Improve Your Cooking by Growing Your Own Herbs

Something is fulfilling about growing your herbs that you can't just get from the jar of dried herbs you bought at the supermarket. While you might think you need more space in your kitchen to grow your herbs, the reality is that no kitchen is too tiny to have room for a pot or two of fresh herbs.

Usually, the interest in growing herbs stems out of frustration. You purchase the healthiest-looking cilantro and basil from the store only for the fresh sprigs to spoil even before you use them. Of course, you can still use the herbs past their shelf life. But wouldn't it be nice to grow your herbs in your kitchen and use them in your leisure time?

Consider Growing the Herbs Outside

Your herbs will prefer sitting outside, basking in the sun, and getting fresh air daily. Most herbs do well outdoors under the full sun. Growing your herbs outside ensures they receive ample sunlight, up to six hours daily.

Consider growing your culinary herbs outside if you have space in your backyard. The problem with most homes is that they need to be drier indoors for culinary herbs to thrive. Growing your herbs indoors without the optimal conditions makes them more susceptible to pests, especially basil.

But if you don't have the space to grow your herbs outdoors, position them in the brightest spot where they can get ample sunlight.

Get a Light Setup

You can get a light setup if you're working with limited space around your kitchen area or need somewhere to position the herbs in your apartment. Herbs need plenty of light, and even your brightest windows during winter won't suffice.

Consider using a timed light setup to give these plants the required light to grow optimally. While some light arrangements might be costly, it would be worth it as you will get fresh herbs all year.

Avoid Growing Seeds

The first thing that comes to mind when you think about growing your herbs is to grow them from seeds. While this sounds like a great idea, the problem is that growing herbs from seeds isn't recommended, especially for newbies. Moreover, it might take some time for your seeds to germinate and mature.

You can skip the whole process and go for small herb plants. Buy these plants from your local grocery store or order them online. The benefit of this option is that you don't have to worry about providing the herbs with the right environment to germinate.

Prioritize What You Eat

Having a kitchen herb garden with all kinds of herbs is tempting. Think of a herb garden with savory parsley, basil, marjoram, coriander, etc. These herbs have varying benefits and will make your meals taste great, but prioritizing what you eat is worth it. To get the most from your small kitchen garden, focus on the few herbs you use in your cooking.

Know How to Care For Your Herbs

Proper plant care is vital to use your herbs all season long. You can't leave your herbs unattended for weeks and expect to get fresh foliage throughout the year.

If you're growing your herbs indoors, make sure the plants obtain six hours of sunlight. If the plants can't get ample natural daylight, use a plant grow light for up to 16 hours daily.

You should also maintain a temperature between 55 and 70 degrees. As for fertilization, use water-soluble fertilizer on your kitchen herbs for healthy leaf growth.

Regular trimming is also essential as it allows the herbs to mature. As a rule of thumb, ensure the spices don't flower. If you enable the herbs to flower, they will focus all their energy and nutrients on the bloom. So, for healthy leafy growth, ensure they don't flower.

An integral aspect of caring for your kitchen herbs requires frequent watering. Water the herbs when the dirt feels dry. Herbs hate soggy soil, so you should be careful not to overwater them.

Know the Right Companion Plants

Different herbs require varying growing conditions. A common mistake with most herb growers is planting herbs with other watering requirements.

Herbs like lavender, thyme, and rosemary do well in drier soil with moderate watering requirements. On the other hand, basil, mint, and chives fancy generous waterings. Growing these plants together will only lead to undesirable results.

For a healthy kitchen herb garden, group herbs with similar growing conditions. Use a separate container for herbs that require different growing conditions.

Choose the Best Pots for Indoor Herbs

If you're growing your herbs indoors, choose the best containers for these plants. Drainage is one of the main factors you must mull over when selecting the pots. The pots should allow proper drainage since herbs don't like standing water. Test the containers to determine how fast or slow they drain water before using them.

As for the saucers, ensure each container has a saucer, as this will help control the mess indoors or around your kitchen area.

When choosing your herbs containers, remember to pick the correct size. Some herbs, like basil, have deeper roots and will do well in more bottomless pots. Working with a small container might also lead to stunted plant growth. Such essential factors will determine your success with indoor herbs.

