Spring is here, and with summer not far off, maybe you’ve been considering some new recipes for meals. Whether on the barbeque or in the oven, there are many wonderful culinary herbs out there that are easy to care for and grow yet also can spice up your meals beautifully. Here are some of our favourites which can be produced in your garden today!
Basil
A very popular herb for spicing up meat dishes, basil grows in leafy bunches quite easily. They just need a healthy amount of sun and water – it’s pretty simple! Just snip the leaves and leave the stalks growing in the ground for a long and bountiful harvest of herbal spices. Basil gives dishes a richer, sweeter and more flavourful taste.
Parsley
If you’re looking to make your meals with a refreshing zing that isn’t too overpowering, try growing parsley. It sticks together in short, lush, and leafy bundles and gives your garden a fuller appearance if planted strategically. They’re more susceptible to pests, like most herbs, due to their leaves and scent, but they also attract a few tachinid flies, which make quick work of most trouble.
Cilantro/Coriander
Rich in vitamins and minerals, cilantro is ideal for treating many health issues, including inflammation. Their seeds themselves are even beneficial, capable of improving blood sugar and digestion. They have a potent flavour and aroma that may be overpowering to some but enticing to others. For a spicy zest and a dash of Far East heat, you can’t go wrong with this culinary herb.
Lavender
Incredibly beautiful but also highly beneficial, lavender is commonly grown for use in herbal remedies but is also perfect for baking and seasoning. A natural deterrent for those pesky mosquitoes, it is grown from seed by sowing indoors (much like cilantro). Transplant in the early spring and be sure the seeds get just enough moisture and humidity, and they will flourish. Lavender does well in containers such as pots and blooms in the summertime. It has a very refreshing and light taste when used in culinary dishes.
Lemon Balm
Related to the mint family of herbs, lemon balm is very easy to grow, and its citrusy aroma will make your dishes all the more inviting. It naturally eases nerve and muscle tension and can be used even to treat cold sores. Sow indoors as you would for lavender or cilantro, and transplant either in the spring or fall. This is one of only a few select herbs that can be cut all the way back to rejuvenate. Expect a tangy, citrusy taste that is refreshing and sweet.
There are many culinary herbs that you can use to create wonderful meals, and these favourites of ours also give your gardens a beautiful, fuller look. For more information on how to get the perfect herb garden set up, contact us today.