You can learn to grow thyme in a matter of minutes. Thyme is one of the most commonly used culinary herbs. Its subtle aroma and flavor adds complexity to many dishes. Thyme is used in cooking to add flavor to vegetables, meat, poultry and fish dishes, soups, and cream sauces. Thyme is often used with […] More
Companion planting means growing certain plants together with the hope and intent that one will benefit another or that both will benefit each other. Companion planting is a bit of art and science; not all of the claims for companion planting have been scientifically proven, but anecdotal evidence and collected garden wisdom seem to support […] More
You can grow a vegetable garden in containers—pots, windows boxes, and half barrels. Growing vegetables in containers is an easy and pleasurable way to garden if you live in an apartment, town house, or condominium—or if you simply don’t have a yard. A sunny balcony, patio, courtyard, porch, doorway, or windowsill is all you need […] More
Herbs for cooking are plants whose leaves, seeds, fruits, flowers, or other parts are used fresh or dried for flavoring food. (A spice–broadly speaking–denotes a flavoring derived from the seed, fruit, bark, or other parts of a plant grown in warm, tropical regions.) A “potherb” is a plant you cook in a pot. Herbs generally […] More
Lemony herbs—lemon flavored and scented—are easy to grow and add a tangy zest to many dishes. Fresh leaves are commonly torn and added directly to salads and main dishes as a seasoning or garnish. Leaves and some flowers can be steeped in teas or blended into oils and vinegars. All can be preserved for later […] More
Learn how to grow French tarragon in a few minutes. Tarragon—often called French tarragon—is a rich but delicately flavored herb with an anise flavor. It is one of the four sweet or fines herbes favored in French cooking—along with chervil, parsley, and chives. Tarragon is particularly compatible with eggs, fish and shellfish, tomatoes, chicken, and […] More
Anise is a small herb with lacy leaves. It’s a member of the parsley family. Its leaves and seed have a sweet, licorice-like flavor. Both leaves and seeds can be used to flavor soups, salads, and sausage. They are used in bread, cookies, and candy. Where to Plant Anise Best location: Grow anise in full […] More
Scented geraniums are colorful tender perennial herbs with a variety of aromas. The scent of these flowering herbs includes rose, peppermint, lemon, nutmeg, apple, and chocolate. Scented geraniums are not true garden geraniums like their common name infers; they are pelargoniums, mostly hybrids created for their bright colors, beauty, and fragrance. The leaves, flowers, and […] More
Lavender is a traditional herb garden plant. Lavender flowers have a strong lemon-perfume flavor. Lavender flowers can be steeped for use in drinks, jellies, and ice cream. Petals can be used in salads, soups, and as garnish. The taste of lavender is not for everyone; use it sparingly at first. Where to Plant Lavender Best […] More
Sweet cicely is a perennial herb–a member of the parsley family. The leaves and seeds of sweet cicely are very sweet flavored with a hint of licorice. Sweet cicely can be used in the kitchen as a sweetener and to cut down the acidity of fruit. Sweet cicely looks much like a fern and its […] More
Salad burnet is a perennial herb with a light cucumber flavor and aroma. Salad burnet grows best in the cool time of the year, spring and fall. The leaves of salad burnet are added to salads and dressings, and can be used much like mint leaves in iced drinks. Where to Plant Salad Burnet Best […] More
Shiso–Perilla frutescens var. cripa–is a member of the mint family. It strongly resembles a large basil plant. Shiso leaves have the tangy flavor of cumin, mint, nutmeg, and anise combined. There are two main types: green and red. Green shiso can be added to salads and is used in wrapped sushi or chopped into hot […] More
Steve Albert