Easy To Grow Herbs
Today I have decided to write about some of the easiest to grow plants in our garden. They are Chives, Ku Chai (Garlic Chives), and Sweet Basil. The two forms of chives are great chopped up finely in a salad.
Regular chives are a prolific plant that grows easily. Chives are great chopped un in a salad giving it a hint of onion, without over powering a salad like an onion can. They are growing in a full sun position within a half barrel pot. Chives grow long and tall with a tubular construction, they look much like a spring onion. I have split the original plant into both extremes of the planter to encourage growth. It has worked as you can not even see where we have actively harvested the chives. They are a very easy plant to grow, and anyone that likes chives should grow their own.
Ku Chai on the other hand is more delicate in texture and flavour. It though grows in the same way. Our Ku Chai is doing exceptionally well on the front porch. The plant receives a large period of full sun daily and are growing very well. They also taste great in a salad. The flavour of Ku Chai is a little more sweeter than regular chives. The other major difference is that the plant grows in a thinner and flatter manner aswell.
Sweet basil is another easy to grow herb. Ours is growing in one of the same half barrels as the Ku Chai and Chives. The plants are growing prolifically and healthily. Sweet basil can be used for seasoning meat or combined with Tomatoes to form a pesto. It is an aromatic herb, that is also rumoured to assist in keeping flies away, although an awful lot of basil is required to be a truly effective deterrent.
These are great complimentary herbs that are easy to grow. It is definately a good move to begin growing your own. A small pot and a few dollars worth of a good quality potting mix is all you need for great herbs.
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February 24th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Hi, Marty here!
Companion planting is a fantastic way to add extra flavor and deter pests from your lovely herbs.
Tomato, Basil and Parsley are one of my favorites and this combonation has been proven time over.
Try it in the garden bed or container!
Happy Gardening Marty
Check out more about growing herbs using the link below.
http://www.apartment-gardening-homes.com
Martin’s last blog post..Feb 24, Feng Shui plants, choosing the right plants for your home
April 19th, 2008 at 4:48 am
This year my daughter (5) and I have decided to grow an herb garden. We are also growing chives and sweet basil along with a few others. We started from seed and I can only hope that they turn out as beautiful as the ones in your pics.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:38 am
I have a “sweet spot” for chives and basil. I particularly like basil and I use it in most of my recipes. I have a herb garden myself and I mostly use culinary herbs for cooking. I really like cooking and using herbs in my recipes does improve the flavor substantially. I have a potted herb garden and because I live in Canada I move the whole herb garden inside during the winter.
October 15th, 2008 at 10:06 am
I’ve read in a Feng Shui course book that growing plants like these can also contribute to attracting positive energy or Qi like good health and good wealth….I dunno but one thing’s for sure, though…. they are delicious especially when mixed with your favorite pasta!!! Regarding good health, any herbs like these have some therapeutic effect, too!
October 22nd, 2008 at 1:14 am
Some of these are so easy to grow from seed too. Last spring I tried growing basil from seed. I started out in tiny peat pots and I literally just pushed the seeds into the peat and watered them. I was amazed when they actually sprouted! Within a month, they were big enough to transplant and I had a nice little basil plant growing right in my windowsill ready to be transplanted into the garden this summer.