Posts Tagged ‘growing herbs’

3 Top Tips For Your Indoor Herb Gardens

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Growing herbs is a great hobby. They enhance to your cooking, decorate your home plus are easy to grow. Lots of people believe that herbs won’t grow properly indoors. This is certainly far from the truth. Most herbs will grow quite contentedly in a home. However, there are some areas which need a little bit additional consideration.

Below are the three most common pit falls and the way to avoid them.

1. Sunlight. Herbs love sunlight. Attempt to keep your plants close to a bright window that catches plenty of sunlight. If the herbs begin to get long, weak stems then it is a sign that the indoor herb gardens craving additional sunshine. If you are unable to provide natural sunlight to your herbs then you should buy a growlight. These are special lights that copy sunlight and help your herbs to flourish.

2. Temperature. Most of us want to be warm in winter. However our heating system dries out the air and can upset your herbs. You could discover that the plants succeed better with added moisture. To accomplish this you shouldn’t have to go out and purchase costly humidifiers, you can simply place your herb pots next to a larger bowl which you can fill with pebbles and water. As your home gets warmer then the water will evaporate and the herbs will perk up almost immediately.

3. Pests. Through the cold winter months most of the eggs laid by the pests that attack herb gardens will be killed off by the frost. With indoor herb gardens the eggs will not be killed off and you may unexpectedly find your plants are bug-ridden. If your herbs are in fairly small pots they are very easy to get rid off. You must prepare a bowl of lukewarm water mixed with a small quantity of washing up liquid. Simply turn the herb upside-down, holding the soil and roots in place within the pot and swill the leaves around in the water. This will strip off the pest and will not affect the herb. If your indoor herb gardens are in bigger pots then you will need to put the soapy water in a spray and spray the pests. This will take longer and you’ll need to keep an eye out for re-infestation since you are not likely to get all of the eggs at once, but it should work just as effectively.

So with plenty of light, moisture to compensate for your central heating and a watchful eye for pests your indoor herb gardens ought to soon be thriving.

If you’re uncertain which herbs to begin with, try considering which would be the most handy in your kitchen and set up with these. Through growing what you need you’ll soon realize the advantages and enjoyment available from your indoor herb gardens.

Indoor herb gardens are a great way to enhance your cooking and your home.

Learn more about indoor herb gardens and learn essential suggestions at http://theherbbook.com

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • Share/Bookmark

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Food | No Comments »

Scrumptious & Aromatic Basil Herbs

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Basil herbs are royalty, meaning \”King\”the name originated from the Greek word basileus. But you new that. Rumour has it that, many years ago, the Romans & Greeks associated the word and the herb became somewhat malicious. And get this… some good citizens believed that the only way to get herbs to germinate was to scream a curse at them. This has since proved to be incorrect but it is difficult to argue against the fact that basil herbs are a \’strongly perfumed\’ if not too strong.

In later times, basil came to represent love, and men in Italy would give women a sprig of basil as a romantic gesture. When it comes to cuisine, basil is usually identified with Mediterranean food, along with Italian and Thai specialties. However, did you know that this herb actually came from India? Yes, it was Vishnu and Krishna\’s own personal choice.

Growing Basil Plants

Basil herb plants grow as perennials in some tropical regions and are often used as annuals in temperate zones. The first and most important thing to understand about basil herbs is that the plant is very sensitive to temperature. It is best grown in warm and sunny weather. In fact, it\’s more preferable to keep pots or gardens indoors rather than expose it to outdoor weather.

Basil prefers soil that does not hold the water too much along with premium quality compost or well \’matured\’ manure. It needs a constant supply of water along with good drainage. Basil will wilt quickly if it doesn\’t get enough light or it\’s positioned where it gets a breeze. Additionally. those looking after basil will need to add mulch to the soil to maintain it properly. The stems will need to be removed along with the flowers when it starts to get going.

And don\’t worry about cutting the flowers off, it\’s that very act that gives us basil, surely the most flavorsome herb available. Try tasting the leaves prior to flowering, that\’s when the flavor is the strongest.

The Use of Basil

Basil herbs are not traditionally used as a homeopathic extract, its greatest resources are discovered in culinary use. However, basil does have certain antibacterial and antiviral properties. Basil is actually related to mint, and it has some value as a digestive aid, not to mention a smooth and comforting tea.

Many say there are lots on varietis of basil yet to be revealed although there currently is over sixty varieties. The most popular of the family is sweet basil although certain soups & beverages contain lemon basil. Other members of the group include Opal herbs & cinnamon.

Growing your own basil herbs gives you a rare opportunity: you can use it as seasoning when the herbs are extra fresh and straight off the leaves of the plant. Basil you find at the common store has been sitting in a container for days or even weeks and is not anywhere near the same quality.

Just imagine the meals you could make with a fresh serving of real basil!

Peter Williams is a mad herb gardener & loves spreading the \’herb word\’… so for more great information about the secrets of basil herbs check out What Are The Healthiest Herbs? You are welcome to reprint this article – but get your own unique content version here.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • Share/Bookmark

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Food | No Comments »

Imagine Cooking With Your Own Italian Herb Garden

Saturday, December 12th, 2009

There are many possibilities when growing your own Italian herb garden, whether large or small. Growing your own Italian herb garden is an excellent way to spruce up your cooking. Italy is home to some of the most delicious herbs in the world.

The following list are some essential herbs for every Italian herb garden.

