I was browsing through seed catalogues this week trying to decide what to get planting this year for the windowsill, back garden and the allotment. I pondered over the herb sections for the longest while and placed the usual candidates in my virtual shopping basket – Basil, Coriander, Parsley, Dill, Chives etc. These are everyday staples I could not do without but I was inspired by this infographic by Deborah Madison. I’ve never paired basil with green beans for example. I always reach for the parsley or coriander.
This little infographic has also inspired me to plant herbs I don’t have or know much about. Lovage for example and marjoram. Neither feature in my recipes so I’ve placed both on order to get experimenting this year.
How to grow?
Then I started pondering where I would grow all my herbs so I could reach them easily from the kitchen but also move them around as and when they needed more or less light.
I found this little idea which I’m going to adopt. It’s perfect as I always have lots of tins lying around. It looks pretty in a shabby chic kind of way and is easy to replenish.
Herb resources
It took me a while to read around this topic and find the seeds I wanted. Here is a list of the sites I used:
- Jekka’s Herb Farm – an endless world of knowledge on when and how to grow as well as a place to buy unusual seeds.
- Nicky’s Nursery – has some unusual seeds such as ajowan seeds which I haven’t bought because I can get them cheaply and easily at Indian supermarkets but I thought they deserved a mention for their range!
- Herb Gardening – Comprehensive guidance on growing all sorts of herbs
- Sow Seeds – beautiful seeds and a great blog. I also love the fact they do seed based wedding favours and corporate gifts.
I’ve been growing oregano for years – normal and a hot, spicy one. Must admit to not being adventurous with using it and mainly add it to tomatoes, summer squash and pizzas.
I like the idea of oregano with squash – I would always reach for the rosemary for that one!
Reblogged this on Celebrities Worth Watching.
I love marjoram – one of my favourites and very popular in Polish cooking. Chicken with marjoram is great. Love the herb pot, idea, too x
I’m keen to try marjoram. Do you know why it’s popular in Polish cooking? Is it something that grows naturally over there?
Great to hear new ideas on pairing herbs. I need to sort out my herb bed soon and definitely keen to make way for hyssop and purslane this year – purslane for Middle Eastern inspired salads. I have lovage towards the back of my herb bed, it grows gigantic, looks fab and used sparingly is great for adding flavour to stews and soups. Have you tried growing angelica too? Lovely globe seed heads and good with acidic fruit – I need to experiment more, using it with rhubarb and gooseberries though.
Yes I have ordered some Angelica. I’m looking forward to the results so I hope it all comes to life!
In Germany they say you should always use marjoram with potatoes and savory with green beans, both uses were new to me! My herbs are not as near my back door as i would like, but have a prime spot at the top of the rockery. The basil is my favourite, and gets pampered in pots on the covered balcony!
Lovely. Must admit I have never used savoury before. Must seek it out.
I have herbs right outside my back door since the kitchen was done. Mine always bolt if I don’t tend to them for a few days, I am a very bad gardener. But I enjoy the results!
They can be rather needy can’t they!
Every year I grow oregano, mint and chives in my very small window box. I’ve been experimenting with a mustard herb sauce recently that uses up unlikely combinations.
I must expand my window box this year.
I like the sound of thus mustard herb sauce. Sounds perfect for lots of dishes!
I like the idea of planting up tins to keep near the kitchen – it would save a walk down the garden to fetch herbs in the rain! I grow as many herbs as I can squeeze in the garden. Lots of mint and parsley for salads through the summer, and tarragon too although I’ve never used it with asparagus… one to try this year!
I agree. I would never have paired tarragon with asparagus either but thinking about it I like the idea. Do love the web for bringing so much inspiration like this
Planting herbs in tins looks rather nice, doesn’t it? It’s great to have fresh inspiration for what to team herbs with.
yes indeed they do! one for all your tinned tomato pots!
Planting in the tins looks so pretty, especially displayed in that way. Marjoram is really good but haven’t tried loveage, so some food for thought there. Most of my herbs are at the plot but I do have a couple outside the back door and some pots in the kitchen.
I have coriander at the plot via a neighbour. He grew so much so well last year that we had handfuls every time we went. I use it in so many Indian dishes and of course for the charmoulla recipe on this blog. I want to explore lovage too and purslane which a twitter follower kindly sent me.
favourite spot is my kitchen window, favourite herb oregano, I also grow and use methi and I love fennel particularly with pork.
Methi is another interesting one. I buy it so cheaply that I had never thought about growing before