It's Easy to Get Started!

It's easy to get started growing your herbs. Home-grown herbs will indeed transform your cooking and your health. With so many planting and cooking options, you can be creative! But it all starts with growing your herbs. It is easy to get started. Use your little space wisely; you'll benefit from fresh and healthy herbs all year.

Black Cohosh - TN Nursery

Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh features large, dark green, and deeply divided leaves, adding elegance to any garden or landscape. The architectural quality of the foliage provides a dramatic backdrop for other flowering plants and serves as a focal point in shady areas. This native perennial plant has several pleasing attributes when incorporated into landscaping designs. This hardy and versatile plant is a buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) member, known for its unique foliage, vibrant flower spikes, and ecological benefits.  Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) Is a North America Native Perennial Black Cohosh, sometimes called black snakeroot or fairy candle, is a perennial plant in North America. Initially utilized by Native American tribes as herbal medicine, black cohosh has been discovered for its various health benefits, especially for women. Black Cohosh Is A Long-Lived Perennial That Can Thrive For Many Years It is commonly used to treat conditions related to the menopause period, including hot flushing, night sweating, and mood swings.  Furthermore, it has been used to enhance hormonal system stability and alleviate symptoms associated with menstruation. The plant is erect and thin-stemmed, growing white flower spikes on the top. It blooms in the latter half of spring to early summer. Its green foliage makes it excellent for gardens and natural settings. Moreover, black cohosh plants for sale supplements and extracts are available in health stores and on the internet, which will be helpful to those who prefer natural remedies. Features of Black Cohosh Plant The Black Cohosh plant has an erect appearance and contains thin stems that can grow up to 2 meters tall. These stems are crowned with white flower spikes, which bloom during late spring to early summer, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the garden. Black Cohosh can be quickly grown in woodland with deep, fertile, and well-drained soil. It grows best in partial shade, which makes it ideal for shaded garden areas. Besides helping with menopausal symptoms, black cohosh plants for sale are thought to contain anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The black cohosh plant has traditionally been used to cure rheumatism, arthritis, and muscle aches. Black Cohosh contributes to ecological systems by supporting pollinators like bees and butterflies. This plant also provides habitat to some butterfly species, enhancing species diversity. To beautify your garden, get the medicinal Black Cohosh from T.N. Nursery. Use our other popular herbal remedies, such as Evening Primrose, Jacobs Ladder, and Baneberry Doll's Eye, for a beautiful and healthy garden.  Does Black Cohosh Like Sun or Shade  Black cohosh needs partial to fully shaded areas. Therefore, it needs protection from intense direct sunlight.  What is the best fertilizer for black cohosh plants?  Black cohosh prefers organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure on the soil. A slow-release fertilizer can also be used to support healthy growth.  What Is The Lifespan Of Black Cohosh Plant  Black cohosh is a perennial that, depending on conditions, may live up to several decades. This makes it ideal for long-term gardening.  What conditions favor the growth of Black Cohosh?  Black cohosh can do well in soil with high fertility, moist but well-drained, and is slightly acidic to neutral. It thrives where conditions are cool, normally shady areas, a characteristic that is reflective of the woodland habitat.  How Does Black Cohosh Reproduce  Black cohosh propagates through both seeds as well as root division. Despite the fact that seeds can take some time before they grow it is faster to divide mature plants for the purpose of propagating and expanding your garden.

