Plant A Mini Herb Garden For Flavor and Aroma
If you think the way to season that spaghetti sauce is with a few shakes from a little container in your cupboard, you have never enjoyed fresh herbs! Imagine the flavor that comes out of that shaker, multiplied by 10, and exploding with aroma. Now imagine having those herbs growing right at your fingertips, just ready to use. If you think that this is only for experienced gardeners, think again! The truth is, you can grow a mini herb garden with very little effort, and even less space. For the true novice, there are many kits which are available, and come complete with everything you need to get started, and your success is virtually guaranteed.
The idea behind a mini herb garden is that it will not require large and carefully prepared garden beds. A mini herb garden will likely contain a few plants each of the herbs selected, but will be confined to a single, multi-tier container, or a small grouping. If you are planning your own mini garden, select the plants which you most enjoy, either for their flavor, or for their aroma.
Since most herbs will grow nicely in containers, you can enjoy the flexibility of having your herbs in pots either inside or outdoors. Start your plants from seed, or purchase seedlings from your local nursery, keep your plants growing strong by exposing them to lots of light, whether it be natural sunlight, or fluorescent lighting, and keep the soil well-drained. Before you know it, you will have wonderful herbs ready to harvest.
To harvest the plants from your mini herb garden, you will need to pay attention to what your plants are doing. Leaves are most flavorful just before the plant blooms. While seeds, on the other hand, must be harvested after they ripen but before they dry out. Many herbs, like chives, can be used fresh while others, like basil, are more versatile and can be enjoyed either fresh or after drying.
To store the harvests of your mini herb garden, you have many options. You can freeze your herbs, sealing in their flavors, or you can store them in an airtight container. In any case, trying your hand at herb gardening will be a rewarding experience.
