by Anna Ribbeck
Time to celebrate! Relatives are arriving, décor is glowing, bells are ringing and carolers are singing. What better way to start the holiday season than by showing off your green thumb! A little planning now will provide you with a most welcome holiday gift—a living indoor herb garden. Whether you decide to keep your garden as a gift to yourself, or give it to a relative or friend, the project can be a wonderful start to your holiday season.
Herbs have been a part of man’s life, politics, romance, religion, health and folklore since the earliest of times. Our first American colonists brought herbs with them to use for medicinal remedies, flavoring and sources of fragrance. Herb gardens were an essential part of any pioneer home, and were handy when placed in the kitchen. Seeds, slips and plants were treasured and exchanged.
Along with the varieties that arrived via ship and covered wagon, many wild and local varieties of herbs were introduced to the early settlers by the Native Americans. Some of these “wild things” included parsley, anise, sorrel, watercress, wild leeks and lavender. The natives knew lots of uses for these herbs, and the settlers learned new ways to tan and dye leather goods and to preserve meat.
Today, the most popular use of herbs is in cooking. With the trend toward healthy, low-fat diets, culinary herbs provide an added zest sure to enrich any palate! Some, such as sage, chives, marjoram, mint and basil, can be strong flavored and should be used in small quantities. Sage is great with meats and in dressings. Chives go with anything creamy. Marjoram, mint and basil are fine salad additions. Other herbs, such as parsley and rosemary, are not only good in recipes, but also make wonderful garnishes.
The aromatic herbs have pleasant-smelling flowers and foliage and are often used in the production of perfumes and scented oils. Some common aromatics include valerian (crimson flowers), borage (blue flowers), chicory (blue flowers), lavender (purple flowers) and the foliage of oregano, thyme and mint. The medicinal herbs, such as echinacea, deserve care and study to be sure they are put to the best use. Improper use of herbs, like any other substance, can be very harmful.
Herb gardens are often filled with three main classes of herbs: annuals (bloom one season and die), biennials (live two seasons and bloom only in the second season), and perennials (over-winter and bloom each season, once established). Annuals include some of the most popular herbs, such as dill, basil, anise, chervil, coriander and summer savory. The most well known biennial is parsley. If it’s fragrance you’re after, then the list of perennials will be the one you love! Mint, tarragon, thyme, sage, chives, fennel, rosemary, marjoram and lavender are all included here.
Now that we know a little about the history and classification of herbs, let’s get down to the business of creating our kitchen gardens. First, find a sunny window. It can be a windowsill or a spot right in front of a large window on the floor. Whichever you choose, however, it should get the maximum amount of sunshine every day. Next, depending on the spot, choose a container that will fit the appropriate space. Make sure that the container is well drained—add some pea gravel or coarse sand in the bottom—as no herb likes to live with wet feet! Good potting soil is also a must, and should be amended with a little sand and humus. It’s also a good idea to add one teaspoon of lime per five inches of container.
You can find small herb plants or seeds at your favorite nursery, grocery or seed store. Choose several different varieties if you like that English-garden look. Rosemary makes a wonderful loner, as it will grow into a small bush that can be pruned into many different shapes. It makes a great kitchen Christmas tree!
Never over-fertilize herbs, as this can diminish their flavor. If you choose to start your garden with seeds, remember not to plant them too deeply. The finer the seed, the shallower the soil should be that covers it. You will find your herbs to be very resistant to insects or diseases that normally plague winter houseplants. This will be true when you transplant into your outdoor garden, as well.
Come springtime, this living gift will remind you or your loved one what the gift of living really means. Each little plant will be happy to embrace your garden and continue giving over and over again.
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