Grow a Herb Garden - Tips and Advice

One of the great things about when you grow a herb garden is that you can plant outdoors or indoors. Then, this type of garden is unique in that you can choose from different categories of herbs, some used for cooking, some for arts and crafts, herbs used for their aromatic characters, plants that could be used for homemade medicinal remedies, and so on. With so many wonderful plant choices, you could grow herbs for one specific type of cuisine such as Italian or German, or mix and match various species for all types of cooking.

When you grow a herb garden, you can choose to grow hearty plants using seeds or small plants. While there are a few differences, most simply need rich soil, lots of sunlight, and good watering. One of the greatest benefits of growing an herb garden has to do with how easy these plants are to grow. Unlike fruits and vegetables that require significant attention, most herbs are quite strong, which is why they do well outdoors or indoors.

Grow a Herb Garden Indoors

Since herbs are so small, many people living in homes without adequate outdoor space or apartment dwellers with no yard at all will turn to indoor growing. For this, all you need is different pots or containers, seeds or plants of the herbs you want to grow, and a place near a window. Then with a little bit of care, you would soon have mature plants that could be used for whatever purpose wanted.

If you want to grow a herb garden outdoors, the greatest benefit is that the plants would have ample sunlight. In addition, growing herbs outdoors allows you the opportunity to grow as many different types of herbs wanted. Because the space would be greater, you would have more room for versatility. With this, you might start growing a few types of herbs but then discover you want to add more.

Of course, creating an outdoor herb garden also means you have space for growing vegetables amongst or around the herbs so you benefit from growing a greater quantity of fresh foods to enjoy. Even the harder to grow herbs, those that appreciate a shady spot could grow hearty outdoors simply by taking advantage of areas of the garden shaded by vegetable plants.

Just as there are benefits of growing an herb garden outdoors, there are also benefits of growing herbs indoors. Again, you need little space so if you have no yard or a small yard, then you can still enjoy the fragrance and flavor that homegrown herbs offer. In addition, you would not need any special type of container since most herbs are very content being grown in miscellaneous pots and containers. As long as your plants have plenty of sunlight, healthy soil, and proper water, they will do amazingly well indoors. Then, rather than walk down to the garden outside when you want to add fresh parsley, thyme, marjoram, oregano, dill, or other herbs to a dish, you simply walk over to the plants being grown in the house and use what you need.

While an herb garden is grown for a variety of reasons, most often people want herbs for culinary purposes. Most herbs in this category are easy to grow and they continue growing as long as they are being provided with needed nutrients, sunlight, and water. We wanted to provide you with a short list of popular herbs grown both outdoors and indoors but remember, you can grow as many different types of herbs that you want.

* Parsley – This herb is often used for Italian and fish dishes. Usually, a small amount of parsley will add that special hint of flavor that makes food more delicious.
 
* Thyme – This herb is small, producing woody stems. Typically, thyme is added to sauces, soups, casseroles, and grilled meat recipes. Only a small pinch of thyme would complete the meal.

* Basil – This herb is pungent but used in a variety of dishes to include pizza, pasta dishes, and sauces. The flavor of basil is sophisticated, rich, and versatile.

* Aniseed – Related to the tarragon herb, aniseed grows narrow leaves that produce a spice flavor, commonly used in the making of mayonnaise and fish. The flavor strongly resembles licorice, making this a great herb for baking as well.

* Coriander Seeds – Coming from the cilantro plant, coriander seeds are often used to add flavor to curry sauces and pork. The zesty citrus flavor is mild yet strong enough to make a significant difference. Coriander seeds are also used for salads, making chutney, and pickling.

* Mint Herbs – Within the mint family of herbs are many different plants such as peppermint, sage, and rosemary, among others. For making soups, sauces, meats, potatoes, and even jellies, these homegrown herbs are delicious.

* Saffron – Unfortunately, more people do not grow saffron. When purchased in the store, saffron is highly expensive but you can enjoy the delicious flavor for near nothing in your herb garden. Saffron has a mild, sweet flavor of honey with a pungent kick. This herb is very different, unlike any other herb, often used in poultry and fish dishes, or for making Turkish rice pudding.