Fearless Herb Gardening

My grandmother used to say that things were better when they're homemade and grown in your own garden; I remember helping out in her immense garden each summer. I also remember getting excited about the fresh crops I helped pick and what great dishes she would make with them...

OK, enough with the touching sentiments, this is an herb article! Little did Grandma know, she had a little gay boy domestic diva in training watching her every skillful move.

Now, years later I actually find myself embracing the notion that fresher is better. After all, why pay the money for a jar of dry herbs when you can just pick it in your own back yard? Well, EDGE has some suggestions for some terrific and versatile herbs to get growing right now. Not only will they add great flavor to food, but they also offer holistic and fragrant benefits to your life and home. (And your garden will look better too!)

Basil
This is one of the easiest herbs to grow as well as one of the most useful and best tasting. There are more than 150 varieties available with the most popular being Sweet Basil. This is the type that I would recommend selecting.

Basil thrives in full sun and does well in both containers and as an accent to flower gardens. When taking the leaves for cooking, simply snip them off individually and add to your recipe. Don't allow the plant to flower or it will not get bigger, just snip the flowers to stimulate growth.

Some of best Italian dishes are made with basil. Nothing is better than a fresh Caprese (basil, mozzerella, tomato and olive oil) sandwich or appetizer in the summer. Some other fantastic and easy recipes made with basil are fresh pesto, garlic bread, salads, and numerous Italian pasta dishes. Basil also can aid in the remedy of indegestion, anxiety, insomnia, sores and stings.

Chives
Chives are an Oriental herb that grow cylindrical, hollow green leaves that look like thick blades of grass. They will also produce edible white or purple colored pompom like blossoms at the top of the plant once growing is in full swing. When harvesting, simply snip off leaves after the plant has reached at least 6 inches in size, but be sure to leave 2 inches for regrowth.

The taste of chives are a combination of onion and garlic, and can be used as an alternative to recipes calling for either of these. They are also good in salads, with potatoes, as a soup garnish and with baked breads. Chives also can be dried for decorating, but are not widely known for their holistic remedies.

Mint
Another easy herb to grow, this is one of those underestimated and underused herbs. Available in many types including Orange Mint, Spearmint, Ginger Mint and Curly Mint. Harvesting is similar to what you would do for basil- just snip off some leaves. The plant can thrive both on its own or amongst other flowers and herbs.

Mint will allow you to get a bit daring and funky in your culinary uses. Just snip off one of the leaves and add to sugar, whip up some mint jelly, or mix up a refreshing Mint Julep or Mojito. Mint is also a very powerful healing herb, one main thing to remember here is to never injest mint oil in its pure form, always use an amount diluted with water. Some commonly used remedies from mint are by rubbing a leaf on your body to relax muscles, releive stomach pains and nausea as well as numerous skin related ailments (it's great for the skin). You'll also cherish mint in your aromatic and ornamental settings as well.

Rosemary
This popular herb looks and smells great Rosemary needs an alkaline soil in a sunny, well-drained spot. The plant grows in lush, spiked stems. To harvest, cut 4-inch sections from the tip of the plant and use in your favorite recipe.

Rosemary leaves are delicious in Italian cuisine, in veal and lamb dishes and in herb butters added to steamed vegetables. One of the best ways to use rosemary and taste it's unique and tasty flavor is in a marinade. Just add olive oil or balsamic vinegar and you will have almost perfect chicken, pork or beef! Other more practical uses for rosemary are by tucking sprigs of the herb in your clothing drawers to discourage moths (who'd of thought!). Or use it as an ingredient in sachets and soaps.

Sage
This last recommendation is better known for its holistic powers than its culinary ones. Sage, as its name implies, is said to carry powers of wisdom as well as longevity. It's also known as a cure-all. American Indians mixed the herb with bear fat to create an all-purpose salve. Available in several varieties, this herb will look great in your herb garden, as it often produces small, colorful flowers that should be pruned frequently to allow growth.

Fresh sage has a slight lemony flavor; when dried it has a stronger, mustier taste. Dried sage is a staple ingredient in poultry stuffings. The herb is compatible with rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley, and bay. It also acts as an antiseptic and soothes coughs and colds.

And that's not all!

These suggestions are just a start. There are many more herb varieties now available at your local nursery for you to grow both inside and outside. Get creative and you'll be amazed at what a hearty herb garden will do for you. You may just surprise yourself. Like grandma said - Fresh IS best! Happy Harvesting!

For some more ideas on recipes containing any of these herbs, visit the Food Network's web site. Gain greater insight into the holistic benefits of herbs at