The Fragrance, Charm and Function of a Windowsill Herb Garden
Do you love the flavor of fresh herbs in your cooking? Wouldn't it be great if you could simply head to your windowsill anytime you needed a fresh snip of parsley or a sprig of oregano? Actually, you can grow your favorite seasonings in a windowsill herb garden, and it won't take you much time or effort at all. Many herbs are quite easy to grow, as long as you select the plants that thrive in an indoor environment – and there are many to choose from.
Most Popular Indoor Herbs
Many of the culinary herbs that are used in many recipes can easily be grown indoors as long as they have sufficient light and regular watering. Basil can be started from seed and placed in the sunniest window in the house. Oregano will work well alongside the basil in that sunny window, but it is generally better to start this herb from a cutting. Round off your windowsill herb garden with delectable culinary herbs like rosemary, sage and parsley for a pretty, aromatic and functional collection.
Planting Basics
A windowsill herb garden can be planted in a single long container or a variety of pots, depending on your preference and the types of herbs that are planted. The container should be at least six inches deep to allow for sufficient root growth. You can use a standard potting soil for your herbs, but a soilless mix will help to prevent some types of plant diseases. You can also use a combination of equal parts potting soil, compost and vermiculite or sand to grow your windowsill herb garden.
If your window does not provide sufficient sunlight, you can add florescent lighting to help your plants along. Herbs do not like to sit in too much moisture, so water sparingly. Since your plants will not get fed from nutrients in the earth, you will also want to fertilize your herbs every month to promote growth and health. If you like, you can transfer your plants outdoors during the late spring and summer months and move them back inside to your windowsill herb garden when the cold weather returns.
Fresh herbs can add pizzazz to any recipe, whether it is a marinade for a summertime barbecue or a seasoning for a hearty winter stew. Many herbs can be easy to grow, especially if you purchase starter plants and transfer them to your own pots in your window. Some herbs, like basil, can even be successfully started from seed. By growing your own herbs in a windowsill herb garden, you can enjoy herbs fresh from the stem all year long.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
sage herb
Grow your own Sage Herb
If you love to spend your summers up to your elbows in dirt and plants, then a garden is the perfect hobby for you. Herbs are a great choice for gardeners of all levels of experience because many of them are easy to grow and can provide a bountiful harvest to enjoy all year long. There are many types of herbs to choose from, but one that is a favorite for vegetable and ornamental gardens alike is the sage herb.
About the Sage Herb
Sage herb is a perennial that belongs to the salvia genus. This herb is used for many culinary creations, including in teas and as a seasoning for meat and poultry. Some cooks add sage to their favorite Thanksgiving stuffing recipe as well. The sage herb plant is also used for ornamental purposes, because the leaves offer a colorful contrast to other foliage in a landscaping theme, and the flowers will bloom throughout the latter part of the summer.
The sage herb plant is an easy one to grow, because it does not demand an inordinate amount of attention and care. However, it can evolve into a woody shrub that needs to be replaced every few years. To extend the life of your sage herb plant, offer frequent harvesting and pruning after the first year. Sage in the first season should be left alone as much as possible to allow it to establish itself in your garden bed.
How to Grow Sage Herb
Most gardeners will begin sage herb plants by seeding the garden in the early spring, after the danger of frost is passed. Others will prefer to begin plants indoors for a head start when spring rolls around. You can begin plants indoors up to six weeks in advance of outdoor planting. Sow your sage in a well-drained area that receives full sun for best results. This plant can tolerate drier conditions, making it a good choice as a xeriscape plant.
When you first plant your sage herb plant, it is a good idea to forgo harvesting in the first year to allow the plant to establish. After the first year, you can harvest this plant either right before or after flowering for the best flavor. Snip the healthy stems, bundle into bunches of four to six, and then place the bundle in a brown paper bag with plenty of holes cut into it. Hang upside down in a cool, dry spot for a few weeks until the leaves are completely dry. Store your dried sage in an airtight container and use for up to one year.
The sage herb plant makes a lovely addition to any garden and can be enjoyed year round as a seasoning in many of your favorite dishes. Add some sage to your landscape today, and enjoy its many benefits!
