More so now than ever, people are looking for mindful ways to invest their time. It seems like the solution everybody else is turning to is gardening! Their gardens take many forms, from just growing plants in small cups or containers to having an array of potted plants by a window sill to a whole vegetable patch in their gardens! Growing your herbs can fit anywhere, no matter the size!
You can grow the common herbs that every home cook loves to use in their cooking, like thyme, rosemary, or even basil! Not only are you able to grow your plants as a way to pass the time and keep yourself productive, but they can also come in very handy when they’re ready to harvest! Chop up, grind, or even just throw the herbs in whole! So which herbs should you be growing at home?
Common Sage
If you want an aromatic herb in your turkey stuffing, salad dressings, or you’re just looking for a bold-flavored herb in your dishes, maybe add common sage! You’re going to need intense and rich flavors that can hold up on their own against the robust aroma and flavor of sage! This herb dates back to ancient times where its uses were for digestive issues and even healing bleeding wounds!
Once you’ve planted the common sage, it’s going to be smooth sailing from that point. Just make sure that you planted the sage in an area that gets full sun(where partial shade is slightly tolerated). If you plant in a more shaded area, your sage will tend to get leggy and won’t have as many blooming buds compared to if it was in full sun.
Thyme
You can’t mistake the flavor and the aroma of thyme for anything else! The versatile flavor and great scents make its use in the culinary world and scene quite popular! Much like the common sage, thyme also has its mark in history with uses like embalming and protecting against the “Black Death.” So thyme also has health benefits!
The recommended way to grow thyme is to put them in a pot that has soil that drains quickly, as well as a place that is warm and has lots of sun shining! You’re only going to want to water this plant whenever the top layer of the soil is dry. Since your soil mix is fast-draining, you’ll probably water frequently.
Rosemary
Ah yes, almost always an herb that goes well in many dishes, much like thyme, since its flavor and aromatics are on a different level! The tiny prickly leaves are almost always paired up with searing steaks, but they also go with other fatty meats like chicken, pork, and lamb. You could even use it to flavor your olive oil or your butter!
The thing about rosemary is that although its preferred season is winter, where everything is cooler, they’re still going to need a lot of sunlight! Meaning, in the summertime, it can tolerate dry, hot, and sunny areas! Then the rest is pretty much standard. You’re going to need well-drained soil and good airflow. The rosemary plant won’t tolerate always being wet.
Chives
This onion-flavored herb will bring great flavor to your eggs, soups, spreads, and salads. Not to mention that they make excellent garnishes to top off your cooking! The significant part about chives is that their leaves aren’t the only edible thing. Their beautiful blooming flowers are too! Do be careful that you’re watching over their spread across your garden; chives do tend to take over other parts of the garden.
You’re going to want to grow chives in the less temperature harsh seasons like spring and fall. The higher temperatures of heat during summertime cause the plant to go in a sort of dormant state and won’t be active until the next season comes around. Chives will need little care, though, apart from distancing and consistent watering.
Oregano
Another herb with great blooming flowers is oregano, which is also edible and has a thyme-like flavor. Much like the other herbs on this list, oregano also has a very appetizing aroma as well as a great addition to flavor! Once the flowers have bloomed pink or purple, you could harvest those too; maybe you could use the petals or the flowers as garnish!
Again, most of these herbs are just going to need the same treatment, a lot of sun for good growth as well as great flavor! Well-drained soil is a must! Once the oregano plant has grown to about 4 inches, you’re going to want to trim or pinch them to promote a bushier plant!
Takeaway
Growing your herbs is a great way to keep all of your spices and the like all topped up! You’re going to get great applications for the herbs, not only in the kitchen but even aesthetic results with some of the herbs that bloom with flowers! Remember that each of your herbs needs its pots and/or areas in the garden, so their growth rate is encouraged!
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