subject: ITALIAN HERB GARDEN [print this page] ITALIAN HERB GARDEN ITALIAN HERB GARDEN
Are Italian herbs really provide huge amount of possibilities of success in herb gardening? Are you aware that some of the famous and tastiest herbs in the world come from Italy and they have been utilizing these in their famous recipes?
Growing your own organic Italian herb garden is sure to be rewarding and delicious. Whether indoors or outdoors, as additions to the vegetable garden Italian herbs are delight to both grow and eat.
Basil, fennel, rosemary, oregano, and parsley are all household names in Italy and around the world.
Basil may be the most well known Italian herb. Basil is an annual warm-season herb that is sensitive to cold weather. While you may be familiar with dried basil, enthusiasts will tell you that nothing compares to a few fresh basil leaves. Basil is relatively easy to grow and makes a great addition to your vegetable garden. Planting basil next to your peppers and toes will actually improve its flavors. Plus, it also repels flies and mosquitoes.
One of the herbs that is said to be relatively difficult to grow is Parsley because it is know for its long germination time. It is used not only in Italy but by many other cultures. Parsley plants are not easy to grow though. You'd be surprised to learn that parsley used to serve as breathe mint before these were invented, as eating parsley after a meal helped to cover up the bad breath left over from eating a flavorful meal full of garlic
Oregano is a perennial and can spread very far; you may want to take this into consideration when determining whether to plant in pots or in the garden. It adds flavored to recipes.
Fennel has a wide range of uses. You may be most familiar with fennel seeds, used in Italian sausage or chewed with candy after an Indian meal. Fennel stalks are also edible, though not commonly eaten in the United States. It said to have long been believed to have numerous medicinal benefits, namely digestive, and is often made into herbal teas and tinctures. It is perennial, but should be divided and re-planted every few years as the plants tend to lose flavour as they mature. They are propagated from seed and enjoy full sun and rich, well-drained soil.
Like basil, rosemary a tough evergreen perennial, this can grow into a large shrub. Though it is sturdy and does well in many climates, rosemary is very sensitive to frost. Rosemary does well in the ground or in pots and grows pretty little blue flowers which, can be used in salads or as a garnish. Rosemary makes an excellent hedge and is great for attracting bees.
Garlic gloves are probably the most herbs in Italian cuisine. It can be planted and will thrive in just in any garden with much little attention. They can be stored after being harvested by freezing them or pickling them to store in the refrigerator.
Sage can be used as well in cooking meats as in salads. You find the most flavour in new shoots of sage. It is therefore wise to trim the plants frequently as it will encourage the growth of new shoots. Wait until the plant blooms before harvesting.
Italian herbs make excellent compliments to your existing vegetable or flower garden. The fragrance of these potent herbs will make you feel like you are taking a trip to the Mediterranean every time you stroll through your own garden. Growing these herbs locally and organically is one of the best decisions you have made all year.