If you love to spend your summers up to your elbows in dirt and plants, then a garden is the perfect hobby for you. Herbs are a great choice for gardeners of all levels of experience because many of them are easy to grow and can provide a bountiful harvest to enjoy all year long. There are many types of herbs to choose from, but one that is a favorite for vegetable and ornamental gardens alike is the sage herb.
About the Sage Herb
Sage herb is a perennial that belongs to the salvia genus. This herb is used for many culinary creations, including in teas and as a seasoning for meat and poultry. Some cooks add sage to their favorite Thanksgiving stuffing recipe as well. The sage herb plant is also used for ornamental purposes, because the leaves offer a colorful contrast to other foliage in a landscaping theme, and the flowers will bloom throughout the latter part of the summer.
The sage herb plant is an easy one to grow, because it does not demand an inordinate amount of attention and care. However, it can evolve into a woody shrub that needs to be replaced every few years. To extend the life of your sage herb plant, offer frequent harvesting and pruning after the first year. Sage in the first season should be left alone as much as possible to allow it to establish itself in your garden bed.
How to Grow Sage Herb
Most gardeners will begin sage herb plants by seeding the garden in the early spring, after the danger of frost is passed. Others will prefer to begin plants indoors for a head start when spring rolls around. You can begin plants indoors up to six weeks in advance of outdoor planting. Sow your sage in a well-drained area that receives full sun for best results. This plant can tolerate drier conditions, making it a good choice as a xeriscape plant.
When you first plant your sage herb plant, it is a good idea to forgo harvesting in the first year to allow the plant to establish. After the first year, you can harvest this plant either right before or after flowering for the best flavor. Snip the healthy stems, bundle into bunches of four to six, and then place the bundle in a brown paper bag with plenty of holes cut into it. Hang upside down in a cool, dry spot for a few weeks until the leaves are completely dry. Store your dried sage in an airtight container and use for up to one year.
The sage herb plant makes a lovely addition to any garden and can be enjoyed year round as a seasoning in many of your favorite dishes. Add some sage to your landscape today, and enjoy its many benefits!
rosemary herb
Growing the Rosemary Herb is Easier than You Think!
The rosemary herb has gotten a bad rap as a plant that is difficult to grow, but this is simply not the case. This herb can actually handle a lack of attention and care quite swimmingly if it is given the best start in life. The key to successfully growing the rosemary herb lies in its humble beginnings; if you get that part right, the rest of the growing season and a bountiful harvest are sure to follow.
The Attraction of Rosemary
The rosemary herb is known as a triple threat for gardeners, because it is ornamental, fragrant and full of delightful flavor. In warmer climates, rosemary can be grown year round, but in colder areas, this herb needs to be brought indoors during the frosty months of winter or grown as an annual. It is much more challenging to keep the rosemary herb happy indoors during the winter months than it is outdoors during the summer, which is why many gardeners will choose to grow it as an annual.
As an ornamental plant, the rosemary herb is an evergreen shrub that can thrive in any type of soil and prefers full sunlight to partial shade. Larger rosemary shrubs can be shaped to a form that the gardener prefers, making it a wonderfully versatile and attractive addition to the landscape. As a culinary herb, rosemary can be used to season many of your favorite recipes, especially meat dishes. Rosemary herb that is grown over the summer can be harvested and dried to enjoy throughout the rest of the year.
Starting a Rosemary Herb Plant
Getting a rosemary herb plant started is generally the most challenging part of growing this plant. Starting from seed is no easy task, but if you decide to give it a whirl, soak your seeds for a few hours before planting to increase your odds of success. Most gardeners will choose to start rosemary from a cutting, which will generally yield more positive results. However, you can also pick up a rosemary herb plant or two from your local nursery in the spring and plant them directly outdoors for best results.
Once it is successfully established, rosemary herb plants require very little care and watering to thrive. They tend to like a lot of sun and good drainage, and rarely require fertilizer. However, you can choose to feed your plants once in the spring with a fish/kelp emulsion for best growing results. The rosemary herb is a delightful, aromatic addition to any garden that can also be used to enhance your recipes all year long.
The rosemary herb has gotten a bad rap as a plant that is difficult to grow, but this is simply not the case. This herb can actually handle a lack of attention and care quite swimmingly if it is given the best start in life. The key to successfully growing the rosemary herb lies in its humble beginnings; if you get that part right, the rest of the growing season and a bountiful harvest are sure to follow.
