Herbs for Your Kitchen Garden

Introduction:

There are some herbs that work great combinations with food. Basil on mozzarella cheese with olive oil makes a great salad. Rosemary sprinkled over baked chicken breast or cooked with a holiday turkey creates a fantastic flavor. Of all the herbs that you could plant in your herb garden or kitchen garden, there are five that are used in every day cooking. They are easy to plant and easy to grow.

If you enjoy gardening and cooking, the following five herbs are absolutely essential herbs for your kitchen garden.

1. Basil
Basil is by far the most popular herb used in cooking. Basil can be added to sauces, soups and stews to bring out great flavors. There are several varieties of basil; lemon, licorice, and slam queen, Italian large leaf which is also the most common basil used by professional and home cooks. Growing it is easy, just throw a package of basil seed in your garden plot or window planter and you will have all the basil you will need for the year.

2. Rosemary
Rosemary works the best with just about any poultry dish. It often grows as tall as two feet so it should be planted in the kitchen garden rather than window boxes. However, rosemary is a little difficult to grow in some climates. The germination rate is only about 50%, so sow plenty of seeds. Rosemary adds tremendous flavor to just about anything.

3. Oregano
Oregano is often called the pizza herb because it adds so much flavor to pizza. The most popular oregano is the Italian variety which most cooks are accustom to using, either at home or by professional cooks in popular restaurants. Oregano is not just a pizza herb; it is also used in soups and stews. Because oregano is a perennial plant it does not have to be planted every year. The plant dies in the fall and then returns in the spring from its root stock. It is a very hardy plant that grows in most warm regions.

4. Parsley
Parsley is used as an herb spice and as a garnish for many different dishes. Most frequently it is used in potato dishes, commonly called parsley potatoes. Just melt some butter, mix in some parsley, paint some potatoes with the mixture and cook at 350-375 degrees until the potatoes are soft. Parsley is a perennial herb so you can enjoy it year after year. It will grow to maturity in approximately 70 days.

5. Chives
Chives is most commonly used with sour cream. It is a perennial plant that has a very mild flavor, similar to onion. When it grows it looks like grass. It is a great addition to potatoes, soups and stews.

These are only five of the many different herbs you can choose from when planting and growing herbs. Herbs for your kitchen garden are easy to plant and most herbs grow in most climates. These five herbs will add wonderful flavor to a variety of your favorite dishes.

Happy Gardening!

Gardening Boxes

How to Grow Strawberries

How to Grow Tomatoes

How to Prepare Garden Soil for Planting

Planting Annuals in Garden Boxes

For more DIY information Check out these Resources