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Cornell University : Cornell Cooperative Extension
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| Yates Association |
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Herbs |
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April 17, 2002 Herbs require a few important conditions such as sunlight, good air circulation, and regular pruning. Once these conditions are met, they are ready to improve your garden's quality of life and yours. Herbs are used in the kitchen, in the garden as companion plants and throughout your home. Most herbs do well in full sun but they can manage with six hours of sunlight a day. When deciding where to put your herb garden think, location, location, location! The best location is the path your walk by everyday, and the closest to your kitchen. Harvest your herbs first thing in the morning, or at dusk. When harvesting your herbs, be generous, harvest as much as two thirds of the plant. Harvest the outside stems of parsley while leaving the central shoots to continue growing. Always keep in mind why you planted those herbs in the first place: for harvest. They need regular pruning throughout the growing season. During especially wet summers, regular pruning and cutting back of herbs improves their longevity. When the herbs go to seed, it is time to prune them back. Add herbs to meat, vegetable, fruit, rice and pasta dishes to liven up your meals. Herb strength varies from delicate to medium to strong or dominant flavors. Bay, cardamom, curry, dill, garlic, ginger, black pepper and rosemary are examples of strong flavored herbs. For strong flavored herbs, use one teaspoon for six servings. Medium flavor herbs include basil, celery, cumin, mint, oregano, thyme and turmeric. If you are preparing a meal for six people, one or two teaspoons are recommended. Delicate flavored herbs work well in combination with other herbs and can be used more generously. A few delicately flavored herbs are chervil, chives and parsley. Some helpful hints will maximize the herb's flavor and minimize time spent in the kitchen. Dried herbs are stronger than fresh. When a recipe calls for one teaspoon fresh herbs use one half teaspoon dried herbs. A few exceptions are: dried parsley, cilantro, mint and basil, which require equal amounts. Health food and bulk stores are a great place to purchase fresh and inexpensive dried herbs. Keep your dried herbs away from direct sunlight and away from your oven or stove. When using fresh herbs, finely chop the leaves to expose the herb for maximum flavor absorption. In the beginning, use less rather than more. Once you have experimented with different herb flavors and strengths, your confidence will invite you to try new recipes. Historically, herbal teas had medicinal purposes, but today many people enjoy the pleasure of brewing fresh herbal teas straight from their garden. When brewing fresh tea, start with two tablespoons of fresh herbs per cup. Add boiling water and steep for five to ten minutes before straining. The leaves of chamomile, mint, catnip, bee balm, lemon balm, lemon thyme and sage are suitable for harvesting and making teas. Lemon verbena, pineapple sage and lemon balm make great iced teas served during the summer's heat. Put herbs to work in your garden with companion planting. Try some specific combinations of herbs and favorite garden plants to improve your garden's quality. Chives planted at the base of rose bushes repel aphids. Basil planted nearby your tomatoes repel tomato hornworms. Nasturtiums near squash plants will deter squash bugs. Some have said that mint, marigold, thyme or chamomile may repel cabbage moths. Try planting catnip by the eggplants to repel flea beetles. To repel ants, try planting some tansy or pennyroyal. Prostrate thyme or lavender may deter slugs. Call it science or folklore, these combinations may just be the answer you were looking for with garden pests. There
is a place for herbs in anyone's home. In the front entrance of your
house, showy dried arrangements of lavender, mint or yarrow welcome
visitors. Herbs can be nestled in pillows and sachets. Bowls of herbal
potpourri placed throughout rooms leave a wonderful subtle fragrance.
Herbs are also used to make herbal baths, herbal soaps and to create
exotic dyes. Once a few seeds are sown, the herbal possibilities are
endless. www.cce.cornell.edu/yates/mgindex.htm.
Cornell
Cooperative Extension Yates Association |