The Attraction of Rosemary
The rosemary herb is known as a triple threat for gardeners, because it is ornamental, fragrant and full of delightful flavor. In warmer climates, rosemary can be grown year round, but in colder areas, this herb needs to be brought indoors during the frosty months of winter or grown as an annual. It is much more challenging to keep the rosemary herb happy indoors during the winter months than it is outdoors during the summer, which is why many gardeners will choose to grow it as an annual.
As an ornamental plant, the rosemary herb is an evergreen shrub that can thrive in any type of soil and prefers full sunlight to partial shade. Larger rosemary shrubs can be shaped to a form that the gardener prefers, making it a wonderfully versatile and attractive addition to the landscape. As a culinary herb, rosemary can be used to season many of your favorite recipes, especially meat dishes. Rosemary herb that is grown over the summer can be harvested and dried to enjoy throughout the rest of the year.
Starting a Rosemary Herb Plant
Getting a rosemary herb plant started is generally the most challenging part of growing this plant. Starting from seed is no easy task, but if you decide to give it a whirl, soak your seeds for a few hours before planting to increase your odds of success. Most gardeners will choose to start rosemary from a cutting, which will generally yield more positive results. However, you can also pick up a rosemary herb plant or two from your local nursery in the spring and plant them directly outdoors for best results.
Once it is successfully established, rosemary herb plants require very little care and watering to thrive. They tend to like a lot of sun and good drainage, and rarely require fertilizer. However, you can choose to feed your plants once in the spring with a fish/kelp emulsion for best growing results. The rosemary herb is a delightful, aromatic addition to any garden that can also be used to enhance your recipes all year long.
pre planted herb gardens
Pre-Planted Herb Gardens take the Guesswork out of Gardening
Do you love the flavor of fresh herbs in your foods, but are afraid to try growing those plants on your own? Are you afraid that your lack of a green thumb will leave your herb plants less than desirable for your culinary needs? Here is a way to indulge your love of fresh seasoning with a garden that is nearly carefree. Pre-planted herb gardens have become a popular business today, and with good reason. Now you can enjoy fresh herbs on your windowsill year round by simply opening the package and adding water!
Pre-planted herb gardens take the guesswork out of gardening by providing you with all of the elements necessary to successfully cultivate your own herbs. These kits can be used indoors or out for a successful garden any time of the year. Some of these pre-planted herb garden kits don't even need natural light to thrive since they come equipped with their own lighting to keep them healthy. There is no easier way to enjoy the gardening experience and the freshest herbs right from your own home garden.
Types of Pre-Planted Herb Gardens
There are different types of pre-planted herb gardens that you can choose from to ensure that you get the easiest type of garden for you. The first kind includes herb mats that you simply place in a pot or outdoor garden plot without ever touching a seed. Each mat contains approximately 70 seeds so you are ensured of enjoying a successful crop. The mats come in sets of four, and include chives, parsley, dill and basil. You can find these kits online, or at home improvement stores.
Another type of pre-planted herb garden includes the lighting as well as the plants. The aero garden allows you to enjoy fresh herbs year round without the worry of whether your plants are getting enough natural light. This kit provides pre-planted seed pods that should begin to grow quickly and easily once your pre-planted herb garden is set up properly. The advantage to this type of garden is that you can add more seed as your plants need to be replaced to keep the entire kit blooming indefinitely.
There is nothing better than cooking with fresh herbs right off the plant, but herb gardening can be time consuming and messy at times. The good news is that with pre-planted herb gardens, you can enjoy fresh herbs year round with minimum effort and little need for a green thumb.
Do you love the flavor of fresh herbs in your foods, but are afraid to try growing those plants on your own? Are you afraid that your lack of a green thumb will leave your herb plants less than desirable for your culinary needs? Here is a way to indulge your love of fresh seasoning with a garden that is nearly carefree. Pre-planted herb gardens have become a popular business today, and with good reason. Now you can enjoy fresh herbs on your windowsill year round by simply opening the package and adding water!
