Garlic and parsley are the some of the known herbs applied for medicinal purposes. Garlic is best used when aiding people who have issues with breathing, and those who have a congested respiratory system. With the use of this medicinal herb, the immune system is improved. Many people in this generation are experiencing issues with blood pressure; lowering them takes a lot of effort and money for those who have high blood pressure. Thus, garlic is considered by many as the best and the cheapest cure you can find for this ailment.

For those experiencing dyspepsia, parsley is the best solution. It is known to increase the amount of urine a person can make and it lessens kidney infections which are issues common to the elders. Apart from this, parsley is famous an ingredient that can add flavor to culinary recipes.

Many people find planting herbs very interesting and they grow this herbs for a variety of reasons. Some of these reasons are the due to the medicinal properties of these herbs which can substitute the drugs found in pharmacies.

Methods of growing the herb

A hardy perennial shrub, garlic has a similar appearance to an onion. The only difference is the division of the cloves. During the initial stage of its growth, it appears like a cone-shaped hat surrounded by tiny bulbs and flowers. The resemblance of the onion and garlic is accorded to a Bible story after the exile of Adam and Eve. Upon the exit of the devil from the Garden of Eden, onions rose from his right hoof marks and garlic came about in his left hoof.

The right temperature is essential during the garlic’s initial growth stage. It should be kept cool and well lit by the sun. A healthy soil filled with organic compounds will keep it nourished. Dryness will seal in the garlic’s flavor; this is done mainly in the plant’s mature stage. The sign of the bulb’s maturity is the ground’s dryness. By then, you can already begin harvesting.

On the other hand, parsley is much easier to take care of; you do not have to worry about the temperature for it can survive cold weathers and the choice of soil will not be an issue for it can be planted anywhere. It is best to grow them after the average time of the last snowfall. Although it can grow anywhere, you can achieve the maximum quality of parsley when it is planted on a healthy soil. Let the seed permeate in water overnight before putting them to the soil. Faster seed germination will be the result of this action. 18 to 24 inches distance is allotted per row. The flowers of parsley are greenish yellow in color and during the Roman era, wreaths made of parsley are used to keep the men and women sober when drinking.

Planting these herbs, parsley and garlic, is truly pleasurable and it can save you more money. Rather than buying your own medicine, you can get one from your own garden. Cultivating them can alleviate stress and make you feel more relaxed.

The rich delights of fine Italian cuisine is enjoyed everywhere in the world. The colorful array of flavors that excites the pallet can be largely attributed to the refined blend of herbs that has been grown by this fine nation for centuries in herb gardens.

Almost everyone prepares Italian cuisine at home for their families and many grows the plants in their own garden to keep at hand a fresh and flavorful supply for preparing these wonderful meals. If you wish to start this fine hobby for yourself, this is a list of the 7 most used herbs to assure a complete authentic Italian herb garden.

1. Garlic is probably the most used herb to be grown in the garden and is the basic ingredient in many Italian dishes. One thing is certain, a garden that doesn’t grow garlic cannot be considered an Italian garden. This herb can be planted and will thrive requiring very little attention. Once harvested, they can be frozen or pickled and stored in the refrigerator for later use.

2. Basil is among the most commonly used herb. Its distinctive flavor is the soul of Italian cuisine and it also offer certain benefits to the garden itself. This herb repels flies and mosquitoes in the garden and, if planted nearby, will improve the taste of tomatoes and peppers.

3. Another herb that is widely used to garnish many dishes is parsley and can be eaten fresh and raw. An interesting fact about this herb is that it has the quality of absorbing the odors of ones breath after a tasty meal. This tradition is quite old and is still being practiced nowadays.

4. Oregano is a decorative and has a very distinctive flavor that is strong enough to hold its own in any meal. The herb will deliver the most flavor when harvested only once lovely small purple flowers start to sprout. Be patient, it is definitively worth the wait.

5. Sage is a herb that graces many different Italian recipes ranging from salads to meats. It is strongly advised to keep the plants well trimmed when growing this herb for the new shoots are the most flavorful part of the plant. You should harvest the sage plants only after they have bloomed.

6. Rosemary is a perennial plant that forms a rather big shrub that sprouts beautiful blue flowers. This plant is valuable in the garden for its ability to attract bees, thus keeping them away from other plants. Keep in mind though that rosemary is easily affected by frost.

