Herbs with their many health benefits are rapidly gaining popularity among the health conscious. Herbs are known to be an aid to general well-being and are also known to have various medicinal uses. Many of the commonly used herbs are available at nearby stores. However, when you shop in stores you can’t be sure of their freshness or if they are organic. So if you use herbs regularly, it makes sense to have your own herb garden. You can make the perfect herb garden with a little knowledge, a little hard work, and a little common sense. Having your own garden will not only provide you with a fresh supply of herbs, it will also save you money. Below are some tips to make your own perfect herb garden.
Research: Knowledge of the different types of herbs, their uses, their medicinal properties, their growing season and conditions, when and how to harvest are essential to making the perfect herb garden. You can get this knowledge simply by surfing the net or by borrowing a relevant book from your library.
Where to grow? – An herb garden can become part of your existing gardens. Otherwise, find a place that is not accessible to small children or pets. A spot near the wall with at least 4-6 hours of sunlight is ideal for making a perfect herb garden. You may consider fencing off the area. If space is a concern, you can grow a basic herb garden on your kitchen windowsill using clay pots or plastic containers. You could also consider using garden racks.
Preparation – Prepare the soil by tilling and adding organic fertilizer. If possible, do a soil pH test. A pH of 5.5 to 7.5 is ideal for growing most herbs.
What to grow? – This depends not only on your taste buds, but also on how easy it is to grow. However, there are some basic things that a perfect herb garden must have. Below are some suggestions.
1. Basil – Used with chicken and many tomato dishes, basil is a hardy and easy-to-grow plant. It has a warm sweet taste. Be sure to pinch off the flowers or it may die before its time. This plant is also credited with much healing power and is used against the common cold and cough. It is also supposed to sharpen memory if used regularly.
2. Rosemary: This bitter-tasting plant can be paired with boldly flavored dishes.
3. Chives – This is an important part of any perfect herb garden. It can be used to decorate or to add flavor. It is a rich source of vitamins iron and phosphorus.
4. Oregano – This one of the most widely used herbs is easy to grow. It’s supposed to be good for indigestion, bloating, and flatulence! It is rich in fiber and antioxidants.
5. Parsley: High in vitamin iron and trace elements, this herb is used to treat joint pain in traditional medicine.
6. Salvia – This silver-leaved plant is easy to grow and gives a large yield per acreage. This plant is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
7. Thyme – Your herb garden is incomplete without thyme. Meat and tomatoes go well with this herb.
Dill, fennel, coriander, bay leaf, summer savory, mint, tarragon are some other herbs that you can consider to make your perfect herb garden.
So with a little bit of application, you can start making the perfect herb garden. With the supply of fresh herbs, you can be sure of a flavorful and flavorful meal with added health benefits.
Happy herb gardening!