Forget Dried Or Store-Bought Herbs
Herbs have been grown for numerous years, for a variety of reasons and there are hundreds of different varieties of herbs. Gardening by monks and nuns in medieval times, always included a number of herbs.
Growing them then was mainly for medicinal purposes and for their smell, especially as air fresheners, As time progressed, they began to be grown for culinary and decorative purposes, often to disguise the flavour of none too fresh food.
Today, it is possible in many shops and supermarkets to buy both fresh and dried herbs. Gardening and growing your own however, ensures that they really are fresh, and that you have the choices that you want, as well as being a lot less expensive.
As more and more of us move towards healthy living, herbs are once again becoming more important in our lives, Whether they are grown for medicinal, culinary or just decorative reasons, it really is quite simple to grow herbs.
Gardening does not always need to be on a large scale, and growing herbs is the perfect example for small scale gardening. They can even be grown successfully in pots on the window sill. In fact, unless you use a vast amount of herbs, gardening on this scale, really is the best way.Not only will you be able to have a succession of young, fresh herbs, but you wont even have to go outside to pick them.
However, if you want to grow herbs on a larger scale, perhaps to use as decoration, it is essential that you choose the correct location. As most of them originated in Mediterranean climates, you will need a warm, sunny position for your herbs. Gardening with such plants, is like any other form, positioning is everything.
Remember, that some herbs such as mint, will spread far and wide, it has always been said, that mint will either be one side of a fence or the other. Remember this, and don't fall out with your neighbour, if you want mint sauce for your lamb, when it's growing on their side. It is a good idea to plant mint in a bucket in the ground, to prevent this.
Make sure that your herb garden is well drained, and do not over water them. Unless you live in a desert, once they are established there is little need to water your herbs.
Gardening really will only consist of trimming back and a little weeding, and if you have some annual herbs such as Basil, planting out new plants when conditions are right. It may also be necessary to grow a few cuttings, to replace any plants which have gone too straggly.
Most herbs can be grown from seed, but it is far easier to begin with plants. This will also allow you to see exactly how your herb garden is going to look, without having to wait too long. Whichever method you choose, enjoy your herbs gardening.
Benefits
You probably buy your herbs and spices preserved and dried at the store. While the flavors and health benefits of herbs can be found this way, consuming fresh herbs is even better. Fresh herb gardening brings the consumption of fresh herbs to a whole new level. You can help your bank account, enjoy flavorful, convenient, healthy herbs, and learn about the variety of herbs available to garden.
Possibly the most expensive way to spice a dish is to use fresh herbs purchased from a specialty market or grocer. Save money by growing your own herbs. All you need to invest is time and effort, after the initial cost of the plants and necessary growth items like fertilizer. Tend your fresh herb garden carefully and the garden will pay for itself many times over.
You will get the strongest flavor from fresh herbs straight from your garden. Dried herbs certainly lend flavor to a dish, but the older they get the less potent their flavor. Use your fresh-harvested herbs immediately. Or, just like a bouquet of flowers, they will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. Place the cut stems in a glass of water and top the bundle of herbs with a loose plastic bag for humidity. Use sharp scissors to cut what you need.
Whether you grow your herbs in an outdoor garden or choose one of many ways to grow herbs indoors, your herbs will be available for you to use any time you want. All herbs need to thrive is light, well-drained soil, a minimum of five hours of direct sunlight-or 10 hours of fluorescent grow-lighting-and proper watering. Some herb kits are designed with hydroponic growing equipment and techniques, meaning you never get dirt under your nails.
Fresh herb gardening offers the opportunity to explore subtle differences found between different cultivators of the same spice. Oregano, for example, has over forty species and eight common varieties grown in gardens. You'll not find this option on the spice rack at the grocery market.
Teas and medicinal tinctures are more potent when made from fresh herbs. Actively respiring plant tissues hold healthy compounds in more potent forms. Your herbs' health-giving properties such as antioxidants are more readily available when fresh. Drying herbs removes the water, concentrating the flavor and properties in a smaller space. When using herbs fresh, use three times the amount you measure of dried. For example, if the recipe calls for one teaspoon of dried sage, use one tablespoon of fresh sage.
Branch out to find multiple uses for your fresh herbs: aside from trimming leaves for cooking or adding to salads, you can integrate herbs into massage oil, use them to fragrance linens or a room. Some herbs work well as a natural, organic insect repellent.
Beyond the usefulness off herbs, gardening itself is a healthy pursuit. You can burn 120 calories with only 30 minutes of gardening activity. Raking, pruning, digging and other garden chores constitute moderate exercise. Working in the fresh air and sunshine caring for living plants is not only healthy but also relaxing and a great way to release stress.
Posted by Admin