A recipe I looked up calls for herbs de provence. When I went to the market to purchase the herbs they look like potpourri! So I hesitated. Any input? Thanks in advance!

For thousands and thousands of years we have turned to plants we call herbs for flavor, dye, perfume and cosmetics. We have believed that individual herbs held the power to repel insects, evil and vampires, while others attracted the perfect lover, good luck or bees to pollinate our crops. For some, the use of herbs can cure headaches and burns. And, of course, what would fine dining be without the culinary herbs?

Here are some tips for herb gardening indoors that will simulate the conditions in an outside garden. For Herb gardening indoors the growing climates need to be pretty much the same as the conditions outside.

Make sure you have a sunny windowsill that your herbs will love. Use a container that is at least 6-12 inches deep.

Get your herb plants from a good garden center nursery who will have plenty of garden advice to help you with your inside garden. You will need some garden equipment like a small digging garden tool, garden gloves, organic fertilizer and some small gardening containers. You probably already have most of these garden supplies in your garden shed.

Soil is the most important aspect of growing herbs indoors. Use only top grade potting soil with an organic fertilizer mixed in. If you think it is too fine a soil, use a little perlite. Fertilize while potting the herbs and they should be happy until spring. If you have an herb that is not growing vigorously add a little organic liquid fertilizer to the water.

When you go to transplant the herb, go one inch up in the size of the gardening container. If the plant is in a two inch pot, go to a three inch gardening container. Leave the roots alone and be careful not to bruise the stem.

Don’t plant oreganos, mints, lemon balm or bee balm with other plants because they will overgrow everything. Pot these herbs in a garden container all their own. You may want to always plant those herbs in containers since they tend to “take over” the garden.

Some people swear that you must put garden stones in the bottom of the gardening container, but I dispute that opinion. I feel that the garden stones take valuable space away from the herb roots. You might want to place a small piece of wire screening over the hole to keep it from getting clogged.

Here are some examples of which herbs to plant together:

For an Italian selection try Sweet basil, Italian parsley, Oregano, Marjoram and Thyme.

For a lovely scented container use Lavender, Rose scented geranium, Lemon balm, Lemon thyme, and Pineapple sage.

For really great salads try Garlic chives, Rocket, Salad burnet, Parsley, Celery.

And to say “We love French Cooking!” use Tarragon, Chervil, Parsley, Chives and Sage

Allow time for your herbs to grow used to their new conditions. Once you see growth you can start using you herbs. Snip and use your herbs often to encourage them to grow full and bushy.

When it comes to light, all herbs must get 4 to 6 hours of sunlight a day on your window sill. If your window doesn’t supply that much light then purchase garden grow lights and hang them three inches above the plants. If you live in a very hot climate shade the herbs during the hottest periods. If you live in a very cold climate keep the herbs away from the cold glass panes.

When it comes to watering, don’t let the herbs dry out but don’t drown them either. Herbs do not like to sit in wet soil. An inexpensive water meter from your garden center nursery will help with this important step in growing your herbs. Always use room temperature water so as not to shock the herb’s roots.

If you follow all of these steps you will have a healthy herb garden all winter on your sunny windowsill.

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

I started cooking and I just wanted to know what kind of basic herbs and spices would I need to invest in?

Like wide spectrum herbs and spices, things that are used in everyday cooking.

Anything outside of herbs and spices are appreciated, too.

Arrangers of Marblehead to be cooking with herbs
“Cooking and Gardening with Herbs” will be the theme at the next meeting of The Arrangers of Marblehead on Wednesday, Sept. 8. The guest speaker will be professional chef Liz Barbour of “The Creative Feast.”

Read more on Marblehead Reporter

Produce picks by Michael Marks: Fresh herbs
Whether you’re at a farmer’s market or the supermarket, look for fresh herbs, European plums and strawberries.

Read more on Inside Bay Area

I am very sensitive to salad dressing because of all the oils in them and it affects me. But i love salad. The other day i had this killer salad with all these herbs on it and it tasted delicious. But i wasn’t able to get any of the herbs in it…what herbs are good on a salad to replace dressing?

Sometimes you just get tired of using the same old recipe that tastes the same time after time. But we are all so busy we are looking for easy ways to spice up are repertoire. One way that many cooks forget is to use blends of herbs to add subtle flavor distinctions. The French have been doing this forever.

The French never use just one herb in there dishes but rather a blend of herbs that they call a “bouquets garni”. Don’t be put off by that fancy name, it simply means a bouquet of herbs. The blend of herbs adds subtle but distinct flavors to every dish you prepare. The trick is to get the right blend for so no one herb dominates the dish. You want the flavors to be delicate.

With just a few herb bouquets you can change the taste of a recipe instantly. Now, old recipes have added spark and will get you plenty of “This is Greats”. Your aim here is to create a complex flavor that is balanced making each guest want to instantly take another bite. Of course there is different garni for each recipe. You want to achieve the right herbs and spices that compliment each other. You want to use the right relationship between quantities of each herb you are using.

