They say herb gardens are very easy to grow, however, I myself have had very poor luck! But what can I say? I'm the cook not the gardener!
Moving on!
Lesson 1: Identifying Herbs
Sweet basil is enjoyed for its mild peppery flavor, with a hint of mint and clove. A staple in Italian, Mediterranean and Thai cooking, basil can also be used in flower gardens, as border plants and in hanging baskets.
Cilantro (also called coriander) is a leafy herb with a sharp, aromatic flavor. It's popular in Latin American and Asian cuisines. *Ground corriander is cilantro seeds dried and ground into a powder and used for cooking*
Dill, often associated with pickling cucumbers, is delicious with salmon or potatoes.
Thyme grows up to a foot tall and spreads wider. It has a distinctive, spicy scent and can be used as a salad garnish or to flavor cooked vegetables. Some people believe that putting a sprig of it underneath your pillow helps you fall asleep more quickly.
Lemon thyme is a branchy trailing plant that forms mats of aromatic, lemon-scented foliage.
Oregano is one of the several species of wild marjoram that can grow up to two feet tall. It's a great herb for seasoning tomato dishes and meats.
Sage is an attractive garden plant, and some varieties have variegated leaves. Sage is traditionally used in breads and dressings that accompany turkey and pork. Hardy in Zones 4-8.
Chives have a mild onion flavor that enhances salads, egg dishes, soups and vegetables. The clover-like purple flowers that bloom in spring are also edible and make a colorful addition to salads. Hardy in Zones 3-9.
Lemon balm has a strong, heady citrus scent.
Mints are a family of plants known for their aromatic oils. A few leaves adds refreshing zest to a glass of lemonade or iced tea adds.
Spearmint is a tough perennial that thrives almost anywhere in the U.S. The bright green leaves are attractive in a flower arrangement, and this mint, too, is good for flavoring beverages.
Lavender is well known for its aroma. It grows into a bush with purple flower spikes that attract bees and butterflies. The dried flowers make lovely sachets for closets and drawers.
Rosemary, another member of the mint family, is one of the oldest herbs known to humankind. Through the ages it has been credited with healing wounds, alleviating headaches and improving memory. It is a strong, pungent herb, and a few leaves add a distinctive flavor to breads, poultry and vegetables. It becomes bushy and shrub-like in a few years. (Its wonderful on red potatoes sauteed with onion and a little bit of garlic).
Parsley is biennial, which means that it grows for two seasons and then dies and needs to be replaced. It is often used as a garnish and makes a nice addition to soups.
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