Oregano Uses

One reason why the oregano herb is being cultivated in many homes right now is due to the many oregano uses. The uses of this herb can be categorized into medical and culinary use. According to health professionals, this herb contains the powerful antiseptic called Thymol which can be used in addressing the pain attributed to toothache. But perhaps the more important well known uses of oregano can be seen in cooking. Oregano has many culinary uses and this herb is one of the most-sought after herbs by chefs. It is also known as the pizza herb and this herb is widely used in Italian and Mexican cookery.

Oregano is added to food either as a fresh herb or in dried form. The dried version of the herb is used in processed foods like alcoholic beverages, meat and meat products and this dried herb can be seen added as well on condiments and relishes.

Oregano can come in oil as well in the form of ‘origanum’ oil. This oil is often used as a food flavoring and can also be used as a fragrance ingredient on soap products. Oil can be sourced from T. capitatus and the origanum species that are rich in carvacrol. The carvacrol ingredient has anti-fungal and anthelmintic properties though weaker compared to thymol. Oregano leaves can also be made into tea and this has medicinal properties as well.

One of the oregano uses that is not often mentioned is that of landscaping. They can be a lovely plant for your yard or garden and look particulary well when grown on pots.

Growing parsley

Growing parsley is easy and even if you don’t have a garden space to accommodate these vegetables, you can grow this in containers as well. Planting this herb near your house means that you can easily harvest parsley for cooking. This vegetable is biennial but at times this is grown as an annual plant in areas with colder climates.

Parsley can be grown indoors or out. If this will be grown indoors then it is suggested that you sow the seeds of parsley thinly. Let the seeds grow first for a few weeks before you transplant the vegetable to a garden lot outside. If the seed will be directly planted outside, then sow the seeds thinly as well and water them in so that they will settle on the soil. The germination of parsley seeds will take at least two weeks. Young parsley will grow slowly. The good thing about parsley is that even if the area is shaded and without much sunlight, the plant will still grow. You only need to make sure that the soil is rich for this to happen. There are some pests that will destroy the plants. But this is given and it is suggested that the occasional infestation of pests should be allowed. This is suggested rather than allow for the use of insecticides. It’s time to harvest parsley when the leaves of the vegetable begin to curl and the leaves are of sufficient size for your recipe at hand.

Growing parsley is easy and can be very rewarding when it yelds fresh sprigs for adding flavor to your cooking.  Not only can you add it to soups, casseroles and sauces, it makes a great garnish and can even be eaten raw or added to salads for an interesting flavor.

What Is Fennel?

Herbs come in many sizes and forms and fennel is one of these herbs. But what is fennel and how different is fennel from the other herbs out there?

Fennel is actually a perennial herb and a herb that features an erect, glaucuous green and a hollow stem. Fennel is also known for it’s tiny yellow flowers. The leaves of the herb also act as a nice foliage in the garden. But if you happen to grow the fennel at the wrong season or time, then the herb will not develop nice foliage but instead will develop seed stalks.

To get the best results, it is suggested that you either sow a little early in the year or sow a little late in the year. April 15 to May 15 in zone 4 is the best time to sow fennel seeds. The seeds of this herb should be directly placed into peat pots and these seeds should be covered by no more than ¼ inch of soil.

What Is Fennel Used For?

Fennel is widely cultivated in many parts of the world and the herb is known for its edible and strongly-flavored leaves and seeds. The taste and the flavor of the herb are comparable to that of anise and star anise but not as strong. Fennel is a favorite herb in the kitchen as well. Almost all parts of the herb are used in the kitchen, from the bulb to the seeds. Of the many parts of the herb, the fennel pollen is considered as the most potent and of course the most expensive.

Tips For Growing Mint

Growing mint is so easy that even the novice gardener can cultivate this herb. Mint is one of the more popular herbs and is known for its square stems and its aromatic leaves. As you know, when mint is used in food preparations, you can expect a whole new level of flavor can be delivered to the dish!

If you are keen on growing mint, make sure that the location has plenty of water. Mint has no issue with light or soil, but it does need plenty of water for best growth. When preparing the soil, make sure to dig in plenty of compost. Animal manure should not be used with weed seeds since this weeding can become difficult in the established mint patch.

There are two ways you can plant and cultivate mint. One way is to grow it from seed. The other option is to buy small parts of the plant. Spacing of the plants is critical when planting and it is suggested that the spacing in between plants should be 1 to 2 feet apart.

Once you have a few  mint plants established you can easily make more as this herb can be propated through cuttings. The older mint plants can be divided and the propagated every 4 to 5 years. That being said, this herb can overtake your herb garden so make sure that you plant it in a bottomless pail or any other container that is sunk into the soil for at least 10 inches. Pests are a problem with mint, and you should use the least toxic and the natural pesticides so that your herbs remain healthy to use in cooking.

Growing mint in your garden or in containers can be a great way to get herbs for cooking or garnishes and, if you’ve seen the price of these herbs in the grocery store, you’ll also be “saving a mint” by growing your own.

