Fresh Herbs in the Garden

Growing culinary herbs in the garden is easy, and including them in your meals adds flavor, micronutrients and variety.  In addition to offering micronutrients, herbs can have anti-inflammatory properties, support heart health, improve digestion and enhance immune function.  But if on medication, check with your doctor, as some herbs can interfere with certain medicines.

Many herbs are perennials, meaning that once planted, you only have to water and prune them, as many will take over if not contained (mint, oregano, bergamot, etc.).  If you don't have access to a garden, then growing herbs in containers is the way to go, keeping them within easy reach of your kitchen.  If you have a large enough harvest, try drying herbs then storing them in airtight containers to use over the winter.

Herbs do not have to be planted separately from vegetables - in fact, many herbs make great companion plants.  Basil repels certain pests, making it a perfect companion to tomatoes; dill attracts beneficial insects and grows well with corn and brassicas.  But be careful in your plantings, as some herbs will negatively affect the growth and health of vegetables:  dill, fennel and rosemary should not be planted with carrots; mint will take over a bed and rob other plants of moisture and nutrients.  You will do well to research the benefits and cautions before planting herbs, but if done properly, the outcome will be well worth it.

One of my favorite recipes using fresh herbs is an endive and watercress salad with apples, almonds and herbs.  Simply slice halved endive into 1" chunks, discarding root end.  Add to a salad bowl with torn watercress, sliced crisp apple (include the skin!), roughly chopped parsley, tarragon, chervil and chives.  Make a vinaigrette with a finely diced shallot, lemon juice, white wine vinegar and good quality olive oil, salt and pepper.  Whisk in 1/4 cup heavy cream.  Dress the salad, arrange attractively on a platter and scatter sliced almonds which have been toasted and roughly chopped over the top.  You can even add some shredded rotisserie chicken to make a refreshing hot-weather dinner.  Enjoy!