but before planting, check that they are compatible with your USDA hardiness zone. If not, you can always grow outdoors in summer and move indoors over winter. Together, they offer a versatile, kitchen-ready mix that works across a wide range of cuisines.

1. Mint

Mint is a delightful culinary herb with many uses, both fresh and dried. It’s tolerant of neglect and hard to kill. This makes mint incredibly easy to grow, but also a menace in the garden, as it spreads very aggressively by runners. Planting mint in the ground can lead to a quick takeover of beds and even lawns.

Instead, grow mint in pots. This keeps the rapidly spreading plants contained and allows you to grow them on patios, balconies, and porches. It’s much quicker to start with plants, like Strawberry mint from Burpee, which is perfect for dropping into cocktails and sprinkling over ice cream.

Once your mint plant is four to six inches tall, start harvesting it regularly by pinching off stems just above nodes. This will give you a regular harvest and encourage branching and dense growth. Mint is hardy in zones 3 through 11.

2. Basil

Basil is a culinary staple. In the garden, it requires warm weather and soil that tends towards dry. Soggy soil can kill a basil plant quickly. It’s this factor that makes container growing ideal for basil. It gives you better control over soil moisture and drainage.

Basil is only hardy in zones 10 through 11, but it grows fast as a summer annual. You’ll have time to grow several rounds of basil plants by succession planting seeds every couple of weeks.

You can harvest basil leaves by pinching as soon as the plant has several sets of mature leaves. Pinch off flowers as soon as you see them appear to keep the leaves fresh and tasty.

3. Rosemary

This Mediterranean herb needs dry soil to thrive. Like basil, rosemary will deteriorate rapidly in soggy, poorly draining soil. It will thrive in a large container with a light potting mix and excellent drainage. By growing rosemary in a pot, you can be sure you don’t overwater the plant and risk getting its roots soggy.

It’s best to start with plants, as it takes a while to grow from seed. This Arp rosemary from Burpee is one of the most fragrant varieties going.

You can start snipping off stems once the plant is large and full. Choose newer growth for cooking, but remove any type of growth to use as seasonal décor and fragrance.

Rosemary is hardy in zones 8 through 11. If you live in a colder climate, bring your pot in for winter and enjoy this woody shrub year-round.

4. Thyme

Thyme can be tricky to grow in the ground if you don’t get the soil or water right. Don’t even attempt it if your garden soil is heavy or clay-based. Instead, grow thyme in pots. As with rosemary, use a light mix and ensure your pot drains very well.

Because it grows low, thyme can be grown with taller herbs in the same container, as long as they have similar growing conditions. It takes a while to start from seed, so buy young plants, like summer thyme from Plant Addicts, or try a more unusual variety like lemon thyme.

Once established, start trimming off stems of thyme to use the tasty leaves in the kitchen. Thyme’s hardiness varies depending on the type and includes zones 4 through 10.

5. Parsley

This versatile kitchen herb isn’t hard to grow, but it can be a little particular about soil and moisture. By growing parsley in a pot, you have better control over these factors. Use a rich soil that stays consistently moist but not soggy. Parsley is hardy in zones 4 through 9, so you can keep it outdoors in winter or bring it in, depending on your region.

Flat or Curly

The main choice of parsley is between curly and flat leaf.

Curly parsley is primarily used as a decorative garnish. Its mild taste can often go undetected but gives dishes a pop of color

Flat-leaf parsley is a versatile herb that can be used as both a seasoning during the cooking process and as a garnish.

To harvest parsley, snip off outer stems at the base. Leave the inner stems intact so that the plant keeps producing new growth. Do harvest regularly, though, as this will promote more new growth.

6. Chives

Chives have a mild onion flavor that complements many savory dishes when snipped fresh from a kitchen garden. Suitable for zones 3 through 9, this tasty herb is also very appropriate for containers, with its tidy, clump-forming growth.

You can grow potted chives indoors or outside.  When grown outside, the edible purple flowers will attract pollinators.

To harvest chives, snip stems an inch or two (2.5 to 5.0 cm) from the base. Harvest regularly to encourage more growth.

Source:  Gardening Know How©

Related:  HERBS THAT GROW TOGETHER IN A POT – TUTORING YOU

How to make an indoor herb garden

Grow your own fresh herbs for your recipes

The key to making a recipe delicious is to use fresh herbs; while dried herbs are good, fresh herbs add a lot more flavor to even the most mundane meal. I love growing my own herbs and always have some fresh Rosemary growing in the yard, however during the cold winters it’s not possible to maintain an outside herb garden.

I therefore realized I need to learn how to make an indoor herb garden. After much experimentation I realized that creating herbs indoors isn’t easy; you need to create the right combination of lighting and moisture in order to help the herbs thrive.

So how do you make an indoor herb garden?