Growing Chives

Throw in a couple of seeds in the corner lot, and you are on your way to growing chives. That’s how simple the growing of this plant can be. Chives are best used on your dips, soups and can be used as garnishes as well. Chives grow best on spots where there is a lot of sun, but they can also grow where sun’s rays are minimal. If you are planning on planting chives, make sure that you wait until winter is well gone and there is no danger of frost. When soil is moist and ready, just sprinkle the chives seeds and tamp the seeds down lightly.

If you happen to buy the seeds, make sure that the seeds are planted as soon as possible since these seeds lose their viability in a short time. Chives tend to clump together and you should divide the clumps of chives every two years. This can be done by simply digging up the clumps of chives, splitting them and replanting to an area where you want more chives to grow.

The nice thing about chives is that these plants are more resistant to insects and pests than most other plants and herbs. Not only that but if you plant them in strategic spots in your garden, you can help keep pests away from your other plants.  I have some right in my flower garden!

If you are growing chives in containers or pots to be kept indoors or near homes, then make sure that these plants get at least 5 hours of sunlight. To make sure that all sides of the plant gets the sunlight that they deserve; you should turn the pots every day or so.

Growing Thyme – Have a Healthy Herb in Your Home

Thyme has long been known as a perennial kitchen plant that’s usually shown off as an ornamental plant. Most homes have thymes grown in the garden, in a rustic pot on the kitchen countertop or windowsill, or out in the balcony in a box. Aside from beautification purposes, thyme offers many advantages, including adding flavor to several foods and treating certain medical conditions. These things make it easy to understand why growing thyme is a favored project among knowledgeable gardeners. If you’re new at gardening, you can count on this article to give you some help on how to have this healthy herb in your very own garden.

Before you proceed on finding out what you need to do in order to grow thyme in your garden, learn first about why you really should consider growing thyme in your home. In the olden days, thyme carried a reputation as a life-giving herb; the plant was used as a form of alternative medicine to cure a number of ailments, such as headaches, whooping cough, tonsillitis, gout, and even asthma. In recent times, thyme is known as a kitchen must-have, a culinary herb, more than anything else. However, it is still believed to have soothing effects for relieving common and light migraines and stress.

The plant’s many culinary purposes range from mere preparation flavoring to secret ingredient in scrumptious dishes. Thyme is often included in meat, particularly beef, recipes, but it also works well when used with vegetables or mixed in herb butters. Such is the versatility that thyme provides, so you can count on a variety of meals that you can serve using this unique herb. Moreover, thyme belongs to the Labiatae, a mint family, and possesses thymol, a special substance that carries a distinct taste that wonderfully compliments other flavors and has antiseptic and cleansing qualities. This defining substance is where the herb got its name.

You don’t have to worry about choosing the right kind of the herb when you’re growing thyme. To date, there is an estimated count of 300 to 400 species of thyme, most of which are native of Mediterranean countries and all of which have culinary value. Common species of the herb include the Southern European Garden Thyme, Garden Thyme, Lemon Thyme, and Wild Thyme.

Now that you’re sure you want to have thyme thriving in your garden, the first thing you need to do is to propagate thyme. New plants should be planted in the soil with a distance of six to ten inches apart from each other. Thyme seeds do not have to be entirely covered; a light press or push into moist soil will do. Some thyme species can be propagated through cuttings, which should be planted in sandy, porous soil. Whatever the species, however, thyme needs to be placed in a sunny area. During the early stages, thyme needs watering on a regular basis; older thymes can tolerate periods of drought. It is best to harvest thyme in the early summer, right before flowering takes place.

Growing Basil

Basil is an important cooking herb which is used by most chefs on their salads, steaks and Italian dishes. If you want this herb for your home-cooked meals and want it fresh, then it’s suggested to grow your own basil. Growing basil is an easy process given that you nurture the right environment. Basil grows well in environment with a suitable light and the right temperature levels.

There are two ways that you can grow your basil. One is in containers and the other right in the ground. If you want to grow this herb in containers, then make sure that there will be adequate drainage for the herb. If you want to grow basil outside in the garden, then make sure that the soil is well dug and the area should be free from weeds.

The technique to rowing basil sucessfully starts in the sowing process. Sowing should be done when the soil is moist.  It’s suggested to sow the seeds thinly and if you will be growing it in containers, make sure that only a few plants will grow in one pot. Seeds should be covered with at least ½ cm of compost. Position the seedling in such a way that they can get the best amount of sunlight. The condition of the soil is important as well and adding organic compost and manure a month before sowing will condition the soil and will help the seed grow well. Weeds should be removed and you can also introduce small amount of fertilizer every month and the herbs should be watered every week.

Growing basil is really a simple task and you can incorporate it right into your garden.  The aromatic leaves will be a pleasure to smell while growing and there’s nothing like fresh basil to use in your cooking.

