Herbs are as diverse as the people who grow them. My kids are interested in growing catnip for our cat, while I am interested in growing coriander for my chicken curry, while others are interested in plants that have medicinal purposes such as the New Zealand native kawakawa, which is a shrubby climber. So that sent me searching - what exactly is the definition of a herb?
There are two main definitions that I found: 1. Any plant with leaves, seeds, or flowers used for flavouring, food, medicine or perfume. 2. Any seed-bearing plant which does not have a woody stem and dies down to the ground after flowering. So it seems the definition of what plant is a herb is also diverse.
For the purposes of this article, I will focus on smaller-growing herbs that are commonly available to the home gardener to grow and fit well into pots or small garden beds. If you have been thinking about growing your own herbs, now is a great time of year to get started. Herbs generally thrive in warm temperatures where, if kept well watered, they grow fast during spring and summer. It is this fast, soft growth that is so good for harvesting and using in many culinary delights. Many herbs are not only purposeful but can be grown simply for their ornamental value.
Thyme is a good example of a multi-purpose herb. It makes an attractive border plant, with small purple and white flowers. Thyme also has a wide culinary application in dishes including meat, casseroles and pizza. Thyme has a number of medicinal properties with antiseptic and antifungal effects and when made into tea thyme, its leaves will aid digestion and relieve stomach complaints. When flowering, thyme is a great way to attract bees and other beneficial insects into the garden.
Some herbs, such as lavender, are grown far more in the home garden for aesthetic value than for oil or the dried fragrant properties for which they are commercially grown.
Keeping a herb garden within easy reach of the kitchen has many advantages. Photo / Supplied
Companion planting is another aspect of growing herbs: the concept is to make plantings that compliment one or both of the plants to some benefit. Some herbs will deter specific pests and diseases, while others enhance fruit flavour, and still others benefit the soil. Particular plantings make good "trap crops" which are grown to lure predators away from vegetables. Some of the planting combination claims are not scientifically proven but are traditional combinations that have been used for generations.
Some common companion plantings include: Pyrethrum — Its yellow-centred flowers contain pyrethrins which are said to act directly on the nervous system of insects like aphids and mites. Nasturtium — Can be used as a trap crop. It attracts caterpillars as well as providing shelter for ground beetles and spiders. Plant it in proximity of radish, cabbage and cucumber to lure predatory insects away from your vegetable plants. Sage — Repels cabbage moths, black flea beetles, carrot flies and some bean parasites. It is a good herb to plant with beans, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and carrots. Tansy — Attracts lady beetles and lacewings which eat lots of aphids. it also deters flying insects, cucumber beetles, squash bugs and helps repel flies and ants. The blue flowers also attract bees, which aids flower pollination. Tansy is a great companion to cucumber, squash, roses, berries, grapevines and fruit trees.
Herbs are an integral part of any cuisine, for aroma, flavour, texture or as a garnish. Photo / Supplied
Medicinal herbs
There are a number of herbs that have been used in many cultures through the ages that carry medicinal value. Like conventional medicines, they can potentially cause harmful side effects so must be used with care.
How many of these have you tried? Below is a impressive list of fairly readily available herbs, though not all varieties are available all the time you should be able to find these in stores at some time of the year.
When growing herbs it is important to first take into consideration cultural requirements of sun and water, and, secondly, consider convenience. Herb gardens are often best positioned somewhere convenient, culinary herbs in particular. If you have to walk too far to get a handful of herbs to add to dinner, it can become a hassle and consequently they are not used to their maximum. Regular harvesting of culinary herbs is beneficial to ensuring a consistent supply of soft, clean, fresh growth that is great for using in the kitchen. Along with this, regular feeding and watering will help ensure the growth continues and the plants remain healthy. Strong-growing plants that are well fed tend to be less susceptible to pests and diseases. A good fertiliser for herbs is Ican Fast Food, this is suitable for many plants and great for herbs in pots as well as in the garden.
Have a go at growing a few herbs, pick your favourite dish and find something that goes with it. Some favorite herbs include thyme, rosemary, coriander, mint, parsley, chives and basil. If you already are growing herbs, try something different from the list above. Look up the herbs you are already growing and see if they have any other uses. Have a good week.
Gareth Carter is General Manager of Springvale Garden Centre
