Growing Culinary Herbs in Containers
herbs in wheelbarrow
- Growing Culinary Herbs: Chives
A few years back a friend and I were discussing herbs and we reached a point where it was necessary to ask, what is an herb/ Herbs serve many purpose and in this hub the use for herbs that we are examining...
- Growing Culinary Herbs- Basil
Herbs bring even the simplest foods to life and because so many of the frequently used culinary herbs are easy to grow, you can not only cook with fresh herbs but grow them as well. Herbs like...
- Bob's Guide to Container Gardening
The summer of 1991, that was when I set up my first container garden. We were living in Thunder Bay, Ontario and had just moved into the top floor of the house with a great view of the harbour and a balcony...
herbs
Herbs may be the perfect container garden plants. Most herbs will do well in a container that is four to six inches across. It is important to place the container in a spot where it will get at least six hours of sunlight and to check the container on a regular basis to see if the plants needs watering.
I use the first knuckle rule to determine if it is time to water. Stick your index finger into the soil in the container, if the soil is dry up to the first knuckle then it is time to water. When you add water be thorough; give the plant a good drink. Be sure the container has drainage so any excess water can escape and the herbs do not get wet feet.
I prefer clay pots for herbs but you can grow them in anything you wish as long as there is sufficient room for the roost to develop and get the air they need and there is drainage as mentioned above.
What herbs will you grow? The herbs you use for cooking are the herbs you will want to plant. Basil, chives, cilantro, dill, oregano, rosemary, thyme and parsley are the most commonly used culinary herbs. Lemon balm is also popular.
Herbs can be grown both indoors and out, indoors a sunny windowsill in your kitchen can be the perfect palce to grow the herbs you use most often. A kitchen window herb garden places the fresh herbs you need right at hand.
I make tomato sauce on a regular basis. It ahs a number of sues besides tasting great over pasta. Basil is a must and can be grown right alongside the tomato plants in a container that can be set on a balcony or patio so that it is handy when you need to harvest some basil leaves or pick a tomato for a snack.
Herbs are perfect plants for small spaces and should be grown as close to a door as possible so that you do not need to travel far to pick them when they are needed.
So to wrap up, first decide what herbs you wish to grow, and then pick the appropriate containers. Place the containers, either indoors, where they will get the required sunlight, or outdoors as close to the door as possible and in a site where they get six to eight hours of sunlight each day.
Herb leaves can be harvested as needed and the plants just keep on producing, a win-wind gardening scenario.