Growing Sage – How to Grow the Plant and Have Its Benefits

So you want to grow sage? The only problem is that you haven’t got the knowledge or the experience to help you proceed successfully with your desired project. Well, that’s what you have the Internet for – so you can find articles like this one to give you the information and advice you so badly need. The first thing you need to know is that growing sage is perhaps one of the easiest gardening endeavors there are, so there’s don’t fret if this is your first foray into the world of gardening. Get your tools ready and you’ll have this precious herb thriving in your garden in no time.

Naturally, you need to start somewhere and in growing sage, you begin by collecting seeds or cuttings. The germinating period is nine days. Sage is known to grow slowly, so you can choose to seed indoors and transfer the plants in the garden when they are already three inches tall. It is best to seed in early spring and transplant late into the season; this way, your plants will get a lot of the sunshine that summer, the new season, brings. It is also recommended that you harvest lightly during the first year and always before September, or autumn, starts. With time, the plants will become woody. After the second year, the leaves should be picked before or during the blooming period, which is set to happen in the middle of summer. Sages should be renewed after ever three or four years.

Growing sage has its many advantages. This particular plant is known to be a kitchen must-have, an essential ingredient in a number of delicious recipes primarily because of the high levels of Vitamins A and C it contains and its rich flavor and aroma. There are different kinds of sage and their culinary values are delegated according to their colors. The gray sage, which is the kind most often used in culinary adventures, is known to offer the best flavor among all sages. The golden, purple, and tricolor sages, meanwhile, are less flavorful but still useful. The dark-colored sage relatively carries a much stronger flavor. The bright-colored sages – pineapple, peach, and honeydew melon sages – carry a light flavor that tends to disappear entirely when they are dried. The clear sage has a very strong aroma that the modern kitchen usually ignores it, save for its leaves that are usually dipped in a batter and fried.

You really should have your heart set on growing sage because this mint family member is perfect for a variety of meals. There is no question as to the highly aromatic quality of sage. When used fresh, it gives off a unique flavor likened to a mix or citrus, pine, and rosemary. When dried, its flavor becomes more camphor-like. You can grow sage in many places and climates. For crisper results when used as a fresh culinary ingredient, you can store sage in a zip-lock bag and keep it in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks.  On the other hand, you can dry sage by hanging sprigs of the plant or placing its leaves on a screen and store them in dry, warm place. Leaves should be stored whole and should be crushed only when they are about to be used.

Growing Rosemary – Have This Perennial Herb in Your Garden Today

Who doesn’t want to grow rosemary in their very own garden? Rosemary is one of the most perennial herbs there are that it would be a highly pronounced mistake if your garden doesn’t have it in its soil. Growing rosemary is a great way to keep your lot smelling woody and fresh because the plant carries evergreen, needle-like leaves that are fragrant and sure to keep the neighbors’ noses jealous. It’s easy to grow rosemary, but before you find out how to do just that, it’s best to find out more about the plant and understand its value.

The plant is a popular member of the Lamiaceae, a mint family that consists of several other herbs. The plant’s name is of Latin origin, specifically the Latin word “rosmarinus,” which translates literally to “dew of the sea,” a reference to the Mediterranean region, from which rosemary is believed to have originally grown and of which it remains a native herb. It is for this reason that growing it in areas that have a Mediterranean climate is highly recommended because the plant thrives better in those places since it tolerates a certain degree or period of drought and heat.

If you don’t have a garden but wish to have rosemary in the house, it is strongly suggested to trim the plant regularly to keep it from growing too straggly, messy, and bland-smelling. However, if you have a garden, which is really the best option, growing rosemary need not be strict because the plant has the potential to get larger, remain both attractive and fragrant, and stay alive even when left directly under the sun and without daily watering. This is one of the reasons why rosemary is often recommended as a great project for new gardeners – because growing this special herb in gardens entails less responsibility and provides more rewards.

The rewards or growing this herb are many indeed. The herb has a number of uses, ranging from the culinary to the medicinal. First, let’s take a look at the plant’s culinary value. Rosemary, particularly its leaves (either fresh or dried), can be found as an herb in a variety of traditional Mediterranean dishes. Because rosemary leaves carry a bitter, mint taste, they are perfect compliments to a number of foods and are used extensively in cooking preparations. Moreover, these leaves give off a certain mustard smell when they are burned, making them a favorite flavoring ingredient in barbecue recipes.

Now we put the spotlight on the plant’s medicinal use. Rosemary is widely accepted as a great and cheap memory booster. This claim is supported by the use of rosemary as remembrance symbols in important occasions, such as funerals, war commemorations, and weddings. More scientifically, a study has reported that the smell of rosary allowed a group of people working in cubicles to have enhanced memories and perform better than their rosemary-lacking counterparts. This is one of the reasons why senior citizens are keen on growing rosemary in their gardens. The plant is also known to contain high levels of calcium, iron, and Vitamin B6.

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