Pre-planted herb gardens take the guesswork out of gardening by providing you with all of the elements necessary to successfully cultivate your own herbs. These kits can be used indoors or out for a successful garden any time of the year. Some of these pre-planted herb garden kits don't even need natural light to thrive since they come equipped with their own lighting to keep them healthy. There is no easier way to enjoy the gardening experience and the freshest herbs right from your own home garden.
Types of Pre-Planted Herb Gardens
There are different types of pre-planted herb gardens that you can choose from to ensure that you get the easiest type of garden for you. The first kind includes herb mats that you simply place in a pot or outdoor garden plot without ever touching a seed. Each mat contains approximately 70 seeds so you are ensured of enjoying a successful crop. The mats come in sets of four, and include chives, parsley, dill and basil. You can find these kits online, or at home improvement stores.
Another type of pre-planted herb garden includes the lighting as well as the plants. The aero garden allows you to enjoy fresh herbs year round without the worry of whether your plants are getting enough natural light. This kit provides pre-planted seed pods that should begin to grow quickly and easily once your pre-planted herb garden is set up properly. The advantage to this type of garden is that you can add more seed as your plants need to be replaced to keep the entire kit blooming indefinitely.
There is nothing better than cooking with fresh herbs right off the plant, but herb gardening can be time consuming and messy at times. The good news is that with pre-planted herb gardens, you can enjoy fresh herbs year round with minimum effort and little need for a green thumb.
organic herb seeds
Why to Use Organic Herb Seeds
Most experts agree that organic herb gardening, with natural fertilizers, natural weed removal methods, and organic herb seeds, is preferable to non-organic gardening.
Genetically modified seeds are the opposite of organic herb seeds. When something has been genetically modified, the very nature of its being has been altered.
Some seed modifications seem to make sense, like making a plant less susceptible to disease or infestation. However, long-term effects of these genetically modified seeds are unknown, while organic herb seeds are known to be healthy. Furthermore, using genetically modified seeds reduces the variety of foods available as we lose the old heirloom seed varieties of yesteryear.
Corporations have been very successful in securing legislation that exempts genetically modified seeds from certain healthy food regulations. Without regulation, how can we trust the food producers to harvest, ship, and sell their foods with proper labels so consumers can choose healthy, organic product. Fortunately, several organic herb seed sellers offer their products over the Internet, making it easy to purchase organic herb seeds online.
Park Seed
Park Seed has offered organic seeds for generations. Park sells organic arugula, basil cinnamon, catnip, chives, and dill. Park's organic herb collection is a best seller, including basil, cilantro, oregano, parsley, chives, thyme, and dill. Other organic herb seeds available for purchase at Park Seed include cilantro, safe, English thyme, and Italian flat leaf parsley. All of Park Seed's herb seeds are certified organic by the Clemson University under the USDA organic labeling program.
Seeds Of Change
Seeds of Change offers 100% organic products such as sauces, soups, and cereal bars. All their herbs are harvested from plants grown only from organic herb seeds. Mumms sells seeds made especially for sprouting, meant to be eaten as sprouts. It is essential that these sprout seeds be organic herb seeds, because sprouts are so potent an herb.
Eat Organic
Organic food is healthier than non-organic. A four-year study, called the biggest study ever about organic food, established that organic vegetables and fruits contained as much as 40% more antioxidants than non-organic food. The study found further that a certain variety of organic tomatoes from Greece had significantly greater levels of antioxidants that are attributed with reducing coronary heart disease.
To sum up, when shopping for organic herb seeds or vegetable seeds for your garden, look for the certified organic seal. Rest assured that you are doing the right thing by growing antioxidant-rich herbs that have been grown from seeds you can trust.
Most experts agree that organic herb gardening, with natural fertilizers, natural weed removal methods, and organic herb seeds, is preferable to non-organic gardening.
Genetically modified seeds are the opposite of organic herb seeds. When something has been genetically modified, the very nature of its being has been altered.
Some seed modifications seem to make sense, like making a plant less susceptible to disease or infestation. However, long-term effects of these genetically modified seeds are unknown, while organic herb seeds are known to be healthy. Furthermore, using genetically modified seeds reduces the variety of foods available as we lose the old heirloom seed varieties of yesteryear.
Corporations have been very successful in securing legislation that exempts genetically modified seeds from certain healthy food regulations. Without regulation, how can we trust the food producers to harvest, ship, and sell their foods with proper labels so consumers can choose healthy, organic product. Fortunately, several organic herb seed sellers offer their products over the Internet, making it easy to purchase organic herb seeds online.
