There are several important considerations to consider when planning your kitchen herb garden. Firstly, you must know that different culinary herbs have different watering needs. While some prefer a constant supply of water, others are more drought-tolerant. Sage, basil, mint, and thyme are examples of such herbs. The general rule for culinary herbs is that they need moderately damp soil.
Borage
Borage has a long list of uses in the kitchen herb garden and is a versatile plant. This perennial is easy to grow and can even be transplanted to a new location. It also attracts beneficial insects such as aphids, which help maintain a healthy garden ecosystem. Borage also repels many pests.
Borage can be planted from seeds indoors before the last frost or directly in the garden after the last frost. The seeds should be planted a quarter to half an inch deep and about 12 inches apart. Borage grows well in a sunny location and should be thinned to a single plant every 15 inches. Borage is a fast-growing perennial that does not require fertilization. Young borage leaves are best used fresh, as they do not dry well. You can prune the plants by half mid-season to encourage new, tender leaves.
The dried leaves of borage can be stored for a long time. To store these dried leaves for later use, you can place them in an airtight container and put them in a cool place. You can also give them away to friends and neighbors. However, be sure to avoid using dried borage by pregnant women and nursing mothers. Moreover, you should check with your physician before using borage regularly for a more extended period.
Borage is a versatile kitchen herb that can grow well in chalky soil. It can tolerate various environmental conditions, such as acidic soil and partial shade. Its foliage is hardy and resistant to diseases and pests. Borage flowers are edible and can be used to garnish desserts and drinks. The flowers have a cucumber flavor. Borage also self-sows, making it an excellent choice for a kitchen herb garden.
Oregano
You’re in luck if you’re thinking about growing oregano in your kitchen herb garden. This versatile herb is drought-tolerant and hardy in zones four to nine. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but it will also grow in partial shade.
You can use oregano, both fresh and dried, in your cooking. Its flavor is excellent for tomato-based pasta sauces and Italian dishes. It also adds flavor to salads and is suitable for your garden, attracting pollinators and beneficial insects. If you’re growing oregano for cooking, you can harvest its flowers and use them in craft projects.
To plant oregano in your kitchen herb garden, you need to give it a lot of room to grow. The plant can reach up to 18 inches in width and is 2 feet tall. Make sure to leave plenty of space between plants and allow the plant ample air circulation.
Oregano is a low-maintenance perennial that thrives in a sunny location. A 6-inch pot is adequate for the plant’s size, though it will outgrow it quickly. Consider planting oregano in a larger pot if you have a larger space.
Besides its taste, oregano also has many health benefits. It is an effective antibacterial, antiviral, and rich source of antioxidants, and it has been shown to reduce inflammation and balance the gut. It can also help soothe nervous tension and calm the stomach. Another great benefit of growing oregano in your kitchen herb garden is its ability to deter pest insects.
Parsley
Parsley is a beautiful plant for your kitchen herb garden and can also be grown from seed. It prefers a sunny spot but can also do well in partial shade. Parsley seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting and then placed 1/4 inch deep in the soil. For best results, plant parsley seeds at least six inches apart in the garden or up to 18 inches apart if you’re growing flat-leaf varieties.
Parsley is best harvested fresh, so cut off leaves as soon as they are large enough to be used in cooking. You can use a few leaves at a time or save whole bunches to use later. When using the leaves, wash them thoroughly and dry them between paper towels. This will help retain the flavor of the leaves.
Parsley is a versatile herb that enhances the taste of many different foods. It is part of the Apiaceae family, including dill, anise, and caraway. While parsley is not susceptible to many pests and diseases, it does tend to be susceptible to fungal diseases, such as botrytis blight.
Parsley seedlings can be planted indoors or outdoors between March and August. Seedlings should be planted one-four inches apart and positioned in a sunny spot. If you’re starting parsley seedlings indoors, moisten the soil well before planting. They should grow about two inches tall and have several sets of leaves.
