Herb...not just a name for a guy

Since I try to limit our salt intake, I rely on herbs to give my dishes a real kick.  So, springtime planting is an exciting time for this grannie.  Every year I try to add some new herbs to my garden.

This year I have added to my repertoire: spicy Mexican oregano, apple mint  & Greek basil.   I saw Bay leaf at one of the nurseries...but it didn't look too great, so I will search for it elsewhere.  Fresh bay leaves would be awesome.  And that's one of the perks of growing your own herbs...you can use them fresh, or dry them for winter use.


Pictured on the right is my patch of Greek oregano.  This is the 4th year that it has come up....really, it never dies back.  In winter, I sometimes will flick the snow away, and pick some of it.  It's extremely hardy, and wonderful to dry.

One key for a good herb garden is to of course, plant it near your kitchen.  Another thing to remember, is to pinch the flower heads off the plants...otherwise, all the energy will go to the flower, and it will stop producing the leaf that we all want to pick.

 Whether it's in pots or the ground, you will be rewarded with, not only fresh herbs, but the most amazing smells every time you walk by the plants.  Actually, I started planting herbs for my granddaughter, Mia, who loves to pick leaves & smell them.  I plant pineapple sage every year, just so that we can pick a leaf every time we walk by.

 Just remember to label any plants that you're not sure of.  I'm doing it mainly to help the girls learn the different herbs.  With the right light & water, you too can enjoy fresh herbs.  Now, I need to go out and buy some more...I definitely need more basil.  Last year I planted 5 varieties.  This year, who know what I'll find...I already got Greek basil....maybe that will pair nicely with the Greek oregano.   Now, I just need some feta.