The good thing about an indoor herb garden is that you can maintain them all year round, and while I still have an external herb garden, the aromas of an internal herb garden really make the idea of an internal herb garden very appealing. Below you will find a general guide for creating your own indoor herb garden; don’t give up, you may not be successful the first time, or even the second time but the effort will pay off when you have fragrance herbs enhancing your recipes.

Rosemary is one of the easiest herbs to grow; it has an amazing aroma and is great in most dishes. | Source

Step 1 – select your herbs – if this is your first time then I suggest you select only one or two herbs to start and then as you become more experienced try to increase the number and variety of herbs.

Step 2 – plants or seeds? – decide whether you want to ‘cheat’ by buying a plant or start from scratch by using seeds. Buying a small herb plant from your local hardware store is easier and the herb is more likely to be hardier, but it is more expensive. Using seeds is more difficult and without the right combination of sunlight and water might not develop the hardiness that you need for them to last.

Step 3 – location – finding the right location where the plants will get plenty of sunlight is key as mentioned before if you don’t have the perfect location then you can purchase a horticultural lamp that you can time to come on during normal sunlight hours.

Step 4 – potting – while you can use fresh soil and fertilizers and try and maintain your own fertilized soil, it is easier to use potting soil with fertilizers and nutrients in them. You can supplement with Miracle Grow if you want, but regular potting soil doesn’t really require much maintenance.

For individual herbs you should use a 6-inch pot, for a full garden use at least a 12-inch pot. If you are using a plant, create a hole that will allow you to put the entire plant in. If you are using seeds, follow the instructions on the packet. Usually, you will soak the seed in water for several hours, poke a hole in the soil and then place the seed in the hole (usually the depth will be about three times the height of the seed) and then pat down the soil so that there are no air bubbles.

Step 5 – watering – generally you should water once a week or once every two weeks depending on the moisture retention of the soil. Do not over water. This is one of the hardest parts of creating a herb garden indoors and it can be very hard to judge. Generally, I like the soil to feel slightly moist when touching it, but you’ll find what works for you over time by simple trial and error.

Step 6 – harvesting – pruning is an important part of growing indoor herbs; it helps to keep the herb healthy and bushy. You want to aim to have a fairly compact plant. Generally, you can use the pruned leaves in your recipes or dry them for the future.

My experiences with growing herbs indoors

 The table below lists the herbs I have grown indoors, what I tend to use them for, and the difficulty level:

Herb
Use
Difficulty
Basil
Great in salads and marinera’s
Very easy
Rosemary
Superb with beef
Very easy
Cilantro
Great for Mexican food
Easy
Oregano
Staple for all Italian foods
Easy
Chives
Great in a fresh salad
Moderate
Parsley
Try in soup and salad
Moderate
Sage
Great with chicken and in stuffing
Moderate
Thyme
Perfect in all recipes
Moderate / difficult
Dill
Nice in mashed potatoes
Moderate
Fennel
Great when stuffed in fish
Easy
Mint
A must-have with lamb
Moderate

Conclusion

Making your own indoor Herb Garden is a very rewarding experience. Not only will you save money, enhance your meals but you also add a pleasant aroma to your home. Be careful it can be addicting, and you’ll soon find yourself growing some very exotic herbs!

Author:  Simon Cook
Related article:

The tasty herb that can attract beneficial insects to your garden

Garden plants are beneficial in so many ways. Flowering plants add beauty, attract pollinators, and vegetables provide their bounty of food.   However, herbs not only enhance our food, but also help support an entire garden ecosystem. Some, such as lavender and basil, also repel mosquitoes naturally. Others are ideal for attracting the beneficial critters. Parsley (Petroselinum spp.) is one of those herbs that’s well-loved by pollinators. Its flowers are a favorite for bees, for example, but that’s just the beginning.

Parsley hosts generations of helpful bugs

Parsley is a host plant for the black swallowtail butterfly (Papilio polyxenes) found in many parts of the United States. These stunning butterflies lay their eggs on parsley. As the caterpillars emerge, they eat parts of the host plant. Besides butterflies and bees, parsley attracts other beneficial insects such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps, each of which helps control unwanted pests such as aphids. In fact, a single hoverfly larvae can eat up to 400 aphids. Hoverflies are also considered one of the most important garden pollinators behind bees, particularly for wild and native plants in the U.S.

It’s not just the bugs who benefit: Parsley is one of those fairly fuss-free plants that are great for beginning gardeners. It grows best in USDA Hardiness zones 2 through 11.  It grows as an annual in colder areas and a biennial in zone 5 or warmer. Plant it in well-draining but moist soil in an area that gets a decent amount of sun each day. In areas that experience very hot summers, choose a space that receives afternoon shade. This herb grows well in both garden beds and containers. It even grows well in hanging baskets if you’re in the mood to try something a little different with your herb garden.

