Why not grow some popular kitchen herbs,

*Sweet Basil* Growing both forms of sweet basil is great because they are attractive plants. Germination usually occurs in 7 to 10 days. It transplants easily. Plants can be 18 inches tall, and grows in rich and well drained soil, in awarm sunny spot. It is a good flavoring for tomato juice and pastes, other extensive uses.

*Parsley* Grows slowly from seed, seeds should be soaked in warm water overnight before planting, and sown shallow. Takes about 8 weeks to germinate. Rich in minerals, it is extensively used. Grows just about anywhere in the garden, likes rich soil, warm weather and plenty of sun.

*Borage* It is a tall, hardy annual, and grows in mediocre soils. Germinates in 7 -to 10 days. Should be transplanted when quite small. Use in tossed salad to add flavor. Can be cooked like spinach, and raw sprigs used to garnish drinks.

*Chervil* Another tall herb, it can grow quickly to 2 feet. Similar in appearance to parsley. Likes light soil, a bit of shade, and self sows easily. Does not transplant well. Used to flavor many dishes, leaves used in salads.

*Chives* This is a perennial plant growing easily to grow from seed. Seem to do well in dry conditions. Used in salads, scrambled eggs, and mashed potato. Plants in pots will thrive on a sunny windowsill in cool weather.

*Black and White Mustard* Grows easily from seed. Leaves and flowers used in salads. Use seeds in sauces and pickles.

ABUNDANT EARTH - Products for People Who Care! *Dill* Dill is an annual that germinates in 7 to 10 days, and will re-seed itself if left. Grows best in the sun. Used in pickling and to flavor meats and fish. Seeds are used in fish sauce.

*Rosemary* Will grow from seeds but is erratic. Cuttings are better. Grows best in light dry soil in the sun. Used to flavor meat, but the leaves can be used to make tea and wine.

*Lavender* This one is a bit tricky to germinate in cooler climates. May need to be started in a hot-frame. Used for fragrance.

*Tarragon* Grows okay from seed, is a hardy perennial, and can be divided, and grown from pulling away and planting underground runners. Don’t mind some cold weather. Used mainly in French cooking, in sauces, and with meat and egg dishes.

*Greek basil is pictured on the right*

*Mint* Very easy to grow, and spreads by root creeping. Can spread out of control, in good conditions. Likes wet feet. Used in drinks and desserts. There are over 100 different varieties.

*Fennel* Grows easily from seed. Grows in almost any sort of soil. A very tall perennial, leaves used in salads and stews. Seeds used in bread and cakes. Many uses in the kitchen.

*Lovage* Another tall herb, growing to 7ft. It grows fairly well anywhere, but likes a rich moist soil. Will self-seed. Used in salads, seeds in pastry, many more uses. A most useful herb.

*Sage* Sage is a perennial that germinates in anywhere from 12 to 30 days depending on temperature. Usually grown from cuttings. Grows in any soil, except acid, and is a very hardy plant. There are many varieties, used mostly for flavoring meats. It is also boiled with vegetables. There are several varieties.

*Bergamot* Grows easily from seeds or cuttings, in almost any soil, provided it is kept damp. Several varieties, one a mint. Sweet bergamot is used as flavoring for drinks, and making teas.

*Capsicum* Capsicum grows easily from seed. There are several kinds, the small ornamental chilies are very popular. Very popular, used often.

*Potgrown Rosemary shown in picture*

*Coriander, or Chinese Parsley* Grows easily from seed. It is an annual, growing up to 2 feet tall. Leaves used in salads and sauces. The seeds are crushed and used in curries, and as an ingredient in mixed spices.

*Sesame* Germination will take place in 3 to 7 days, but needs warmth. Another tall herb, seeds are used to flavor bread and buns.

DirectGardening.com - Offers quality plants at great prices, come see what we mean! *Thyme* Another hardy perennial. Numrous species. Leaves are dried before the flowers are open. Easily grown from seed germinating in 21 to 30 days, in light soil and lots of sun. Grows slowly when young. Thyme is used for flavoring soups and poultry dressing.

*Sorrel* Sorrel is a good salad herb, grows easily from seed, and likes it’s feet a bit wet.

*Horseradish* Grows from pieces of root. Very strong flavor usually used to flavor fish and meat.

*Garlic* Grows easily from cloves. Just put a clove in pot, and watch it grow. Used in almost everything. It is a most useful and medicinally important herb. ‘A garlic a day, keeps the doctor away!’

We nearly forgot the herbs that grow in water! There are several which do well in water or very wet soil. Watercress is one, and the Asian spreading herb You Yang is another. Most of the mints grow okay in water as well. Thai mint just loves water!

You can grow them in a bucket, or an old shower base or washing tub. Actually a small water feature is good in the garden, water brings in the bees which help to pollinate plants, and the small birds which eat insects!

Happy herbing! Patrick

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