Savoury Six: Herbs to Jump-Start Your Edible Garden
Begin with these evergreen herbs that are surprisingly low-maintenance
Growing edible plants is a smart way to go if you’re just beginning to explore the joys of urban gardening. Plants of this nature not only contribute to the aesthetics of your space but also allow a ready supply of fresh ingredients for entrees, salads, or mains.
To get the ball rolling, here are six herbs that are not only easy to grow, but form a great base for your everyday culinary needs.
Ocimum basilicum
Commonly known as: Basil
Why you should consider it: Basil is one of the most versatile herbs and is one of the easiest to grow. Loved for its peppery, anise-like flavour and distinct aroma, fresh basil leaves are great for cooking and for creating a refreshing atmosphere not just in your kitchen but elsewhere in your home.
Basic care for basil
Commonly known as: Basil
Why you should consider it: Basil is one of the most versatile herbs and is one of the easiest to grow. Loved for its peppery, anise-like flavour and distinct aroma, fresh basil leaves are great for cooking and for creating a refreshing atmosphere not just in your kitchen but elsewhere in your home.
Basic care for basil
Mentha
Commonly known as: Mint
Why you should consider it: With bright green leaves and a fresh aroma, mint is a lovely addition to your first edible garden. Its spreading habit can be a nuisance so growing it in a container, in light shade, and in warmer areas is just perfect. Great for teas, mojitos, and for fresh garnishes, what’s not to like?
Grow your own mint
Commonly known as: Mint
Why you should consider it: With bright green leaves and a fresh aroma, mint is a lovely addition to your first edible garden. Its spreading habit can be a nuisance so growing it in a container, in light shade, and in warmer areas is just perfect. Great for teas, mojitos, and for fresh garnishes, what’s not to like?
Grow your own mint
Rosmarinus officinalis
Commonly known as: Rosemary
Why you should consider it: One of the most aromatic herbs, rosemary leaves render a lemon-pine flavour and beautifully round up a garlic and olive oil combination in breads, pastas, vegetables, and roasted meats. Besides good drainage and lots of light (which can come in the form of fluorescent ones), rosemary is not a fussy plant despite what many assume.
How to grow rosemary
Commonly known as: Rosemary
Why you should consider it: One of the most aromatic herbs, rosemary leaves render a lemon-pine flavour and beautifully round up a garlic and olive oil combination in breads, pastas, vegetables, and roasted meats. Besides good drainage and lots of light (which can come in the form of fluorescent ones), rosemary is not a fussy plant despite what many assume.
How to grow rosemary
Allium schoenoprasum
Commonly known as: Chives
Why you should consider it: This perennial herb is part of the onion family but instead of the bulbs underground, its grass-like leaves are what are cut and used in dishes. Onion flavour without the mess of unearthing!
Bonus: Like other alliums, growing chives can help drive away pests such aphids and mosquitoes.
Other plants that drive away mosquitoes
Commonly known as: Chives
Why you should consider it: This perennial herb is part of the onion family but instead of the bulbs underground, its grass-like leaves are what are cut and used in dishes. Onion flavour without the mess of unearthing!
Bonus: Like other alliums, growing chives can help drive away pests such aphids and mosquitoes.
Other plants that drive away mosquitoes
Origanum vulgare
Commonly known as: Oregano
Why you should consider it: Hardy and extremely easy to grow, this perennial is the base herb in many Italian favourites such as marinara and pizza sauces. It is also a well-known herbal remedy for common respiratory and gastrointestinal problems.
Grow in well-draining soil, with ample light (fluorescent light works, too), and this herb will thrive.
Grow oregano and marjoram
Commonly known as: Oregano
Why you should consider it: Hardy and extremely easy to grow, this perennial is the base herb in many Italian favourites such as marinara and pizza sauces. It is also a well-known herbal remedy for common respiratory and gastrointestinal problems.
Grow in well-draining soil, with ample light (fluorescent light works, too), and this herb will thrive.
Grow oregano and marjoram
Coriandrum sativum
Commonly known as: Coriander (also known as cilantro)
Why you should consider it: Coriander or cilantro adds a warm, spicy flavour that makes it an excellent seasoning for meats and salsas, making it a staple in Asian and Mexican cooking. Of the herbs in this list, this is the only plant that can be a challenge to grow indoors so it’s best to locate it where there is sunlight, like on the windowsill. Also, remember to tidy up leaves and debris around the plants to prevent fungal infections.
TELL US
Do you grow your own edibles? Share your tips how you do so at home. Or let us know what other edibles you’d like to read about in the Comments section.
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Seven Plants for Prosperity
Commonly known as: Coriander (also known as cilantro)
Why you should consider it: Coriander or cilantro adds a warm, spicy flavour that makes it an excellent seasoning for meats and salsas, making it a staple in Asian and Mexican cooking. Of the herbs in this list, this is the only plant that can be a challenge to grow indoors so it’s best to locate it where there is sunlight, like on the windowsill. Also, remember to tidy up leaves and debris around the plants to prevent fungal infections.
TELL US
Do you grow your own edibles? Share your tips how you do so at home. Or let us know what other edibles you’d like to read about in the Comments section.
MORE
Seven Plants for Prosperity
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