Growing Herbs For the Holidays
Cultivating Herbs For The Holiday Season
The holiday season is here, and for many of us, that means cooking our favorite meals. Whether it's an herb-rubbed turkey or rosemary and sage-roasted potatoes, fresh herbs can take your dish to the next level. Planting a small herb garden now will ensure you’ll have fresh herbs on-hand to make the most of the season’s culinary delights. Read on for some of our holiday cooking must haves.
Culinary Sage
Silvery-green, aromatic leaves have a strong, peppery flavor. Blue flower spikes as the plant matures. Excellent for spicing poultry, sausage, soups, and sauces.
Rosemary
Evergreen perennial has blue flowers surrounded by silvery-green, aromatic leaves. Strong, spicy scent and flavor. Best utilized for spicing meats.
Thyme
Evergreen perennial has lavender flowers framed by bright green, petite leaves. Aromatic foliage adds an exquisite, savory flavor to marinades and soups.
Parsley
Light green, lacy leaves have a uniquely bright, rich flavor. Excellent for using fresh or dried in cuisine or as a garnish. Attracts beneficial insects.
Oregano
Dark green, aromatic leaves have a sweet, slightly bitter flavor. A must-have for soups, sauces, or rubs. Excellent in Italian dishes. Use dried or fresh.
Mint
Smooth, dark green leaves have a cooling, menthol flavor. Traditionally used to settle an upset stomach. Perfect for teas, mixed drinks, sauces, jellies and garnishes.
Tips for Growing Your Own Herb Garden
Sun: Most herbs require full sun (6-8 hours per day).
Water: Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Potting: Planting herbs in pots is beneficial because they can be easily moved to capture the sun. Some herbs can even be brought inside on the windowsill. Other plants like mint are best grown in pots due to their unruly growing habit.
Fertilizing: When it comes to fertilizer, use it sparingly and use organic.
