From thyme to timing: essential tips to cultivate your own herb garden -

In every great cook’s home lies the potential for a beautiful, aromatic kitchen garden filled with culinary herbs fresh for the picking. Herbs breathe new life into old recipes and are easier to plant, grow, and use then you might even realize! What's more, kitchen herbs are sure to add diversity and flavor to any dish.

While you can buy most or all herbs prepackaged from a store, they often wilt or go bad very quickly and can be quite expensive. To save time and money, as well as allowing yourself to have the freshest and longest-lasting options, consider growing your own kitchen herbs. Click through to learn how.

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What is a kitchen herb garden? -

A kitchen herb garden is simply that, an herb garden focused on growing culinary herbs to use in the kitchen.

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Why grow your own herbs? -

Cooking with culinary herbs is an easy and effective way to truly elevate even the simplest of meals.

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Personal health - Oregano, for example, is a herb that is antibacterial, antiviral, and rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants.

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Ecosystem and garden health -

Certain culinary herbs possess pungent smells that actually deter pest insects such as mosquitos and whiteflies, thereby helping to keep all nearby plants healthier.

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How many types of herbs are there? -

While there are hundreds of types of herbs worldwide, not all are common in the culinary world.

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Common herb classification -

The most common herbs are broken into the following four categories: the Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, and Onion families.

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Sage -

Sage is favored for its robust, earthy flavor, making it essential in various global cuisines, especially Italian.

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Rosemary - Rosemary's aromatic qualities also make it a pleasant, non-toxic choice for household bouquets, appreciated for being pet-friendly.

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Parsley -

Parsley is a popular herb due to its fresh, slightly bitter taste that enhances the flavors of various dishes. It is commonly used in salads, pesto, and as a garnish.

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Mint -

Mint is loved for its sweet and refreshing flavor, often used in drinks, teas, and summer dishes. It is grown in pots to control its aggressive spreading.

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Thyme -

Thyme is valued for its earthy, sweet, and mildly peppery taste, making it extremely versatile in cooking.

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Dill -

Known for its sweet and sharp lemony flavor, dill is ideal for pickles, sauces, and fish dishes. Its delicate nature means it's usually used fresh to preserve its taste.

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Cilantro -

Cilantro's bright, citrusy flavor makes it a staple in Mexican cuisine and dishes like guacamole and salsa. It’s also valuable for its seeds, known as coriander.

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Oregano -

Dubbed the "pizza herb," oregano's pungent, savory flavor enriches a variety of dishes, including sauces, breads, and meat dishes.

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Basil -

This classic Italian herb is great for caprese salads with tomato and mozzarella. Also, it’s a key factor in homemade pesto, which can be frozen or served fresh.

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Chives -

Chives have a green onion-like flavor but are less intense. They can be sprinkled on a meal at the very end or even as a garnish when served.

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Starting your herb garden -

The world of herbs is diverse. Dive in today by learning about their unique growing requirements, which will set the foundation for a thriving garden.

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Growing herbs at home - Consider starting with either nursery-bought plants for more immediate results, or seeds for a more rewarding, hands-on gardening experience.

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Where to purchase seeds -

It’s important to opt for organic, non-GMO seeds from reputable local nurseries or consider propagating cuttings from friends. This will enhance genetic diversity and adaptability in your garden.

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Designing your growing space -

Establish a productive growing environment using raised beds or containers filled with well-draining soil, thereby mimicking the natural conditions most herbs thrive in.

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Lighting needs for herbs -

Ensure your herbs receive ample light. Consider even using timed, artificial lighting to mimic natural sunlight patterns and promote growth.

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Practical growing tips - Grow herbs that you frequently use in cooking to maximize the usefulness and enjoyment of your garden.

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Know which plants work better together -

Be strategic in your plant placement—group herbs with similar watering needs together, such as Mediterranean herbs that prefer drier soil.

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Harvesting and using your herbs -

There are many options to use your freshly grown herbs. From drying to incorporating them into recipes and dishes, these delicious herbs are yours to be creative with!

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Idea 1: Basil and tomato tart -

Elevate your savory treat game by blending fresh tomatoes with fragrant basil leaves in a tart, creating a blend of flavors sure to impress.

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Idea 2: Sun-dried tomato -

Intensify sun-dried tomatoes by pairing them with finely chopped herbs for a flavorful addition to pastas and salads alike.

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Idea 3: Herb butter -

Whip some fresh herbs into butter and bring a bit of garden freshness to grilled meats, vegetables, or simply spread onto some bread.

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Idea 4: Infused herb oils - Herb oils are perfect for drizzling over grilled vegetables, dressing salads, or dipping specialty bread into.

Sources: (HowStuffWorks) (Gardenary) (Epicurious) (Homestead and Chill) (Gardenuity)

See also: How to get exercise in by gardening

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