If you like to cook and grow plants at the same time, planting herbs might be a fun experience for you. They can be pretty simple to cultivate. You won’t be needing a lot of space for them, which is perfect for beginners. Not only this, you will benefit from having to add more flavor to your future dishes. You have the luxury to even pick it just in the comfort of your backyard.
The herbs you’ll be planting can be used for medicinal or aromatherapy. Almost all herbs can immerse you with a dozen nutrients like antioxidants and disease-fighting ones. For more than a hundred years, herbs have been present and have been an aid for various illnesses. It’s a known remedy for many conditions for different types of bodily systems.
Not only you’ll be reaping these benefits, but you’ll also take leisure in doing the activity of growing them. Here are some of the herbs you can grow in your backyard.
Bay Laurel
In the Mediterranean region, their trees are natives. They can also be found in other areas. Their leaves were even used as a wreath of honor in Ancient Greece. Their size ranges from about 20-60 ft in length. Their leaves are stiff and leather-like, and their edges have wavy and smooth features.
They are hard not to notice because of their scent. Their fragrance is a mixture of herbs and flowers, which can be said the same thing with oregano and thyme. Growing a bay laurel tree is an attractive option if you want a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, Magnesium, and more.
Its leaves contain enzymes that aid in breaking down protein, making them perfect for meat dishes that require tender meat. If you’re planning to grow this evergreen plant, you need to pre-pot them. The quantity of water necessary is moderate to low.
Thyme
This plant is commonly found in places like North America and the Mediterranean. During the medieval period, it was used by knights for their armor as a symbol of courage. Today, Thyme is a popular herb used in a lot of meals and dishes.
Sometimes, Thyme is an ingredient for most drinks and liquor. You will immediately notice its strong medicinal and volatile smell, and its taste is primarily spicy and sharp. Thyme has vitamin A and vitamin C. It’s also packed with copper, manganese, iron, and fiber. This plant will thrive when it receives good sun. It‘s also recommended to plant them together with tomatoes and cabbage.
Parsley
Petroselinum crispum, or what we know of as Parsley is originally from the Mediterranean lands but just like any other herb it has developed and spread throughout the world. It’s used for garnish and to add flavor in different dishes in Ancient Greeks and Romans.
They can be about 80 cm long, and their leaves are feather-like and light green. Its scent gives off a grassy smell, and it has a much more powerful odor than cilantro. This herb contains nutrients that reinforce bone health and heart health.
It even has anti-bacterial components and also has a rich source of antioxidants. For the parsley tree to grow healthy, it needs regular watering. It also needs to be under full sunlight to prosper.
Basil
They originally come from Central Africa and Southeast Asia. It has been long used in diverse culinary traditions. In recent times, it’s now used for perfumes, remedies, and incense. It has a peppery and minty smell, and its taste is savory and has a twinge of mint, but it depends on its variety.
A mature basil tree is 18-24 inches wide and tall. Its leaves are circular, mildly cupped, and curved right at the point of the tip. Its health benefits include alleviating stress and is strongly resistant to many strains. For a basil tree to develop, its soil needs to be full of moisture, so frequent watering is required.
However, drainage must also be kept in mind to prevent the root from rotting. You should also place them in a warm location. To encourage its growth, regular harvest is important.
Rosemary
These herbs are originally found in the dry areas of the Mediterranean region. It has also been used in the early time of Romans and Greeks. It has various uses in different cuisines, landscaping ideas, and crafts. It’s a bushy shrub, and its leaves are needle-like.
They are dark green in color on the upper side, and under it is a wooly structure. These herbs are part of the mint family, and their woody fragrance makes them popular and is often used for aromatherapy. These herbs can help in improving your immune system and blood circulation.
They are also equipped with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. For its cultivation, it doesn’t need that much water because it is prone to have its roots rot. Frequent pruning is also recommended.
Takeaway
These herbs have a vast array of benefits that we can gain when we decide to grow them. Its uses range from redefining fresh produce, spicing up your dishes, and bringing a splash of color to your home.