To help beneficial insects, plant extra parsley for them. This way if the swallowtail butterfly’s caterpillars eat a bunch, you’ll still have plenty left for yourself. If you find caterpillars on your parsley, just move them over to “theirs.” Also, allow some of the plants to flower and go to seed. This way the pollinators have flowers to visit, and your parsley may re-plant itself through fallen seeds.

Source:  Outdoor Guide©

Photo credit:  © svetlaya_strana_omsk/Shutterstock

Parsley in the kitchen

The widespread use of parsley in the kitchen reflects its status as the most often used herb. Parsley is considered a diuretic, blood purifier, and detoxifier. Regular intake is supposed to help digestion, enhance metabolism, and promote appetite.

Parsley has been used for millennia in traditional herbal therapy to treat a wide range of medical ailments.  It has been touted as curing cancer, anemia, and arthritis, and as a carminative to reduce flatulence. Moreover, it is claimed to have aphrodisiac and hypotensive properties.

Including herbs and spices such as parsley in your food is a terrific way to improve taste without adding excess salt. It is also an excellent method to supplement critical nutrients and get the full range of health advantages that the small herb has to offer.

Caution

Parsley has a long history of safe use, but that doesn’t imply it’s safe. Overuse of the herb can result in a range of complications, including liver and renal difficulties. Because there isn’t much knowledge regarding how much parsley is too much, it’s preferable to use it as an ingredient rather than as a supplement.

Source:  medicinenet.com©

Flavor your meals with low-maintenance homegrown herbs

Culinary herbs are a favorite of many gardeners. They are easy to grow as they require little care, have few insect and disease problems, and generally prefer moderate fertility levels. In addition, they add fragrance and beauty to the garden. Many herbs such as lavender, sage, and purple basil, are very ornamental and combine nicely in flower or vegetable gardens. 

Now is the time to plan what herbs you will plant this spring. First consider what herbs you use in food dishes, then consider which herb plants will add texture, color, and fragrance to your garden.

Photo by Jennifer Fishburn. Many herbs such as lavender, sage, and purple basil, are very ornamental and combine nicely in flower or vegetable gardens. 

 

Seeds and plants can be mail ordered and most can be purchased locally. Herbs such as dill, cilantro, and basil are easy to grow from seed. Lavender, rosemary, sage, and thyme are easily grown from purchased plants.

Mint and oregano are easy to divide, so ask a fellow gardener for a start of their plant.

Herb care

Throughout the growing season, herbs do need some attention including weeding, watering, and harvesting. Weeding takes persistence. If planted in a garden, most established herb plants don’t need additional watering. However, when rainfall is less than 1 inch per week, additional moisture may be needed. The key is to avoid overwatering as herb plants do not like wet feet.

Harvesting Herbs

Harvesting of herbs can be done throughout the growing season. Throughout the summer, annual herbs grown for their leaves such as basil, summer savory, and sweet marjoram, should be cut back leaving approximately 6 inches of stem and leaves. Cut back the stem to just above a leaf or pair of leaves. Most annual leafy herbs don’t survive frost or freezing. So, if frost is predicted, remove as much of the plant as you desire for preserving. 

Dill and cilantro are annual herbs grown for both leaves and seeds. For a continual supply of fresh leaves, reseed every two weeks. If growing for seeds allow the plant to mature before harvesting. Collect seed heads as they turn a light brown. Place seed heads upside down in a paper bag. Allow to dry for about two weeks and shake seeds off stems before removing stems from the bag.

Prune leafy perennial herbs such as sage, rosemary, thyme, and oregano by removing one-third of the top growth at a time. Avoid heavy prunings of perennial herbs after the beginning of September. In the fall, plants that will overwinter, need to start shutting down. Heavy pruning will promote new growth which keeps a plant actively growing. 

Herbs are best used fresh, however, most can be dried or frozen for later use. Before preserving herbs, wash them to remove dirt and other particles.

Article by Horticulture Educator Jennifer Fishburn

Source: Gardeners Corner Spring 2022: University of Illinois Extension

 

Need more herb info?  Here is a post about parsley, a real performer!

The tasty herb that can attract beneficial insects to your garden – TUTORING YOU

HERBS THAT GROW TOGETHER IN A POT

 

When it comes to having a herb garden, there’s really nothing more satisfying than picking your very own fresh herbs for that night’s dish! These herbs that grow together can be planted in just one pot or directly in your herb garden outdoors for a full, healthy harvest in no time! These herbs not only enjoy each other’s company, but also feed off of each other by exchanging important nutrients and therefore, making sure your harvest is plentiful! Herbs that grow together stay together!

