Even in the dead of winter, nothing satisfies the soul and the stomach more than a nice hot meal seasoned with a mix of herbs grown in your own garden. Whether it's a simple bowl of tomato soup with basil and a grilled cheese sandwich or a complex stew, a mix of herbs can turn basic food into a gastronomic delight. Unfortunately, many people especially in northern climates are reluctant to grow herbs because of the short growing season and the harsh winter that punishes almost all plants. That leaves them at the mercy of the grocery store for the flavour of herbs which are frequently the most expensive items on a per pound basis.
On the bright side, herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow either in containers or in the garden and can provide you with year round flavour at a fraction of the cost. A garden with basil, rosemary, marjoram, cilantro, thyme, parsley, chives, oregano, sage, and lavender is a delight to smell in the summer and a blessing on winter tables. Like almost all plants, herbs need only three things to grow successfully: well-drained and nutritious soil, moisture, and sunshine. The following are tips for growing better herbs regardless of the climate zone.
Containers
Herbs growing in small windowsill pots are a common sight, but they can be effectively grown in larger pots that can be moved outdoors when the weather is nice. This will increase the availability of herbs when you need them.
To read the rest of this article, see the latest issue of Living in Sudbury magazine.
Leave A Comment