For meat based casseroles, stews, stocks and soup, the old tried and true garni of parsley, thyme and bay leaf still apply. But go one step further and add a twist of citrus (lime, lemon, or orange) for a little zip. The formula for this garni is 3 sprigs of parsley, 1 sprig of thyme and 1 bay leaf. Get a piece of cooking string and tie the bundle together. Viola, just add the bundle to your dish and remove it before serving. Please use fresh herbs, they’re so much better. If you have to use dried, sprinkle the herbs into a patch of cheesecloth and tie the cloth together with the string. .Fine Herbes and Herbes de Provence are to other bouquets that the French use in their cooking.

You can buy these at the grocery store or a gourmet shop but why not make your own. Finely chop fresh oregano, thyme, marjoram, savory, and marjoram for Herbes de Provence. Add one tablespoon of each to your dish. This combination can also be used in salads, meat dishes and vegetables.

The English version of Herbes de Provence is sage, rosemary, marjoram, Italian parsley chives, tarragon and thyme. Mix them all together and use on lamb, pork or in stuffing.

For Fine Herbes, mix together chopped parsley, tarragon, chives and chervil. Experiment with the quantities. Be adventurous! Keep careful notes when you are experimenting so that you can duplicate the successes and toss the disasters. Remember that creating beautiful tasty dishes is a more of a craft that an art.

You will need to identify the flavor and strength of each herb so that you can group them into either mild or robust. Examples of mild herbs are basil, bay leaf, chervil dill, and marjoram. These herbs combine well with most other herbs and their flavors become milder during the cooking process. With mild herbs you can use larger amounts and with more variation. They can also be used in salads and other dishes where the leaves are not cooked or briefly cooked.

Your robust herbs stand up to cooking. Often, they are used for braised or roasted meat or domestic fowl, soups, stews and even grilled foods. You will have work on the recipe since sometime the herbs alter subtly during the cooking process. They will either become more muted or in some cases intensify. They can always be combined with the mild herbs. Robust herbs include sorrel, rosemary, garlic, oregano, sage, tarragon and thyme.

Another cool easy to use fresh herbs is to flavor oil or vinegar with a blend of either mild or robust herbs. You will need pretty glass jars (preferable dark) and a tight seal. Simply put your combination of herbs in the jar, add the oil or vinegar, seal and let it sit for several weeks. Oils should be stored in the refrigerator. The herbs will add a subtle flavor to the liquid and will be delicious in a variety of ways.

You can make really healthy tinctures with fresh herbs. But I would urge you to master the cooking with herbs before you branch out to other areas. By know exactly how each herb flavors each dish you will instinctually know what to use in tinctures.

Again be adventurous, mix and match, keep trying new things and keep notes so your successes can be repeated. After you have mastered cooking with herbs, who knows? Maybe you will start an herb garden so you will always have fresh delicious herbs on hand.

Here’s to Good Cooking!

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

I am making a variation of avgolemono (Greek lemon soup,) and I am sort of new to cooking with fresh herbs. Does anyone know of one, or a combination that would go well with this soup, but not overpower it?

Many herbs can help you maintain good health. If you are healthy, you will feel better in all areas. Herbs are like vitamins. Herbs are all natural so they will not harm you. On the market, you will find herbs of all sorts.

How are herbs used and what do they do?

Herbs are used for many reasons. Herbal teas are used to cleanse the digestive system, or overall internal body. Herbs are used as medicines, vitamins, supplements, etc. It depends on what you want to use the herbs for which ones you get. You will find herbal teas used to treat common colds as well. Herbs are available to help reduce wrinkles, or other aging features.

Some of the popular herbs include Kava-Kava. Kava is used to reduce anxiety. Kava will help you relax and sleep well. Another herb is Plum Flower. The herbs are used to treat people who suffer with various illnesses, including migraines, hypertension, cancers, heart disease, gastro intestine problems, common headaches and so on.

Emperor is great for the souls who feel restless often. GUI-PI supplements are great for workaholics. The herbs work to nourish the mind. ELEUTHERO- supports the system by providing you with improved blood circulation. Gingko Biloba is a great herb that increases blood circulation. The herbs will help the lungs function proper, while distributing or promoting oxygen flow, which in turns produces freedom of blood flowing to the brain.

If you have difficulty with joints and muscles, which may be caused by arthritis, bursitis, or some other type of joint, muscle, or spinal disease you may find benefit from tea pills. Inflamed joints cause pain and swelling. You will find Joint specific tea inflammation pills that assist with relieving you of these symptoms. During mid-age you may take delight in the rejuvenating teas. The teas will help you feel good. On the market, you will find many helpful herbs that promote healthy aging.