A rule of thumb when planting any herb or vegetable together, is to make sure they have everything in common including irrigation, sun needs, and soil. Another thing to consider is the herb’s height – for example, fennel grows quite tall and would like ridiculous planted alongside smaller herbs such as mint.

Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sage like a fairly dry soil, while basil and parsley like a little more moisture. One herb that you absolutely must always plant by itself is mint. Mint does not go well will other herbs as it will take over the entire pot and could also cross pollinate with other varieties of mint plants, such as spearmint. Herbs that like the same type of environment, will usually grow very well together! Take for example these Mediterranean herbs that can be all planted together in one pot.

MEDITERRANEAN HERBS:

  • Sage
  • Thyme
  • Rosemary
  • Marjoram
  • Oregano 
  • Lavender

OTHER HERBS THAT CAN BE PLANTED TOGETHER

  • Tarragon
  • Cilantro
  • Basil
  • Parsley

So now that you know about these herbs that grow together, it’s time to get to planting!  

Posted by Aniela M.

Related:  6 Herbs that Actually Grow Better in Pots – TUTORING YOU

8 Best Herbs for Hanging Baskets

Hanging baskets can be more than just a beautiful way to brighten up the front of your home, they can also be a useful way to expand the space you have to grow food for yourself and your family.

Discover the names of 8 Best Herbs for Hanging Baskets to grow them in small space.

1. Lavender

Fragrant lavender makes a lovely hanging basket plant with its spikes of purple flowers that attract pollinators. Select a hanging basket that is at least 12 inches in diameter, place liner and potting soil in basket, then place seed on plant in the center. Lightly cover seed or plant roots and water.

Place hanging basket in direct sun. Lavender will bloom in summer, keep spent blooms pruned off plant. Water when soil is dry to touch.

2. Mixed Salad Leaves

For a more delicate display, mixed, cut and come again salad leaves in a range of shapes, sizes and colors.  It will look beautiful and a great alternative to some of the more traditional hanging basket plants. Combine salad leaves with edible flowers such as pansies and violets for more colorful salads throughout the year.

3. Nasturtiums

One of the most attractive and useful flowers for hanging baskets is the nasturtium, which will form large, trailing plants with an abundance of flowers. Not only will nasturtiums look great, they will also add to your salads – the leaves and the flowers are edible. Then, when the plants go to seed, the seeds can be used as an alternative to capers.

4. Thyme

Thyme is just one of the many herbs which are well suited to growing in hanging baskets. All of the Mediterranean herbs will do well in the well-drained environment of a hanging basket. Try rosemary, marjoram, oregano, basil and more. Herbs can be added easily to mixed arrangements and can help add flavor to your food throughout the summer months.

5. Parsley

Parsley is slow to germinate and can take up to three weeks after planting seeds to show signs of life. Its bright green, feathery leaves are worth the wait and this herb will reward you with tasty flavor all summer.

In early spring, plant seeds six inches apart in a hanging basket. Mix one tablespoon of granulated fertilize into potting soil prior to planting seeds. Place basket in a sunny location and keep soil moist at all times.

Snip off leaves as desired to use as a food garnish, or chew to freshen breath.

6. Basil

Basil makes an ideal hanging basket plant. This herb will grow quickly to fill in the hanging container to create a lovely, colorful and tasty plant.

Select a hanging basket, liner for the basket, like coir or moss, potting soil and basil seeds.

Place the liner in the basket, then add potting soil to within one inch of the top rim of the basket. Mix in one tablespoon of granulated fertilizer per basket prior to planting seeds.

Planting

Place two seeds in the center of the basket and lightly cover seeds with 1/4 inch of potting soil. After seeds germinate, remove the smallest plant so the one remaining will have plenty of room to grow. Basil will reach a mature size of 12-18 inches, but can be kept pruned to any desired height.

Basil seeds can be planted in spring. Place hanging basket in a sunny location. Leaves can be harvested any time the plant has reached six inches tall. Allow soil to become dry to the touch between watering.

7. Mint

Mint is one of the best hanging basket plants because of its fragrance. There are many varieties of mint, all are fragrant and good for container growing.

Select a hanging basket, liner for the basket, like coir or moss, potting soil and mint seeds.

Planting

Place liner, then add potting soil in basket. If the potting soil does not contain fertilizer, mix in one tablespoon of granulated fertilizer per basket prior to planting seeds.

Plant two seeds per planter, and place in a bright location, but not in direct sunlight. Keep potting soil moist at all times. Snip off leaves after herb reaches four inches tall.

8. Oregano

This fragrant culinary herb with square branching stems has beautiful oval-shaped hairy leaves that look excellent in hanging baskets.

You can grow it alone or with other herbs to create a hanging herb basket.

Source:  gardeningsun.com©

Related:  Top 10 trailing houseplants to grow in hanging pots – TUTORING YOU