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Did you ever notice how the best recipes call for fresh herbs?
Rather than using the dried up equivalents found in the spice aisle
of a grocery store, many gourmet recipes want the fresh flavor of
homegrown herbs. These herbs have a delightful and zesty flavor
that adds a lot to the value of a dish. Where do the serious
gourmets turn for their herbs when an ordinary grocery store only
carry spices for the mediocre taste bud? Many cooks grow their own
herbs in an indoor garden. In pursuit of that right flavor and
aroma in a dish, many cooks are willing to put forth the extra time
and effort to have completely fresh herbs on-hand.
If herbs have a delicate flavor, does that mean the plant is also
delicate? Don't let their delicate flavor mislead you into thinking
the herb plant is also delicate. In fact, many herbs grow so hardy
that they are labeled ~invasive~. In garden language, that means
herb plants will totally dominate and take over an area. To save
your garden from this invasiveness, it's much simpler to grow herbs
indoors in a dedicated location. Begin your garden by picking out a
variety of small to medium flowerpots with drainage holes. Your
selection looks best if the pots match your decor. The herbs that
you select should interest you and maybe even look good in your
room's surroundings. When you scoop in potting soil, be sure to
prepare the soil according to the bag's planting directions.
Decide which herbs are your favorites that you would like to try
growing. Any of these herbs make a good choice for starting your
herb growing adventure: basil, thyme, sage, chives and rosemary.
Purchase a packet of seeds or starter plants from your local
greenhouse or nursery. If it is winter and your local garden
centers are closed, you can buy seed packets online any time of
year. Plant herb seeds according to the package directions, being
careful not to plant the tiny seeds too deep.
While people think the window sill is a great place to put plants
so they can get sun, by the window will be too cold for your
seedlings, especially if you live in a cold climate. Position the
flower pots so that the plants will get sun for about six to eight
hours per day. Water your herbs when the top of the soil in the pot
feels dry. If you are afraid of watering plants, there is a
thermometer-like device that lists plant names available from
garden centers. You simply place this thermometer in the soil and
it tells you whether your type of plant needs water. Be sure to
have a plastic drip pan for flower pots to catch the water that
drains through the drain holes.
Don't think you can grow herbs on your own? Just remember that
almost everyone can grow a Chia pet. As an herb grows, you simply
snip off the fresh herb with a kitchen scissors and dice up for
your favorite gourmet dish. You'll find these gourmet dishes made
from scratch will turn out much tastier when you infuse them with
your homegrown herbs.
Copyright 2005 Riccardo Calder. All rights reserved.
Riccardo Calder is the owner and operator of
You And
Herbs a major website for information on herbs.
For further details and questions visit his archive of articles:
http://www.yaherbs.com/
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