Herb Gardening 101: A Flavourful Adventure with 10 Easy-to-Grow Herbs
Zing it Up
If you've ever wanted to add a burst of flavour and freshness to your dishes, look no further than growing your own herbs. Herb gardening is not only a delightful and rewarding hobby but also a practical way to elevate your culinary creations. Whether you have a sprawling garden or just a windowsill, there are plenty of easy-to-grow herbs that will thrive with a little love and attention.
In this blog post, I'll guide you through the process of growing ten versatile herbs that will enhance your cooking and bring joy to your gardening experience. So, grab your gardening gloves, roll up your sleeves, and let's dive into the world of herb gardening!
Basil:
We begin our herb gardening journey with aromatic and versatile basil. Basil loves warm weather and requires plenty of sunlight. Select a location in your garden or find a large pot with well-draining soil. Plant basil seeds or seedlings, leaving about 6 to 8 inches of space between each plant. Water your basil regularly, ensuring the soil stays consistently moist. Harvest the leaves as needed and enjoy them in everything from Caprese salads to homemade pesto.
Because we have such hot days I grow all my basil in pots on the windowsill which allows me to give them a little shade on the hottest days. Basil easily bolts (grows super tall and woody and starts to flower) so I try and use my Basil leaves often and keep pinching out from the top to keep the plants small.
Basil is also one of the easiest herbs to grow from seed but separating out the plugs of supermarket basil and replanting it in bigger pots will also yield a few more weeks of fresh Basil leaves,
Mint:
Next up is the refreshing and invigorating mint. Mint is known for its vigorous growth, so it's best to plant it in a pot to prevent it from spreading and taking over the entire garden. Mint likes a partially shaded area with rich soil allegedly, although mint is so robust it will grow voraciously pretty much anywhere.
There are many different types of mint, from Chocolate Mint to Spearmint and everything in between and mint has so many beneficial properties, read more in my Campo Bounty blog.
Mint leaves can be used in a variety of ways, from adding a refreshing twist to beverages like iced tea and mojitos to enhancing the flavours of lamb dishes and fruit salads. I love mint in boiled baby potatoes and I also make a lot of mint and coriander chutney.
Rosemary:
Now let's dive into the world of aromatic rosemary. Rosemary is an evergreen herb that thrives in sunny locations with well-draining soil. It's a resilient herb that can handle dry conditions, making it ideal for arid regions. Even though Rosemary grows wild all around the Campo I do have two bushes in my garden for use in the kitchen - I use it so much and I don’t always want to walk to grab some from the mountains.
Plant rosemary in a pot or directly in the ground, ensuring it has enough space to spread its roots. Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Harvest sprigs as needed and use them to infuse flavour into roasted potatoes, grilled meats, and homemade bread.
Here in the Campo the Rosemary is available all year round and always goes into my Wild Foraged Soup along with whatever herbs I have at the time.
Chives:
Chives are a fantastic addition to any herb garden, providing a mild onion-like flavour to a variety of dishes. Plant chives in a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-draining soil. You can start them from seeds or purchase young plants. Space the plants about 4 to 6 inches apart. Keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering.
Chives are perfect for garnishing salads, adding a touch of flavour to creamy soups, and enhancing the taste of omelettes and the pretty flowers are edible too.
Parsley:
No herb garden is complete without vibrant and versatile parsley. Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with rich, well-draining soil. Plant parsley seeds or seedlings, leaving about 6 to 8 inches of space between each plant. Water regularly to maintain consistent moisture.
Use parsley as a garnish, flavour enhancer in soups and stews, or the star ingredient in tabbouleh and other Mediterranean dishes. I grow both the flat leaf and the curly parsley in the Campo.
Thyme:
Thyme is a hardy and aromatic herb that adds a beautiful fragrance to your garden and dishes. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Plant thyme in a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight each day. Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Harvest sprigs as needed and enjoy them in roasted vegetables, marinades, and herb-infused oils.
Oregano:
Oregano is a staple herb in Mediterranean cuisine, adding a robust flavour to various dishes. It loves full sun and well-draining soil. Plant oregano seeds or seedlings, spacing them about 8 to 10 inches apart. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering. Harvest sprigs just as the flowers begin to bloom for the best flavour.
Use oregano in tomato sauces, pizza, roasted meats, and Greek-inspired dishes.
Sage:
Sage is a herb with a strong flavour and a beautiful, velvety texture. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Plant sage in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. Water sparingly, as sage is drought-tolerant and doesn't like overly moist soil. Harvest the leaves as needed and enjoy them in savoury dishes like stuffing, roasted vegetables, and herb-infused butter.
In spring and autumn when my Sage bushes are bursting with leaves, I make these amazing Fried Anchovy and Sage bites and of course, fried sage leaves atop many pasta dishes too.
9. Dill:
Dill is a herb known for its feathery foliage and distinctive flavour. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Plant dill seeds directly in the ground or in a large pot. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the hot summer months. Harvest the leaves and seeds for use in pickling, seafood dishes, salads, and homemade dips like tzatziki.
10. Coriander:
Last but not least, we have the bright and zesty Coriander (cilantro). This prefers cool weather and partial shade, especially in hotter regions. Plant the seeds or seedlings in well-draining soil. Keep the soil consistently moist by watering regularly. Harvest the leaves as soon as they reach a usable size, as Coriander tends to bolt and go to seed quickly. Enjoy it in salsas, guacamole, curries, and vibrant salads.
Just as summer is coming to a close I start picking herbs for drying to last through the winter months. Luckily we still have enough heat in the days to place the shredded herb leaves on baking trays on the terrace table but if the weather happens to turn then I use the oven on the lowest heat setting to dry them out and store them in empty glass jars.
Embarking on a herb gardening journey is not only a rewarding experience but also a flavourful adventure that adds a new dimension to your culinary creations. From the aromatic basil and invigorating mint to the robust oregano and velvety sage, each of these ten easy-to-grow herbs brings its own unique flavours and aromas to your garden and kitchen. So, whether you have a sprawling garden or a cosy windowsill, don't hesitate to start growing your own herbs and infuse your meals with a touch of freshness and homemade goodness.
Conclusion:
Herb gardening is so easy and yet so satisfying - what do you grow?
