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Top Tips for Herbal Gardening
For all those persons who have made a wasted trip to the grocery store and come back disappointed, disgruntled or dismayed at it showing the out-of-stock notice for your favorite herb, it is not to late to take up herb gardening. With a little planning, one is assured of never having to go without fresh basil, rosemary or mint and have a ready stock from a personal herb garden anytime of the day! Or night!
Selecting the right spot
Location is king in herb gardening and while most herbs like the sunshine, some are known to prefer the softer shades afforded by filtered sunlight and moist soil. Therefore, it is best to match the herb seeds with the location of the herb garden-to-be. If it is outdoor space, one can indulge in big pots and roomy containers. If sunlight is free and abundant, it is prudent to plant the shade-loving plants east of taller varieties like sunflowers, so that the tall plants can generate shade for the smaller ones. Some herbs that are sun-worshippers are Basil, Chives, Dill, Oregano, Rosemary, Tarragon and Thyme; those preferring filtered sunshine are Chervil, Lemon Balm and Mint.
Choosing the herbs for gardening
If this is a beginner's project, it is best to start small and expand with better results as the fragrances envelop you. This is also because many persons may not be aware that even a single plant can produce an adequate supply for culinary purposes. Rosemary and Tarragon, for example, are plants that give a generous amount of harvest with a single sowing.
Keeping the nourishing factors steady: healthy herb gardening
To keep herb gardening at its healthiest best, remember to water and weed early and often. On watering, ensure that the soil is saturated thoroughly and make sure there's ample drainage: this enables plants to grow strong roots and the weeding gives a clean over-all look to the garden.
Storing the herbs
Storing herbs for winter's store is a common enough solution for continual seasoning at the kitchen table, whatever the season. Some ways of storing include drying the herbs in bunches through exposure to air, in the oven or microwave; however, others can also be frozen and kept for long periods, until needed.
Freezing as a preservation option for summer herbs is a smart idea that comes in handy for making delicious heart-warming winter soups and stews. One can chop up herbs, place them in ice-cube trays and cover them with boiling water and freeze them after this blanching is done. Cilantro herb, may however, store better if frozen in oil after being made into a fine puree.
Memorial herb garden: a long-lasting tribute
This is a great sentimental tribute an herb gardener can pay to their dearly departed. The herb garden can be a place for remembering, healing and sustaining the favorite flowers of the individual being honored. Rosemary signifies remembrance while pink carnations stand for I'll never forget you.