What is food without herbs and spices, no matter where you are in the world the local cuisine will definitely require the addition of fresh herbs and spices. With the popularity of Gourmet Cooking shows on television we are all trying new tastes including dishes from all over the world. As most professional chefs prefer to use fresh herbs in their cooking why should we not follow in their steps and grow our own basic herb garden at home.

Growing your own basic herb garden is not rocket science, most of the common herbs will grow easily in average soil, some like oregano require a rich soil.

Additionally, some herbs in a basic herb garden such as parsley are biennial in nature. This means the first year they are grown they will not be useful for seasoning. It is during the second year that the crop can be used. Ideally, with parsley, , plant a new crop of seeds one year after planting your first parsley plants so that in a couple of years they will overlap, providing u sable seasoning every year.

The following herbs, which make up a basic herb garden, parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano and basil all like direct sun and will require a minimum amount of water to survive. It is normal to harvest leaves, sprigs and twigs from any of your herbs as they are growing providing fresh organic herbs for your kitchen.

Although most herbs require regular watering, there are exceptions,thyme is a very forgiving plant and if it dries out will likely come back when an appropriate amount of water is given. As some herbs have different soil requirements and can grow under slightly different conditions, it is recommended that you separate them by variety to help get them started and keep them growing throughout their life.

Plant Herbs Close To Where They Will Be Used

When the chef needs fresh herbs for the dish he or she is preparing, a long journey down to the far reaches of the back yard is not realistic, wouldn't you plant your herbs close to the kitchen for easy picking? It is important to know that, the entire plant does not have to be cut and used at once. With the right care, the herbs will continue to grow and be usable during the entire season. Before winter arrives drying or freezing the extra cuttings can possibly supply the herb throughout the winter, often lasting until the next crop produces the following year.

For those of us who have a space problem, try companion planting. If planting a basic herb garden takes more room than is available, certain herbs can be planted among other plants. Parsley can live well with other plants specifically tomatoes, asparagus and among roses. Broccoli and cauliflower also welcome rosemary in their midst. Basil also likes to grow alongside tomatoes too.

If you do decide to companion plant be sure that you don't trample on the herbs when weeding, pruning or generally taking care of these other plants in your mixed garden bed. A basic herb garden is a valuable addition to your kitchen supplies and really wont take to much of your valuable time to care for it.