(& I don't mean ganja either - these have to be legal herbs - plus I have a very small deck space with pickle pots)
2006-08-13 13:32:19 · 5 answers · asked by oaksterdamhippiechick 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Right now I've got pennyroyal, white desert sage, Thai basil, rosemary, blue lobelia, curry plant, Greek mountain shepherds tea, etc. I'm looking for medicinal as well as cooking herbs. Lavender is high on my list, as is basil for keeping spiders out of my bed lol
2006-08-13 13:43:50 · update #1
I like to cook Indian, Middle Eastern, Thai & Italian. I'm open to other suggestions, though :)
2006-08-13 13:46:09 · update #2
I'm also interested in herbs for ritual use.
2006-08-13 13:46:48 · update #3
Rosemary will grow well on your deck. It is also known for it's healing and protective qualities. Sage is a must for it's spiritual and cleansing properties. Rue will do well as it doesn't like hot weather. Rue is good for healing and has an unusual aroma. Patchouli is a lovely plant and incredibly sensual. Gosh, I could go on and on. Check out the herb books by Scott Cunningham. I like "The Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs", from Llewellyn Publications. Mine is well-worn and full of bookmarks. I usually choose herbs that have a dual duty (I'm limited by time and space). I choose herbs that have spiritual significance and great smells. Have fun on your journey!
2006-08-13 13:53:13 · answer #1 · answered by Lia 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Start with the herbs you love to cook with. Most could (and should) be contained in pots, since many herbs are invasive (they will take over your garden).
Basil is very easy to grow, harvest, and is quite versatile. Flat leaf and Opal are some of my favorites. Thyme is a pretty, silvery herb that goes great in numerous dishes and looks pretty on the deck, with a nice upright habit resembling a tiny, silver pine tree. Rosemary looks similar, but is green, can be trained into a bonsai as well as weeping (trailing). Rosemary goes great with fresh game and beef, and as tea works as a cooling agent for itchy skin, and will relieve fleas on pets if used once or twice a week.
Chives are a must in an herb garden. Plant in a wide, shallow planter, since one tiny seed produces one or two grass like leaves. Seed generously. Harvest when 3" or more, trimming no more than 1/3 of the total length of the chive. The more you trim, the more you get! Chives are a great mild substitue for onions, very versatile being used dried or fresh. They are also a carmative for stomach discomfort.
Parsley is another must. Curly leaf is my favorite, since it cultivates well, but flat leafed is also nice. This also will produce well if trimmed and used frequently. I use parsley in everything. Just remember that fresh parsley is a bit stronger that dried, store bought.
Most herbs can be brought indoors for overwintering, with the exception of dill, cilantro, borage, and chamomile. There are a few others, but start simple.
One more thing, always have mint! Any kind is great in tea, just to chew on, or to brush by. But keep it in a pot always! It is highly invasive! Hope this helps!
2006-08-13 20:55:32 · answer #2 · answered by progrockgal 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rosemary, Thyme, Mint, Chamomile, lemongrass are all easy to start with in posts.
Also really good to cook with! LOL Check your local nursery for the best time to plant outside....some you can grow year round inside.
2006-08-13 20:39:30 · answer #3 · answered by Lynne 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Start with the thyme family- They smell so good and come in a great assortment of colors and scents. My favorite is lemon thyme. I don't know how to use them for cooking , but they are pretty.
2006-08-13 20:38:58 · answer #4 · answered by weswe 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends what you like to eat and cook. Italian? oregano and basil. Other good hearty herds are parsley, mint, chives, rosemary.......
Scallions and tomatoes will also grow well in pots.
2006-08-13 20:42:37 · answer #5 · answered by yodasan_au 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