The most important part of cooking delicious food is the right ingredients. Many people think that they can’t grow their herbs in their garden, but this couldn’t be further from the truth! If you want to make your meals tastier then you should consider growing the flavorful plants listed below in your garden.
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Basil
Basil is a popular herb that can be used in dishes from Italian to Thai cuisine. It has a strong flavor that is slightly sweet and spicy. Basil can be used in dishes such as soups, salads, pasta sauce, or pizza. According to the green-living enthusiasts behind https://www.urbanorganicyield.com/, the plant itself grows best in full sun with well-draining soil that is kept moist but not wet. If you have grown basil from seeds before then it may take up to two weeks before the plant is ready for harvest. Basil can also be grown indoors in a pot, which means that you don’t have to wait until springtime before enjoying your fresh basil!
Lavender
If you want to grow an herb that smells incredible then consider growing lavender. Lavender adds a sweet and floral note to any dish. It has been used in cooking for centuries, but it is most commonly associated with French cuisine such as quiche or scones. The plants can be grown from seeds and take up to three weeks before they are ready for harvest.
When you have lavender growing in your garden, you can also enjoy the plant itself as it has many therapeutic benefits. The scents of fresh lavender are frequently used for aromatherapy because they have relaxing properties. You can even use dried lavender to release tension and help with sleep problems by putting a few drops on an oil burner or under your pillow!
Chives
Chives are probably the easiest herb to grow if you have children. Chive plants will not only help teach your child about gardening but they can also be used for cooking! Chive seeds should be sown directly in the ground during early springtime and harvested after 30 days. The plant itself is very robust and can grow in most climates. Chives are commonly used in egg dishes such as omelets, but they also taste great when added to salads or dips.
Lemongrass
If you want an herb that adds a citrus flavor to food then lemongrass should be at the top of your list. The plant itself can be grown from seeds or by planting a lemongrass stalk in the ground. It is best to grow it in moist soil that drains freely and needs at least six hours of sunlight per day. Lemongrass is commonly used for cooking Thai dishes such as soup, but you can also use it when baking cakes or making ice cream.
Oregano
Oregano is a popular herb that can be added to dishes from Italian cuisine to Mexican food. It has an intense, pungent flavor which makes it fantastic for adding freshness and depth to tomato-based sauces such as bolognese or pesto. This plant is very easy to grow if you have children, as it can be grown from seeds within two weeks. It is best to plant oregano in full sunlight and dry soil that allows the roots to expand into open ground.
Rosemary
If you are looking for an herb that adds depth of flavor then rosemary should be on your list. Rosemary can be used in many different dishes from meat to vegetables and even desserts. It is a popular herb that has been used for centuries as it has antibacterial properties which make it fantastic at killing off harmful bacteria such as those found on raw chicken or fish. You should plant rosemary during early springtime and harvest the leaves once they are green and fragrant.
Chervil
On the other hand, if you want to add a mild, anise-like flavor to your food then consider growing chervil. This plant’s leaves are commonly used as a garnish for meat dishes such as steak or chicken because of their mild taste. It is best grown from seeds and harvested after 40 days. Chervil is a sturdy plant that can grow in most climates and soil types.
Thyme
Another popular herb, thyme, has been used for centuries because of its strong flavor. It adds robustness to dishes while also adding subtle hints of earthiness which give it an incredible depth. Thyme should be planted during springtime and harvested after 90 days. It is best to plant thyme in soil that drains well and gets at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Mint
Mint’s flavor is refreshing and it has been used long before as herbal medicine, toothpaste ingredient, and flavoring agent. Mint is a very hearty plant that can grow in most climates and soil types. It should be planted during early springtime before the last frost. You will want to harvest it after 30 days, as soon as the leaves turn green.
Parsley
Parsley adds color to salads and other dishes while also adding more vitamins and minerals than any other herb or vegetable on this list. It is another popular herb that can be grown from seeds but also comes in handy when planted as a stalk. Parsley should be harvested after 90 days and it grows best during springtime. Plant parsley in moist, well-drained soil to ensure proper growth.
There are a lot of herbs and spices that can be used in cooking, but did you know that some have been used for centuries as herbal medicine or flavoring? Basil is an herb that goes well with Italian dishes from pasta to pizza.
Mint has long been known for its refreshing taste and it’s also an ingredient in toothpaste. Oregano pairs well with tomato-based sauces while chives add onion flavor without the harshness of onions themselves. Parsley adds color to salads while rosemary gives food a piney scent that comes from its natural oils. Every spice or herb on the list above offers something different so don’t forget them when planning your next meal!
