Like all plants, herbs need sunlight to grow, so choose a sunny area in your yard (preferably an area you already enjoy) without a lot of overhanging branches or other debris. In order to enjoy your herbs year-round, you will want to plant them in containers you can bring inside when freezing temperatures arise.
What kind of containers will I need?The type of soil in your containers is more important than the containers themselves. Spring for a good quality multipurpose compost mix, and make sure the containers have adequate drainage. If you're not sure what makes compost soil good quality or how much drainage is enough, don't be shy; ask for help when shopping at your garden center. Classic terra-cotta pots, plastic terra-cotta pots, wooden barrels and even hanging baskets all make acceptable environments for herbs. Unlike the soil in the ground, your containers won't have a complicated ecosystem that aids in water retention; so you will need to water your containers frequently, but not so much that the roots of the plants are sitting in water.
What varieties of herbs should I plant?There's no doubt that when shopping for herbs to begin your garden, you will be overwhelmed by the selection available. If your main objective for your garden is to spice up your organic cooking, choose herbs you know are commonly used in recipes or refer to your favorite cookbook. For your first attempt at herb gardening, you will want to select herbs that are fairly hardy and don't require much special caretaking, like:
- rosemary
- sage
- sweet basil
- dill
- mint
- sweet marjoram
- tarragon
- thyme
- chives
- parsley
- anise
- basil
- chervil
- coriander
- fennel
- marjoram
When your herbs seem lush and healthy, feel free to start picking fresh leaves. Only pick the amount you think your plant can regrow quickly. The leaves will be best for cooking if you pick them after the morning dew has disappeared, but before the sun's heat has soaked them. Wash the dirty leaves in cold water, and drain them thoroughly before using them.
Can I cook with my herbs soon after I pick them?As long as your herbs have been washed, feel free to use them throughout your cooking. However, if you would like a more robust flavor (or to preserve surplus from your harvest), you will want to air dry your herbs. Drying is a pretty simple process, and you will want to do it soon after picking to prevent molding. Dry your herbs in a dark area by hanging the plants upside-down in bunches in paper bags. Make sure the area is well-ventilated and free of pollen and allergens. The herbs are dried and ready to use when they feel dry and crumble easily (usually about a week or two).