6 Herbs to Grow at Home for Healthy Cooking

Herbs are the easiest of plants to grow and can be planted amongst your flowering plants, in containers in the garden or on your patio, or even on your kitchen windowsill. 

Here are some general tips on growing herbs at home:

• Ensure your herbs get enough sunlight and regular water.
• Ensure the soil is well-drained.
• Use a high quality organic potting mix if planting in containers.
• Apply a liquid fertiliser if they need a nutrient boost.
• Ensure frost-sensitive herbs are moved to warmer spots during the winter.
• Harvest and trim them continually to encourage new growth.

Growing your own herbs is cost-saving but, if freshly cut and added when you are cooking, not only will they transform the dishes you serve but you will also benefit from their many healthy properties.

Here are 6 must-have herbs to grow at home. 

1. Parsley is a low-calorie, low maintenance herb that contains a bunch of nutrients. It's particularly rich in vitamins A, C, and K and can improve bone health, protect against chronic diseases, and provide antioxidant benefits. Chewing on a sprig of parsley is also believed to freshen your breath. 

Parsley has a slightly peppery taste and is used to enhance the flavour of soups, stews, and tomato sauces and is often added to homemade salad dressings, marinades, and seafood recipes or used as a garnish.

Parsley is easy to grow, likes lots of light, moist soil and ample water and sun.

2. Sage has several nutritional benefits. It's high in vitamin K and is a good source of vitamin A, fibre, calcium, iron, folate and magnesium. It also contains high doses of vitamin B, vitamins C and E, and copper and thiamin and is loaded with antioxidants which may improve brain functionality and memory as well as lower the risk of cancer.

Sage is a strong, slightly bitter herb which is often combined with other strong herbs, and used to flavour pork, beef, poultry stuffing, and sausage. 

Sage grows well in prepared flower beds or containers and will tolerate partial shade.

3. Rosemary is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds which are believed to boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. It also improves digestion and increases circulation. 

Rosemary has a lemony flavour and is used as a seasoning in a variety of dishes, such as soups, casseroles, salads, and stews. It also works well with poultry, lamb, steaks, pork, fish as well as grains and vegetables like mushrooms, onions, peas, potatoes and spinach. 

Rosemary is a tough herb that does not like to be over-watered. It can also be used as a hedge if allowed to grow quite wide and tall. Insects love rosemary flowers.

4. Thyme has dietary and medicinal uses. The flowers, leaves, and oil of thyme have been used to treat symptoms and complaints such as diarrhoea, stomach ache, arthritis, and sore throat. It is packed with vitamin C and is also a good source of vitamin A, copper, iron, fibre and manganese.

Thyme is the main ingredient in the French herb combinations of Bouquet Garni and Herbes de Provence which are used to flavour casseroles, soups, stews, and also many fish and meat dishes, especially pork and poultry. It is delicious in sauces and marinades, salads and with vegetables such as mushrooms, potatoes, brinjal, marrow, onions and beans.

Thyme is hardy, easy to grow and does not require a lot of water. 

5. Mint contains a fair amount of nutrients and has been linked to reducing pain, stomach upsets, and other IBS symptoms. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-like properties as well as immune-boosting benefits.

Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow but it's best suited for containers as it can quickly take over your flowerbeds. It likes full morning sun, well-drained soil and plenty of water. 

Mint is a refreshing addition to dishes and is best added freshly chopped to sauces for red meat, particularly lamb or to rice, chickpea, couscous or bean dishes. It can be added to peas, green beans or new potatoes whilst boiling, combined with natural yoghurt, garlic and salt and pepper to create a dressing for salads, especially cucumber salad, or used as a garnish for cool drinks and fruit desserts.

6. Basil is known for its soothing and sedative properties, it calms the nervous system and aids with digestion, will protect cells from oxidation and damage, act as an anti-inflammatory and will relieve rheumatic and arthritic conditions.

Basil has a delicious robust fragrance and flavour, it is popular in Mediterranean style recipes and perfect in pasta sauces, pesto, potato dishes, prawns, meat, chicken and poultry, pasta, rice and strawberries.

Basil is a fragrant herb that requires frequent pruning to encourage new growth.

For more information about these 6, and other herbs, follow this link: 

http://theherbexchange.com/25-best-herbs-to-grow-in-your-kitchen-garden/

So, what are you waiting for? With all these health benefits and the opportunity to revolutionise your cooking by adding your own freshly cut home-grown herbs, start planning your herb planting today!

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