Quickly Learn the How-To's of Italian Herb Gardening
Growing your own herbs in an Italian herb garden provides such an array of possibilities. Italy has provided us with a great many herbs that enhance the dishes that we enjoy on a regular basis. Some of those marvelous Italian dishes that are so popular, are famous in part for their herbs.
Basil is no doubt one of the best-known Italian herbs. You've surely noticed that many dishes use basil as a main herb ingredient. Basil can be very useful to the other plants in your garden, in addition to adding so much to your Italian cuisine. Including basil in the same part of your garden as tomatoes and peppers can improve the flavor of both of these. In addition, basil can also ward off pesky flies and mosquitoes.
Another wonderful herb that has many uses is parsley. Parsley, just like basil, is used in many Italian dishes and is now used in the cuisine of almost every other ethnic culture as well. Years ago before breath mints were invented, the discovery was made that eating fresh, raw parsley could whisk away the bad breath that one might have after eating. If you ever wondered why a sprig of parsley was included on your plate at your local diner, you now know why.
Oregano is as decorative as it is flavorful. When it is fully mature it will sprout pretty purple flowers. Oregano should not be harvested until it has flowered because this is when the plant is most flavorful.
Many a sausage has its flavor enhanced by the savory flavor of fennel. It is remembered for its 'licorice' type flavor. The interesting thing about fennel is that the plant loses its flavor as it matures. It is a perennial plant that should be divided and replanted every couple of years.
Like basil, rosemary is an Italian herb that is beneficial to the garden. It is a hardy perennial that grows into a shrub which produces profuse small flowers. The flowers appear in late spring and, depending on the variety, range from dark blue to pale blue and even white. Bees are also attracted to rosemary, which is an added advantage.
Probably the most used herb in Italian cuisine is garlic. No Italian herb garden would be complete without this useful herb. Garlic can be planted and will thrive in just about any garden with very little attention. After harvesting, cloves of garlic can be stored to be used at a later time by freezing or pickling them. They can also be stored in a cool, dark room.
Sage is used in a variety of Italian dishes from meats to salads. It is best to clip and use the new shoots before they mature, as this is when they have the most flavor. Trimming sage on a regular basis will encourage new growth and once it blooms, then it is time to harvest the plant.
Be sure to take time to consider which Italian herbs you use the most before deciding which ones you will include in your herb garden. Think about the growing conditions that each plant requires and consider whether or not you can provide them. Yes, Italian herbs add flavor to food. On top of that, they add so much to your landscape designs. They can be displayed for color and their fragrances. By planting Italian herbs amongst other plants, you will be treated to sweet aromas straight from Italy. Envision a pleasant stroll on an Italian hillside.
About the Author
A cooking and herb enthusiast, author Lanny Danenberg lives in the San Francisco area. Her new book, The Complete Herb Garden How-To Guide, reveals the secrets to cultivating your own healthy herbs and is perfect for those planning their first herb garden. For more information and photos, visit: http://www.HerbGardenHowToGuide.com
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