Basil is a well know Italian herb and useful in many Italian recipes. Basil will not only add flavor to many Italian cuisines, it is useful in the garden to other plants. Planting basil next to your peppers and tomatoes will actually improve their flavor. Plus, basil will also repel flies and mosquitoes.

Italian parsley is the flat leaf variety and is popular in Italian cuisine, as well as many others. Parsley is more difficult to grow than other herbs and requires a much richer, nutrient dense soil; however, it\’s well worth the effort. Parsley is not only delicious, makes a pretty garnish but is extremely healthy as well. Many generations ago before their were breath mints it was found that eating fresh, raw parsley after a meal eradicated the bad breath left over from enjoying a flavorful cuisine. The tradition arose to serve parsley on a small dish after the meal. The tradition lives today by using parsley as a garnish on a variety of meals.

Oregano is as decorative as it is flavorful. When it is fully mature it will sprout pretty little purple flowers. Oregano should not be harvested until it has flowered because this is when the plant is most flavorful.

Fennel is a popular herb and is best known for its seeds. The fennel seeds are added to sausages and pizza, while the bulb can be cooked as a wonderful side dish. Fennel has a licorice flavor and is perfect for a wide variety of dishes.

Like basil, rosemary is an Italian herb that is beneficial to the garden. It grows into a large shrub that spouts pretty little blue flowers. It helps the garden by attracting bees. Although it is a tough evergreen perennial, it is sensitive to frost.

Probably the most used herb in Italian cuisines is garlic. No Italian herb garden would be complete without this useful herb. Garlic cloves can be planted and will thrive in just about any garden with very little attention. They can be stored to be used at a later time after they are harvested by freezing them or pickling them to store in the refrigerator.

Sage is the popular herb of Thanksgiving turkey, stuffing and gravies. Sage has a strong flavor, and like rosemary, only a little is needed to add flavor to your cooking. This herb is a good choice for your Italian herb garden because it is easy to grow and propagate into new plants.

These are my recommended herbs you use to start your garden but there are many Italian herbs you can choose from and no need to limit yourself to just these. I like these herbs because they are also fragrant and beautiful growing in your garden.

About the author: Joy Harrison is the author of \”Joy\’s Guide To Herb Gardening\” and the webmaster of Easy Italian Cooking where you can get free recipes and learn how to cook with your home grown herbs.

categories: italian herb garden,home herb garden,growing herbs,herb gardens,gardening,food,home

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • Share/Bookmark

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Food | No Comments »

Discover the Many Benefits of a Good Herbs Guide

Friday, November 20th, 2009

Ever been in a situation where you need to identify an herb? If you have, wouldn’t an herbs guide be a handy thing to have to help you choose the herbs to suit your cooking. A good quality herbs guide should contain information about the different varieties, gardening & cooking tips & other relevant information.

Here’s Some Popular Varieties

What are some of the healthiest and most delicious herbs that are recommended by cooks and diners alike? Garlic is certainly at the top of any herbs guide, as this herb delivers both great taste and other physical benefits. Garlic can prevent heart disease and cardiovascular disease, and it also shows signs of preventing cancer development.

Another well regarded herb is Hawthorne berry and this too will be in every herbs guide. Known for its health benefits, it can reduce the risk of heart problems by enlarging the arteries & slowing the heart rate. Another ‘health’ herb is Ginko Bilobo, this one is great for people with macular degeneration

It is also recommended to treat problems with vertigo, depression, senility and inner ear disturbances. Licorice is also mentioned as a healthy herb, one that has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is known to ease arthritis and prevent Alzheimer’s disease and is regularly found in curry dishes.

For Extra Taste & Improved Health, Eat More Herbs

However, cooking with a guide to herbs is not just about healthy eating. Some herbs are primarily used for their fantastic taste. Basil offers a popular minty taste to Italian dishes while oregano adds a spicy robust taste. Other popular types of herbs for dining pleasure include chives, cilantro, dill, hyssop, mint, ginger, parsley, rosemary and thyme.

Whilst reading your herbs guide you may learn that the herbs used for cooking vary from other extracts like roots, fruit or even dried leaves and roots. Used mainly for improving taste without affecting substance, cooking herbs are added in small amounts. Lots of common cooking herbs are shrubs, as rosemary is, while others, bay laurel for example are tree extracts from botanic plants.

Spices and Herbs

In case you’re wondering about the differences between spices and herbs, both terms have been used to describe dried parts of a plant, and both greatly improve the taste of food. As far as differences, spices are usually associated with aromatic plants such as pepper and cinnamon, whereas herbs tend to be associated with greener and leafier plants like mint and rosemary. Spices tend to grow in warmer temperatures, and herbs in more temperature parts. Over time however, spices became a general term that occasionally encompasses herbs, blends and other extracts.

One way to significantly improve your cooking skills is to learn all you can about herbs, and the best tool for doing that is a good herbs guide. Herbs can improve most dishes and you’ll be healthier for it.

Peter Williams is a mad herb gardener & loves spreading the ‘herb word’… so for more great information about a herbs guide check out www.WhatAreHerbs.com Visit the Uber Article Directory to get a totally unique version of this article for reprint.

categories: herbs,cooking,culinary,eating,food,health,herb gardening,growing herbs,indoor gardening,lifestyle,horticulture,plants,kitchen,annuals

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • Share/Bookmark

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Food | No Comments »