Park Seed
Park Seed has offered organic seeds for generations. Park sells organic arugula, basil cinnamon, catnip, chives, and dill. Park's organic herb collection is a best seller, including basil, cilantro, oregano, parsley, chives, thyme, and dill. Other organic herb seeds available for purchase at Park Seed include cilantro, safe, English thyme, and Italian flat leaf parsley. All of Park Seed's herb seeds are certified organic by the Clemson University under the USDA organic labeling program.
Seeds Of Change
Seeds of Change offers 100% organic products such as sauces, soups, and cereal bars. All their herbs are harvested from plants grown only from organic herb seeds. Mumms sells seeds made especially for sprouting, meant to be eaten as sprouts. It is essential that these sprout seeds be organic herb seeds, because sprouts are so potent an herb.
Eat Organic
Organic food is healthier than non-organic. A four-year study, called the biggest study ever about organic food, established that organic vegetables and fruits contained as much as 40% more antioxidants than non-organic food. The study found further that a certain variety of organic tomatoes from Greece had significantly greater levels of antioxidants that are attributed with reducing coronary heart disease.
To sum up, when shopping for organic herb seeds or vegetable seeds for your garden, look for the certified organic seal. Rest assured that you are doing the right thing by growing antioxidant-rich herbs that have been grown from seeds you can trust.
north american herb & spice
North American Herb & Spice: Native Inspirations
Nothing works better when making when making when making North American dishes then using North American herb & spice. North American herb & spices are herbs and spices, which can be found within North America. This does not mean they all are herbs and spices, which had been brought into the country from other places but are actually needed to the North American continent.
There is a wide variety of North American herb & spice options that can add a distinctive flavor and tone to any dish. North American herb & spices can also the end in itself to providing a local and native feel to any kitchen garden. In fact, in some areas using North American herb & spices and a kitchen garden is actually recommended because there is a greater chance of these types of plants actually growing well in the environment. This is because they are native vegetation to the area.
How to Find Native Herbs and Spices
There are a number of ways to find herbs and spices that are native to your area. The first thing to do is check with your local nursery. Local nurseries usually have a good idea of the types of plants that are native to the area and can provide a significant amount of assistance. When attempting to locate native herbs and spices. Often times these herbs and spices are going to be native plants you may not have even considered to be edible.
Another option is to check with agricultural clubs or gardening clubs these can be another great resource. When looking for plants that are native to a particular area. Another option is to use the Internet. The Internet can provide a significant number of resources in regards to the various options for native vegetation and a given area. They can also provide a wealth of information in regards to gardening and growing these native plants.
Finally there is always the option of checking out gardening books and other printed resource materials which can be ordered either online or can be found through your local library system. Any of these options can provide you with the necessary information not only to grow and locate these herbs and spices but also dishes and other way is that these herbs and spices can be beneficial to you through either medicinal or through cooking mediums. They can also provide a great way to have a wonderful native garden.
Nothing works better when making when making when making North American dishes then using North American herb & spice. North American herb & spices are herbs and spices, which can be found within North America. This does not mean they all are herbs and spices, which had been brought into the country from other places but are actually needed to the North American continent.
There is a wide variety of North American herb & spice options that can add a distinctive flavor and tone to any dish. North American herb & spices can also the end in itself to providing a local and native feel to any kitchen garden. In fact, in some areas using North American herb & spices and a kitchen garden is actually recommended because there is a greater chance of these types of plants actually growing well in the environment. This is because they are native vegetation to the area.
How to Find Native Herbs and Spices
There are a number of ways to find herbs and spices that are native to your area. The first thing to do is check with your local nursery. Local nurseries usually have a good idea of the types of plants that are native to the area and can provide a significant amount of assistance. When attempting to locate native herbs and spices. Often times these herbs and spices are going to be native plants you may not have even considered to be edible.
Another option is to check with agricultural clubs or gardening clubs these can be another great resource. When looking for plants that are native to a particular area. Another option is to use the Internet. The Internet can provide a significant number of resources in regards to the various options for native vegetation and a given area. They can also provide a wealth of information in regards to gardening and growing these native plants.