Wood Poppy - TN Nursery

Wood Poppy

Wood Poppy has deeply lobed, blue-green foliage that forms an attractive ground cover that adds texture and interest to the landscape even when the plant is not blooming. It bursts into a profusion of cheerful yellow flowers with four petals in early spring, creating a picturesque display that enlivens the garden. These vibrant blooms contrast the fresh green leaves, creating a focal point in any garden design. The wood poppy is native to the eastern part of the United States and Ontario, Canada. However, it's endangered in Canada due to habitat loss. It's officially known as Stylophorum Diphyllum. Gardeners commonly refer to it as the yellowwood or celandine, and it's part of the Papaveraceae family. This wildflower is frequently found in forests, rivers, streams, and ravines. History buffs may be pleased to know that American Indians once used the yellow sap as a clothing dye. Prized Features of the Wood Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum) The Stylophorum Diphyllum is loved for its yellow to orange four-petaled flowers. It can reach heights of 18 inches, and the flowers can grow to two inches across. The leaves of this brilliantly-colored wildflower are green or gray-green, and they contain lobed leaves that can get up to six inches. Gardeners can expect this flower to bloom from March to May. The Stylophorum Diphyllum thrives in areas that mimic its natural habitat. This means it does well in shade gardens, native regions being rewilded, water features, available shade, and wooded areas. Gardeners can even plant it under and around tall shade trees and shrubs to help brighten the area. Wildlife Seen Around the Wood Poppy The seeds of Stylophorum Diphyllum primarily attract chipmunks. However, the pollen in the flowers has been known to attract various bees. Ideal Companion Plants For Wood Poppy The Stylophorum Diphyllum does well around other wildflowers, trees, shrubs, and ornamental grasses. Some ideal companion plants include bleeding hearts, foamflowers, wild ginger, hostas, columbines, and spiderworts. Gardeners can also pair it with ostrich ferns, Virginia bluebells, wild geraniums, and the woodland phlox. Gardeners can enjoy Wood Poppy anywhere in their yards. However, they may find it looks best under and around trees and shrubs and as part of a wildflower or native plant garden. It can also be planted alongside shaded paths to help define the walkway. What Conditions Does Wood Poppy Like  Wood poppies prefer partial to full shade and grow well in well-drained, moist soil with organic content. They are indigenous to woodland locations and do well where the soil is cool; they prefer shady places but cannot tolerate the soil being overly wet.  How Long Does Wood Poppy Last  Wood poppies usually bloom at the beginning of spring, and their yellow flowers last about two and three weeks. Despite the period of flowering being short, they are perennial and will grow back every year if well taken care of.  Are wood poppies hard to grow?  Wood poppies are relatively easy to grow and should be planted in the right environment. It is adapted to shady conditions with fertile and moist soils.  Can Wood Poppy Be Grown In Pots  Wood poppies can be grown in pots as long as the pot is big enough to allow proper root development and has proper drainage. It grows well with a well-draining soil type and should be planted in an area with a little shade.  Do wood poppies last in water?  Wood poppies are not aquatics and should be kept from standing in water for a long time. It grows best in moist as well as well-draining soil. Ensure the roots are not submerged in water, as this could lead to root rot.

Jacobs Ladder - TN Nursery

Jacobs Ladder

Jacobs Ladder is a perennial wildflower with pinnate leaves and delicate, bell-shaped, blue to purple flowers arranged along its arching stems, adding grace to shady garden settings. It is a charming and distinctive perennial plant that offers many benefits when incorporated into landscaping designs. With its delicate clusters of bell-shaped flowers and elegant fern-like foliage, it brings a touch of enchantment and versatility to outdoor spaces.   Jacobs Ladder is officially known as Polemonium reptans or simply Polemonium. It's part of the Polemoniaceae or Phlox family and is sometimes called the American Greek valerian, stairway to heaven, sweet root, and abscess root. Many of its names reference the arrangement of the flowers, which can look like stairs or a ladder. The name is also a reference to a biblical story in the book of Genesis where one of the characters, Jacob, has a dream about a stairway to heaven. The Polemonium is a herbaceous perennial that is native to North America. Jacobs Ladder (Polemonium) Has Stunning Blooms  It is known for its bell-shaped blue or purple-colored flowers. The flowers usually grow to a height of about three-fourths of an inch and have five stamens. The plant tends to grow low to the ground, only reaching heights and widths of about one to two feet. This wildflower is known for its compounding leaves, meaning many leaves grow from one stem. Jacobs Ladder Brightness Up Landscapes  It accompanies trees and shrubs and can brighten up woodland and shade gardens, especially in the spring when its flowers bloom. They also perform well in perennial borders where many other plants are taller than the stairway to heaven. Jacobs Ladder Does Great Near Other Plants It can be planted next to different trees, shrubs, and flowers. Some beneficial companion plants include hostas, lady ferns, lungwort, foam flowers, and coral bells. It also thrives next to spring beauties, Virginia water leaves, and oriental poppies. Benefits Pollinators By Planting Jacob's Ladder  Jacobs Ladder makes a great addition to flower and pollinator gardens. The bell-shaped flowers typically attract a wide variety of bees, butterflies, and birds, especially hummingbirds. These wildflowers can add color to many different types of outdoor gardens. Apartment and condo gardeners can enjoy planting it in pots or containers for balcony gardening or as an indoor plant to add color and life to their inside spaces. How much light does Jacob's Ladder need Jacob's Ladder is equally at home in part shade to full shade, and will do well in woodland or shade gardens. But it can survive morning sun if the soil is never dry.  How do you care for a Jacob's Ladder plant?  Jacob's Ladder likes moist, aerated soil and a little occasional irrigation when it is wet. Put mulch on the plant to keep moisture in the soil.  How tall does Jacob's Ladder get The Jacob's Ladder plant is 12-18 inches tall. They are fern-like with bell-shaped flowers, and they are a favorite among gardeners.  What color are the flowers of Jacob's Ladder?  Jacob's Ladder flower blue or violet, and is generally pastel. They also add color in shaded areas and draw in pollinators like bees and butterflies.  Does Jacob's Ladder spread Yes, Jacob's Ladder is clump-like, spreading softly, and so making the garden appear natural as you would like it to.

