In the Garden

Spring is here and planting an herb garden is a great way to
welcome the season. Besides adding incredible flavor to your favorite
dishes, fresh herbs add vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and even
antimicrobial properties to the food you serve your family.

You don't need to have an acre of land, or even a backyard to grow your own herbs. Herbs grow very well in containers and can be easily grown indoors as long as you give them the conditions they need. Oregano, chives, mint, rosemary and thyme are commonly grown indoors.

These tips will get you started:

1. Choose a spot. Select an area in your garden, or house that receives full sunlight for at least half of the day. South or west facing is best.
   If you don't have a sunny location, consider a fluorescent lamp to supplement their light.
2. Choose your herbs. Choose herbs you use frequently in your recipes to start. If you don't normally use fresh herbs, check your favorite recipes for ingredients. Or look in your local grocery's produce aisle at their fresh herb selection for ideas.
3. Choose containers (if applicable). Whether a raised bed, or planter pots, make sure you provide good drainage. This will ensure a successful herb garden. Choose containers that are at least six inches wide and six to 12 inches deep.
4. Choose soil. Most potting soils will do for container herb gardens. If planting in a raised bed, consult your garden center for soil additives to encourage water drainage, and be sure to use fresh, sterilized soil to avoid bugs and. Perennial herbs like chives, mint, thyme and tarragon will actually do better outdoors.
5. Plant and enjoy! While you can start your herbs from seed you may find it easier to buy starter plants from your local nursery, farmers' market or grocery store's floral department.

Seeds may take a minimum of 6 weeks to germinate and then you need to wait for the plant to reach a mature stage before you can begin reaping the benefits. Starter plants go straight in to the garden, or the pot and you can immediately clip and use them in your meals. Snip them often to encourage bushy growth, but never take more than 1/3 of the foilage at one time.

Enjoy your new garden with your family and friends, and if you have an over abundant crop, simply clip what you don't need, hang upside down in a clean dry spot to dry, or place fresh clipped herbs in to ice trays and fill with water, freeze and toss a cube in to recipes as needed.