One of the better herbs for those suffering with memory loss or forgetfulness is Ginkgo Biloba herbs that support healthy brain functions. Gingko Biloba designed to enhance mental alertness is a great herb as well.

How do I find more information about the herbs?

You can find all sorts of herbs you want at most Wal-Mart stores. Herbs are sold in malls, herbal stores, drug stores and so on. You will herbs online as well. It is good to check out the herbs online, since you will have additional details that help you to learn what herbs are used for. Just remember to ask your family doctor before you take herbs. Some medications work against herbs despite that the herbs come from natural resources.

How do I know herbs are safe for me to take?

Herbs are natural, so in most cases herbs are very good to take. Herbs rarely cause side effects like many other drugs sold. In some instances however, people have experienced side effects, which is cause is not clear.

This is why you should visit your doctor first before taking any herbs, over-the-counter meds, or vitamins. For the most part if you find the FDA approved herbs you may not experience side effects. Keep in mind though the FDA, US Government, Pharmaceutics and so on keep some herbs out of this country, since they have proven to cure certain diseases. The US is backed by greed, which enforces particular people to focus on month, rather than healthy people. For this reason you should decide at your own risk. Most importantly however, you want to consider the herbs and its purpose first.

Growing herbs has become a very popular hobby today. Not only are they decorative, but growing herbs yourself gives you an ongoing fresh supply of herbs for cooking.

A good thing about growing herbs is that they can be done indoors. This way, they can be enjoyed even if you are living in the city and do not have room for outdoor gardening space.

Helpful Tips for Growing Herbs in Containers

1. Herbs ideally thrive in the ground, but with proper choices and the right precautions, they can flourish in the indoor garden. They have to be positioned inside the house where they can grow well.

2. You can combine herbs of different colors to create an atmosphere inside your house. For example, you can get calendula or lemon thyme, herbs with sunny colors for a brighter effect.

3. Let the herbs grow together. They can create a climate among them that will further encourage their growth. They also create a fuller and healthier appearance.

4. Limit the amount of herbs you will plant in a container. It should depend on the size of your container. There should at least be an allowance of four inches square in between each type of herb.

5. Get a clean container to start with the hobby. The container must allow good drainage for the herbs. Use also the type of soil that is porous enough to let water easily go down to the roots.

6. Try to pick commercial potting mix instead of the usual garden soil. They especially contain minerals that can support the needs of your herbs in containers.

7. Check out regularly your herbs, especially if they need some watering. Different herbs will have different moisture requirements.

Just make sure that they do not get too much dry. At the same time, do not drown them either.

10 Herbs to Grow in Containers

There are many kinds of herbs to choose from for your indoor garden. It is best to choose those that can be arranged together. Here are some of them that should be in your top 10 consideration.

1. Silver Plants

Most herb growers would choose according to a color scheme. The herb containers can have an arrangement according to the hue of the plants.

There are herbs that give out silvery hues. They are best for creating an elegant look in the corner of your house and perfect for a garden to be enjoyed in the evening.

You can use artemisias, curry plants and santolinas.

2. Golden Herbs

There are also golden herbs that can add a bright attitude in your mornings. They are perfect for days when the sun shine greets you inside the house.

Your golden garden can have lemon thyme, calendula, nasturtium and even the variegated sage and lemon balm.

3. Blue Garden

If your favorite color is blue, then you can have your indoor herb garden in all blue also. Choose or combine borage, hyssop, rosemary and catmint for that blue collection.

4. Italian Choices

People who love anything Italian can make use of the Italian selection.

Sweet basil, oregano, marjoram, thyme and the Italian parsley can perfectly grow together and respond to your Italian needs anytime.

5. Salad Bar

To vegetarians out there or people who simply enjoy salads, planting herbs like garlic chives, salad burnet, celery and rocket will be a good choice. You need not go to the market to enjoy a bowl of salad.

6. Go French

People who enjoy French cooking can also tend tarragon, parsley, sage and chervil.

7. Enjoy the Scent

Some households can make use of a lovely scent to set the mood. Lavender, lemon thyme, pineapple sage and the rose scented geranium are some of the perfect choices for a pleasant garden.

8. Insect Repellent

You can also grow herbs in your container that can function as insect repellents. This is especially useful for a household with kids.

9. Culinary Herbs

It is also nice to grow and tend culinary herbs inside your house. It is like having your own kitchen needs at hand anytime you want them.

Some of these culinary herbs that can be grown in containers are rosemary, mint, chives, or sage.

These are good seasoning for most of your cooking. The lemon balm is also perfect for your barbecue afternoons.

10. Loner Herbs

There are herbs that have to be kept and maintained in their own containers. They tend to overpower other herbs if they are put in a group.

Oreganos, lemon balm or bee balm and even mints are herbs that must be on their own or else they will overtake all the plants in your indoor garden.

Conclusion

Planting herbs in containers will definitely let you enjoy the delight of growing herbs even if you do not have any space outdoors.