Creeping Phlox - TN Nursery

Creeping Phlox

The Creeping Phlox is a low-growing perennial plant with small, vibrant pink flowers that form a dense carpet-like display in spring. It forms a beautiful, lush pink carpet array of blooms and is an excellent spreading groundcover plant that will control weeds and overgrowth near hillsides and banks you can not maintain. Due to its numerous benefits and aesthetic appeal, it is a popular and versatile plant used in landscaping.  The creeping phlox is a solid option for those who want to add gorgeous color to their yard. This plant, also known as the mountain type, moss type, and moss pink, is native to the central and eastern United States, and its beauty makes it a popular option for gardens around the globe. What are the benefits of adding this vibrant plant to your yard or garden? Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera) Has Brilliant Colors Creeping Phlox's flowers are stunning, with colors ranging from pale blue, white, and pink to bright violet. Each flower has five hardy petals, but some have six petals. The plants bloom through the spring and summer, providing lasting color for approximately one month. As an evergreen perennial, the plant remains green throughout the year. It can brighten up an otherwise dull, dreary yard in the peak of the cold weather season. Creeping Phlox Is A Filler Plant This plant grows five inches tall and up to 13 inches in diameter. In addition to the expanse of a single plant, the plant proliferates. Many use its beauty as an alternative to grass or a filler in their more extensive gardens. Because of its short height, it does not need to be cut back like grass and other ground cover. Weeds increase and can make your yard look poorly maintained in a matter of weeks. The plant is dense with tightly clustered leaves. When in bloom, the flowers blanket the tops of the plants. Because of its unique traits, the plant prevents or minimizes weed growth. As a result, your gardens can continue to look fabulous without needing to devote hours of your valuable time to pulling weeds regularly. Creeping Phlox Helps With Soil Erosion Prevention  Grass generally only thrives on ledges and steep banks, making your grounds look barren and subject to erosion. The creeping phlox, however, thrives in these areas. Its presence can dramatically reduce the damaging effects of erosion while enhancing aesthetics. It is well-suited for providing immediate and long-term benefits to your property. Where to plant creeping phlox It thrives in drainage and bright light. It wants somewhere it'll spread easily and turn into a carpet in spring.  Is creeping phlox a shade or sun plant?  To flower, creeping phlox needs full sun, six hours or so. The plant can tolerate shade but not for long because it will hurt its growth.  How long does creeping phlox last Creeping phlox is a perennial that returns every year. It blooms for 2-4 weeks in the spring and it's evergreen so you can have it for year round ground cover.  Does creeping phlox grow fast?  Creeping phlox starts quickly and spreads into a mound of foliage and flowers. When properly managed and under the right conditions, it can cover a lot of land in just a few seasons.  How to maintain creeping phlox Creeping phlox is easy-care, but it does need to be pruned once the flowers are faded. Install it in moist place and water it in summer.

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