7. Fennel is used when making Italian sausages that adds a distinctive exciting flavor to the palette. This perennial plant must be divided and replanted every 2-3 years because once the fennel plant has reached maturity there is a noticeable loss of flavor.

With these herbs growing in your Italian herb garden you’ll be able to use fresh basil when preparing a tomato based Italian meal or oregano with fried foods and grilled meats. Sage has a peppery flavor that is magnificent with meat dishes, Italian salads and dressings. It will also be a welcomed addition to stuffing for poultry, pork, lamb or seafood.

Of course there are many other herbs that can be added to the garden that are used for Italian dishes but these 7 herbs described above is a great start and will be sufficient for a large variety of recipes. Of course, you can balance them to your particular taste and needs. Be sure to consider the growing needs of each herb you plant.

Want to have your own fresh herbs to pick from a garden, but live high up in a downtown apartment or in a townhome with a pocket sized yard? We have just the solution for you… start growing your herbs in pots! Yup, with a sunny window or balcony, you can have fresh, organic herbs right at hand to clip and use for all your gourmet cooking and refreshing herbal teas.

Just imagine… it’s close to dinner, and the pasta is cooking. You step out on the balcony and clip a few fresh basil sprigs for your special recipe pesto. Blended with a little extra virgin olive oil, some fresh garlic and parmesan cheese – yum!

All you need is a little imagination, a few containers, and your carefully selected seedlings from a reputable nursery, herb farm or farmers market grower. Then just supply the 3 necessary requirements:  a well-draining soil, a few hours of sunlight and water. It is really easy to control all these essential elements when you use containers for planting. All plants need light for photosynthesis (remember that term from school?), so place your potted-up herbs on a sunny windowsill or a south or west facing balcony. If you face east or north, don’t despair You can always supplement the light with a high-intensity grow light and still have those fresh herbs to enjoy.

So the soil in your containers drains well (herbs hate soggy soil, and will die on you), put an inch of gravel in the bottom of the pot before you add the soil. Use a sterilized potting soil, mixed with some perlite to keep it loose and light. After you have potted up the starter seedlings, get a plastic or metal tray, and put a shallow bed of gravel in it. Place your plants on the gravel, and add water to the tray. Your plants will now have their own instant humidifier. A weekly misting with clean water will make them grow even better.

As far as knowing when your herbs need watering, it is really simple. Just poke your finger about an inch into the soil. If it is dry, water the plant. But… never overwater. If you check them frequently, you will soon know just how often they need watering. Occasionally, you may want to add a little liquid fertilizer to the water(something natural, like a seaweed extract), but most herbs don’t need a lot of feeding.

The advantage you have if you are growing herbs in pots is the freedom to move them around, indoors or outdoors. They can be placed close to the kitchen, or right on the kitchen windowsill, where they are handy for cooking. You can move them to get the best light, or be near the water faucet. You can keep your herbs indoors all year, but many of them will definitely do better in an outdoor location. Give them a summer outside, and bring them inside in fall.

Soon, you will have pots of fresh herbs you have carefully chosen and cared for. Use them frequently so they keep a compact shape and stay lush and green. Use your branching herbs, like basil and oregano, by pinching back the growing tips. This encourages even more growth. Use outer leaves of parsley and coriander. If you find you have more than you can use, freeze or dry the excess. Enjoy!

An Italian herb garden groups the herbs well-known in Italian cuisine together, such as oregano, basil, garlic and  sage. Create a taste, smell and vision of Italy by creating your own Italian-themed herb garden. Its easy to do and adds authentic flavor to your Italian dishes.

Plant basil for a useful flavor-workhorse in Italian cuisine. Not only does basil dress up sauces and pesto, but also the plant has properties that help its neighbors in the garden. Planting it between tomatoes and peppers imparts flavor to both the tomatoes and peppers. Basil plants also repel flies and mosquitoes.

Italian sausages are often flavored with fennel seed. Fennel plants lose their flavor as  they mature. Divide fennel plants every few years and replant to encourage the flavorful new growth. Collect the seeds and use in breads as well as homemade sausages. Fennel is a perennial.

What is Italian cooking without garlic? A member of the onion family, garlic thrives in many gardens and many soil types with little fuss. Garlic heads can be dug up in fall and stored over winter either dried, frozen or pickled. Or leave them in the ground to grow the following year. Each clove of garlic can grow a whole plant.

