Summer is a wonderful time for growing all types of plants. One of the hardest parts of every planting season is figuring out what to grow. This can be especially hard to decide what to get in an apartment, with kids, or even pets. Another consideration during the planting season is growing something different this year than last. With all of these considerations sometimes it doesn't seem worth it to do anything but relax by the pool or read a good book. An easy solution to these problems is to grow herbs.
Herbs, like potted plants, are practical things to grow in a house, though they reap more benefit than a pretty table setting. For those with kids, it is a great way to teach children about responsibility and sustainability. It is also something fun to add to a normal at home dish for a little flavor.
But what would be the best type to get and where would one even start? The easiest place to go would be a local home improvement store with a gardening section. Not only do they have a large variety, but they usually have pamphlets with tips and types or an employee that can offer valuable suggestions.
If you would rather do it alone, here are some starting points. The best place to start is where the plant will be located. For example, windowsills, window boxes, and counter space near a light source are great places for those in apartments. Other good places are patios and small home gardens.
Plants that do well inside include rosemary, parsley, and oregano. These also go very well with chicken and lamb dishes. Something a little more exotic for a spice cabinet would be bay, lemongrass, or mint plants, which also do well indoors though they might need a bigger pot.
The key to keeping and growing all herbal plants is to make sure they get the right amount of sunlight. Water levels must be properly managed as well and it is a good idea to fertilize them about once a month. If starting from seeds, the packet it comes in gives general instructions on best care, water amount, and harvesting. If starting from an already sprouting plant, the internet or a local nursery can help with any problems or cultivating tips.
After tending to the plants to the point where they branch out they are able to be harvested and used for cooking. Though the entire plant can be used, it is generally best to only use enough to keep the plant "shrubby", which is roughly one-third. Harvested portions of plants will usually dry out quickly but storage is simple either in a plastic bag or a container with a lid.
Some great dishes to make with newly grown spices are grilled chicken with rosemary, thyme, and sage, lemon-oregano lamb, and beef stew. However, they can also be used for herbal teas and homeopathic medicine. Whatever the use, herbal plants are cheap and rewarding to grow during the warm seasons and even into the winter.
Copyright (c) 2012 Lizzie Simmonds
