Herbs for the Garden

“He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herbs for the service of man,” Psalm 104:14

Here are some GREAT herbs for your garden! 

Nettle
A wonderful herb that is medicinal and a food.  Pick leaves, put in a pot of boiling water and cook like spinach. After a few minutes, drain off any water, add salt and butter and serve like spinach.  Tastes great and very nutritional.  It is easy to grow and comes back every year.  Plant one to 5 plants in your garden close together, and you can harvest the leaves until frost sets in.  It also puts nutrients into your soil, so it is good for the garden as well.

Cilantro
Great tasting addition to salads.  Cilantro is known to help pull out heavy metals and detox the body.  Small plant that won’t take up much space.  It is popular in Mexican, Indian, and Asian cuisines. The leaves are used to season tacos, guacamole, stir fries, and curries, while the plant and seeds are known as coriander. Grown primarily from seed, this fast-growing annual can be sown every 2-3 weeks for successive harvests.

Basil
This great tasting herb is a universal favorite.  It is widely used in Italian and other ethnic cuisines. Basil has a host of health and nutritional benefits as an important source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.  Add some to a salad for tasty boost.  It is also the main ingredient in pesto.  

Parsley
One of the most common and easiest herbs to grow, but has a mildly bitter tast. It is known as the “kidney herb”, as it is an effective diuretic.  It also aids in digestion and is a good source of Vitamin A and C. Parsley is a tender biennial that is grown as an annual in most regions from seed.

Mint
The clean taste of mint is always refreshing. There are many different flavors, including peppermint, spearmint, pineapple, and chocolate. The pungent leaves have a host of health benefits, including as a digestive aid. Use to flavor tea, yogurt, salads, and main dishes. Because mint is a vigorous spreader, it is best grown in a container.

Chives
A good substitute for onions, this member of the garlic family has a mild flavor that mellows with cooking. The grass-like foliage can be finely chopped and used to season eggs, fish, potatoes, and soups. Ornamental globe-shaped flowers are edible, with the diminutive plant size suitable for containers and small spaces.  It is an annual and be careful with it as it can spread considerably.  We have some all over our property here at Herbs 4 You.