Oregano is an Italian herb that enhances flower gardens as well as culinary gardens. Well-known in Italian sauces, oregano is aromatic and attractive, sporting small pink to purple flowers. As flowers appear, pinch them back to reduce bolting. Leaf flavor is best after flowering begins. Plant in well-drained, lean soil and divide as the perennial
becomes woody-stemmed in the center.

Parsley adds a light spicy flavor to many dishes. Used today as a garnish, fresh parsley leaves used to be served after meals as a breath-freshener. Chewing on fresh parsley leaves counters the strong odors left by garlic. The tradition of serving parsley with a meal lives on as garnish. Parsley can be difficult to grow. Add it to your Italian herb garden by planting the seeds directly in the garden; plants mature in their second year.

Rosemary is a perennial shrub that prefers a dry climate with mild temperatures. Profuse flowers range from white to purple and draw honeybees to any garden. For areas with heavy snow, plant rosemary in a pot and bring inside during the winter. Use rosemary leaves or whole stems of leaves to flavor dishes.

Sage leaves are useful in meat dishes, salads and sauces. This woody-stemmed plant should be pruned closely to encourage new shoots to grow. The best flavor is harvested from the new shoots after the plant blooms. Do not confuse European sage with sagebrush from the western U.S. high desert region – the latter was named for its color, not its taste, and could be poisonous.

Italy can come to your garden by planting a few of the herbs famous in their cuisine. Outside of use for their flavor, many Italian herbs are beautiful additions to your landscaping. Consider which herbs you are likely to use and each plants sunlight, soil and water requirements before planting an Italian-themed herb garden. Many more herbs used in Italian cooking are not listed here but with a little research you can explore other herbs you might plant in an Italian herb garden.

Interested in starting your own Italian herb garden?  Italian herbs can add spice and flavor to any meal.  All of your favorite spices including basil, garlic, parsley and chervil are considered Italian spices and commonly appear in every pasta or pizza dish you order.

One of the newest trends in cooking is for chef’s to maintain their own Italian herb garden.

The advantages in this are not only economic but also related to flavor.  The chef knows that freshly picked Italian herbs are far more satisfying and tasty than store-bought seasoning.  They may also enjoy having more control over all the factors in the growing process.  They feel personally responsible for the plant and producing a fresh herb, and therefore can feel better about the quality of their cooking.

Secrets you need to know

What are some well protected secrets about an Italian herb garden?  Gardeners suggest that you should not pick all of the leaves at once.  Instead, you might try picking a few at a time and give the plant a chance to steadily re-grow.

In fact, plants increase in size and produce every time you pick the leaves.

No doubt you’ll want to protect your garden from the threat of pests, so try marking off the area.  Furthermore, be careful about pesticides and the threat of invasive weeds.  Some chefs find that growing herbs in a pot is far more effective, since they can control the temperature and humidity (they simply bring the plant inside) and can also protect it from outside threats.

Another option to consider for growing an Italian herb garden is buying a kit, which can provide everything you need from the pot, to the pre-seeded pods, rich soil, and the plant itself.  In general, you want pots that are 8-10 inches.  You want to give each plant enough room to grow in its roots, but also allow for sufficient drainage and adequate watering.  Be sure your garden gets plenty of sunlight (or at least fluorescent light) at least six hours a day (or as recommended in the instructions).

Instructions to Herb Kits

The actual instructions you work by will differ with each type of herb.  For example, rosemary grows consistently as long as it has sunlight and well-irrigated soil.  Rosemary is sensitive to overwatering.  On the other hand, sage requires a more ideal environment, one well-sunlit and with good moisture.

Sage plants also need to be re-planted (using the cuttings) every few years otherwise they become too thick.  Parsley grows best in full sunlight with minimal shade, whereas oregano requires plenty of sun and excellent drainage.  Oregano also produces many leaves, more than the usual, so you will only need a few plants to get started.

Regardless of what herb you choose to grow, the secret to growing a successful Italian herb garden is in the amount of care you give to each plant.  Kits, super-formulas and various tidbits on how to pick the leaves are all secondary to the nurturing you give your garden.  For more information on growing Italian herbs, talk to your local nursery.