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2012 to be popular with herbs growers
I know it is difficult to wait, but for those of you who grow herbs in the backyard vegetable garden, be patient. The year 2012 has been designated the Year of the Herbs by the National Garden Bureau. It promises to be a sweet year for those who appreciate the taste of fresh-from-the-garden herbs.
Culinary herbs are some of the most satisfying crops for gardeners, novice and experienced alike. Many of the plants are easy to grow, naturally pest and disease resistant, and add an incredible amount of taste to ordinary meals.
Let’s take a look at three herbs popular with gardeners around the Shenandoah Valley:
» Basil: It is difficult to imagine a vegetable garden without basil. The aromatic leaves add a pronounced flavor to dishes such as pasta, salads, and soups. It is not uncommon to find a half dozen varieties of basil at the local farmers’ market; but for home growers, I recommend either Sweet Genovese (All-American Selection Winner) or Lemon Basil.
Each of these annual plants have distinctive flavors, are easy to grow, and can be purchased in four-packs or in seed packets. Sweet Genovese is a vigorous, luxuriant plant, slow to bolt. Try lemon basil with recipes calling for fresh fish — yum!
» Oregano: This is a popular culinary herb native to the Mediterranean region but well-adapted to western Virginia. It is used in stews, soups, casseroles, egg dishes and meat dishes. I like to dry it down after harvest and sprinkle it over homemade pizza. It never fails to stir up memories of my Navy days in Philadelphia (where everything is sprinkled with oregano).
Oregano is a perennial herb and is easily grown in containers. I recommend Greek oregano for its full, zesty flavor. About six weeks after planting, trim oregano stems to within one inch of the center to stimulate lush, bushy growth.
» Thyme: This is a hardy perennial that grows well in many areas, although it prefers light, well-drained soil located in full sun. There are many different varieties, offering variations in leaf color, flavor and fragrance. Creeping thyme is used as both a culinary and ornamental herb. It grows slowly at first, but eventually forms a dense mat and is well-suited for rock gardens. Thyme provides excellent flavoring for sauces and soups.
Bill & Sheila’s A-Z of herbs
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