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Arbor Day
Dale Bumpers College
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HerbsIt wasn't that long ago, when herbs were something we bought only in little round bottles and used them for things like spaghetti and pizza. Or we received as a wedding present a spice rack -- that "pre-packaged" herb set that we dutifully hung on the wall and then maybe used the oregano and garlic, and had no idea what to do with the others like marjoram, thyme, anise and curry. But times have changed. Herb gardens are as popular as perennial gardens. We are now growing and using fresh herbs in everything from pesto to potpourri. Even if you don't grow them, they now come fresh in the grocery store in small packages. If you are new to growing herbs you may want to start out with some of the easier herbs. Annuals include basil, dill and cilantro. Easy perennials include chives, rosemary and thyme. Most herbs do best in a sunny, well-drained location. Placing them in a location close to your kitchen makes it easier for a quick harvest and use in the kitchen. Herbs are also an easy addition to the container garden. Either a mixed pot of herbs or mixed in with summer annuals, they grow and produce an abundant supply of fresh herbs. Herb gardens are becoming a beautiful as well as functional addition to the home landscape. Herbs come in a variety of colors, heights, and textures. Many have pleasing blooms along with their wonderful fragrance. Designing with herbs is a whole new way to incorporate herbs in the landscape. Consider what herbs you want to grow -- what color are they, when do they bloom, how tall do they grow and are they bushy or spreading in growth habit. Then begin to combine them. If you don't want all herbs, mix them in with traditional landscaping. Take some precautions if mixing in with other plants -- avoid pesticide usage near herbs. With herbs, you are eating entire plant parts, and many have fuzzy or crinkled leaves. Don't plant herbs for culinary uses near pesticide-needy plants. When you start out with a new herb garden, you now have many more options on plants than you used to. Most nurseries now carry a wonderful selection of herb plants, and some grow easily from seed. Although herb plants start out small, they begin to grow, and need space to fill in. When deciding on plant spacing, allow room for continued growth, or interplant with annuals, that won't need the space next season. Deciding how many of each herb you'll need, will depend on how much you will use this herb, and how large the plant will grow. A single mint plant may take care of all of your mint needs and then some, whereas if you use a lot of fresh cilantro in salads and dishes, you'll need to plant several plants to satisfy your needs. If you end up producing too much of one herb, either freeze it or dry it for later use, or share some with a friend. Probably the best part of herb growing is the harvesting. The beauty lies in the fact that you don't have to wait months to reap your rewards, since you can start harvesting the day you plant. Snip some off the top and keep doing that all season (unless you are going after seeds) and this will keep the plant spreading out, and give you a continuous supply of fresh herbs. The best time to cut fresh herbs is in the morning after the dew dries, yet before mid day heat hits. If you set off for work too early, you haven't missed out, since you can also harvest in the evening after the sun has set. Then experiment with herb usages. There are lots of magazines and books out there on herbs--with growing techniques as well as recipes and craft ideas. Cooking with fresh herbs is a little different than using them dried, so start gradually adding different amounts. Herbs are supposed to complement your food, not completely mask it. Start drying your own herbs for winter usage, or freeze them. If you end up having too many herbs to deal with all at once, you can put the cut herbs in a damp paper towel inside of a plastic bag in the refrigerator for a few days, or freeze them whole. Taller growing herbs can be used in flower arrangements or in a vase of water for a fresh ‘scent' while waiting to be used. But fresh herbs must be used within a few days or they quickly diminish in quality. If you've never grown herbs before, start trying a few in your flower or vegetable garden. The more you learn about their growth habits, their uses and how beautiful they are, the more herbs you'll want. Herb gardening can be a fun and rewarding hobby. They give you fragrance, taste and a beautiful plant all in one package. |
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