Spring is planting time! If you don’t have room or time for a full-fledged garden, you can add lots of flavor to your meals and drinks by simply planting a few key herbs.
Here are the seven I always make sure to have in my garden:
- Mint: If mint finds the right location it will take over your garden. For this reason, I like to plant my mint in a container. By covering your mint on those frozen winter nights, you have a chance of saving it year after year. Tea, water, and a good watermelon salad are just made more delightful with a fresh sprig of mint!
2. Rosemary: A beautiful landscaping plant that with the right conditions will perennially grace your garden. It will thrive in full or partial sun. Chicken, fish and pasta are “flavored up” with the addition of fresh rosemary. Also, a sprig will add a touch of beauty to appetizers.
Here’s a trick I learned from the Fredericksburg Herb Garden: Take your fingers and run them along a sprig to release the aroma. Insert in white wine and place in the fridge for an hour or so – a beautiful herbaceous addition!
3. Thyme: Here’s another herb that can make it over the winter and also add a nice touch to your landscape. I just love it when beauty and culinary collide! I particularly like lemon thyme.
4. Basil: Basil just screams Italian, but it can also be added to water for a fresh flavor, salads, and even poultry and fish. Of course who doesn’t love pesto!
5. Chives: This is a newcomer for me, but I wouldn’t be without it! Fresh just beats dried on this herb every time. Also, since it is typically and annual, you can freeze for that baked potato in the winter.
6. Oregano: Either potted or in the ground – this herb has a huge chance of making it over the winter. It’s one that I cover with a sheet on icy nights with great luck in maintaining its green. Fresh oregano is unbeatable on meats and of course Mexican cuisine loves it!
7. And last but definitely not least: Parsley! Fresh parsley- in my mind is no comparison to the dried. And it makes just about any platter, charcuterie, or dish pretty. It is so handy to have in your garden to snip for a little embellishment. And it cleans your breath! I prefer a planter for parsley as I’ve had trouble with pill bugs when it’s in the ground.
And there you have it! My seven faves!
