each april, i plant a container garden full of herbs on my sun porch. it's the first thing i plant, with the exception of a few seeds this year. it serves me all year long - i use the fresh basil & mint a lot in the summer, then i hang the plants each fall to dry them out. i then store them and use for cooking until the next summer comes.
here are a few tips on growing your own herb garden:
basil:
like other mints, is a sun-loving plant that isn't too fussy about the soil it occupies as long as it is moisture retentive with good drainage.
oregano:
prefers full sun and well drained soil. pick flower buds as soon as they appear - the leaves turn bitter after flowers bloom.
thyme:
plant in a sheltered spot with full sun light. it is a perennial that will survive the winter but will last for only about 3 to 4 years. flavor is best from mid june to mid july.
chives:
an area with full sun is best, but this plant can tollerate significant amounts of shade. chive flowers are edible and make a beautiful addition to any salad!
dill:
dill can be grown almost anywhere. it can tolerate wet or dry areas and rich or poor soil. i find that it does best in cooler weather however so i usually reduce harvesting during the hot summer months.
rosemary:
likes a lot of sunshine but will tolerate some shade. this plant will develop small flowers in late spring. bring inside during the winter and place in a window... they make an excellent mini-christmas tree too!
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