Grow Your Own
Herbs
There's nothing quite like picking homegrown herbs to add to your meal preparations, they are great in stews, casseroles, salads, soups, roasting and even in cocktails!
Herbs are easy to grow, smell incredible and are both nutritious and delicious. Growing herbs is possible in any space, on the windowsill, balcony, patio, in a border or in raised beds. There are so many herbs varieties, choose what you would use most, we recommend Basil, Rosemary , Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Dill, Chives and Mint.
Planting.
Herbs can be grown from seed or purchase plants for replanting. If herbs are to flourish they need a sunny, sheltered and well drained site. If you are planting your herbs in a pot ensure you add crocks at the bottom of the pot to ensure good drainage is maintained. Perineal herbs such as rosemary, chives, oregano and mint can be grown in pots, raised beds or borders. Do check the hardiness of the plants prior to planting. Evergreen perennial herbs such as bay, thyme, lavender and rosemary will stay green throughout the winter months and make a great addition to your borders. It pays to sow seeds for annual herbs such as coriander, basil and parsley little and often from Spring onwards, we recommend every 3-4 weeks to make sure you have a good supply of leaves to harvest.
Care and growing tips!
Use a soil based compost, feed sparingly and water regularly, particularly if weather is hot or if pots are positioned on a sunny windowsill.
Harvesting.
Harvesting the herb leaves regularly will help maintain the health of the plant. By planning what you can cook around the delicious herbs you have grown means you can really make the most of your gardening efforts!
Lets get seasoning!
Sage, Thyme & Garlic Bread.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette
- 150g unsalted butter, chopped, softened
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1/2 bunch each sage and thyme, or other fresh herb of your choice, leaves picked and chopped
- Finely grated parmesan, to serve
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Cut the loaf at 1cm intervals, being careful not to cut all the way through. Place on prepared tray.
2. Combine butter and garlic in a bowl, season and spread between slices. Stuff with your freshly chopped herbs. Cover loaf with foil and bake for 20 minutes or until golden
3. Remove foil and bake for a further 5 minutes or until crusty. Cool slightly, then sprinkle with parmesan and serve.