Finally there is always the option of checking out gardening books and other printed resource materials which can be ordered either online or can be found through your local library system. Any of these options can provide you with the necessary information not only to grow and locate these herbs and spices but also dishes and other way is that these herbs and spices can be beneficial to you through either medicinal or through cooking mediums. They can also provide a great way to have a wonderful native garden.
mint herb
Mint Herb Varieties
As a culinary herb, mint is a versatile addition to any kitchen. However, every gardener dreads finding mint in their garden. Mint grows like a weed, and once it crops up in an area, it can be invasive, choking out other plants.
The advantage of the invasive quality of mint is that it is easy for beginners to grow. Mint is virtually impossible to kill. It is not frost-hardy, and it will appear to die off with the first hard frost of fall. However, the underground root system is extensive and extremely hard to kill, so tender shoots of mint will pop up again next spring, seemingly out of nowhere. Mint will grow in full sun or partial shade.
Grow Mint Herb in Pots
Because of the invasive nature of the root system of mint plants, many gardeners prefer to grow mint herbs in containers or in a small planting bed that is surrounded by paving or concrete. However, if you have a natural area in your garden where you don't mind letting mint herbs run rampant, you may wish to grow mint in that area where you will not mind if it grows wild and takes over the entire area.
Harvesting Mint
The advantage of growing a great deal of mint herbs in your garden is that, when harvest time comes, you will have abundant amounts of mint herbs available at your fingertips. Besides, every herb gardener knows that harvesting mint is one of the most pleasant gardening chores you will ever have to do, because of the fragrant aroma that emanates from these plants as you work among them.
Growing Catnip
The herb mint commonly known as catnip is actually cat mint, or nepeta. Scientists believe that a cat's susceptibility to catnip is an inherited trait; thus, cats that love catnip will love it for their entire lives, while other cats will pass a catnip plant by without even noticing it. With catnip, it's all or nothing. If you cat enjoys catnip, you should plant it in the ground, not in a pot.
Cats love to roll in catnip and strip the leaves from the stems with their teeth. A potted plant is likely to topple over under this attention, but putting a plant in the ground will give cats the leverage they need to enjoy the herb mint known as catnip. Whether you plant spearmint, peppermint, or catnip, growing mint is fun and gives a beginning gardener a lot of confidence. Why not plant some mint herbs today?
As a culinary herb, mint is a versatile addition to any kitchen. However, every gardener dreads finding mint in their garden. Mint grows like a weed, and once it crops up in an area, it can be invasive, choking out other plants.
The advantage of the invasive quality of mint is that it is easy for beginners to grow. Mint is virtually impossible to kill. It is not frost-hardy, and it will appear to die off with the first hard frost of fall. However, the underground root system is extensive and extremely hard to kill, so tender shoots of mint will pop up again next spring, seemingly out of nowhere. Mint will grow in full sun or partial shade.
Grow Mint Herb in Pots
Because of the invasive nature of the root system of mint plants, many gardeners prefer to grow mint herbs in containers or in a small planting bed that is surrounded by paving or concrete. However, if you have a natural area in your garden where you don't mind letting mint herbs run rampant, you may wish to grow mint in that area where you will not mind if it grows wild and takes over the entire area.
Harvesting Mint
The advantage of growing a great deal of mint herbs in your garden is that, when harvest time comes, you will have abundant amounts of mint herbs available at your fingertips. Besides, every herb gardener knows that harvesting mint is one of the most pleasant gardening chores you will ever have to do, because of the fragrant aroma that emanates from these plants as you work among them.
Growing Catnip
The herb mint commonly known as catnip is actually cat mint, or nepeta. Scientists believe that a cat's susceptibility to catnip is an inherited trait; thus, cats that love catnip will love it for their entire lives, while other cats will pass a catnip plant by without even noticing it. With catnip, it's all or nothing. If you cat enjoys catnip, you should plant it in the ground, not in a pot.
Cats love to roll in catnip and strip the leaves from the stems with their teeth. A potted plant is likely to topple over under this attention, but putting a plant in the ground will give cats the leverage they need to enjoy the herb mint known as catnip. Whether you plant spearmint, peppermint, or catnip, growing mint is fun and gives a beginning gardener a lot of confidence. Why not plant some mint herbs today?
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