Herbs are incredibly easy to grow which makes them ideal for container gardens. They can be grown in individual pots or used in combo with other herbs or even flowers. They are especially nice when used in combination with flowers because of the great fragrance they bring to container gardens. In addition to their great fragrance and flavors, many herbs have insecticidal properties which make them ideal for companion planting either in containers or in the garden.
Regardless of how gardeners choose to grow herbs, either in containers or in the ground, either outside or in, the question I get asked the most is: What do I do with them?
It's possible that our short growing season in the Midwest has something to do with it. I also think the readily available dried herbs in the grocery store plays a part as well. Either way, we've lost touch with how to use and cook with fresh herbs. And fresh herbs are nothing like the dried stuff you buy in the store! Fresh herbs can take a dish from so-so to fantastic in a way that all the sauces and dried herbs in the world can't do. Many people think that cooking with fresh herbs is complicated but nothing could be further from the truth. Once you try a few recipes with fresh herbs you'll know how to add them to the dishes you already make.
Starting tomorrow, I'll be running a weekly series on growing your own herbs, how to harvest them and how to preserve them. I'll even throw in a few recipes. Just in time for Thanksgiving! I'll also talk about some flowering plants that you may already grow in your garden that you can add to salads and other dishes for both presentation and flavor.
Check back tomorrow to learn all about my favorite herb: Basil!
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