Garlic is perhaps the most popular of the Italian herb plants. In fact, the heart of Italian cuisine, at least from this perspective, focuses on Italian herb gardening. Garlic is a universal food seasoning used in many different cuisines, is a major ingredient in meat dishes, and is considered both tasty and medicinal. These traits make garlic a natural choice for herb gardening, whether it is starting out a small urban garden or expanding to an Italian herb garden in a more traditional setting. The following are tips for growing herbs successfully in an indoor setting.
Planting Garlic in pots is one of the easiest ways to get started with your Italian herbs. However, you will want to be sure to choose containers that are specifically designed to grow Italian herbs, as some types of herbs do not do well in other types of containers. One of the most popular is the Italian Tip or Tower Gardener. This type of container provides ample exposure to sun for growing garlic but also provides drainage so the plant doesn’t end up drowning in the water.
Once you have decided which types of containers you will be using for your Italian herb growing, you need to take the time to plan the initial planting. This means knowing the kinds of herbs you intend to grow, as well as the season they should be planted in. It also means being aware of the best times of year to plant each variety. Planting your Italian season herbs or any other kind of Mediterranean herb growing in the wrong season could be disastrous. For example, basil requires much needed sun in the summer, but mint will die if it is under shade for too long.
Another tip for growing Italian herb plants is to choose containers that are well drained. Basil will dry out very easily if it gets watered on a regular basis. On the other hand, mint will not do so. Some other herbs will need to be watered only once or twice a week. If your container garden has such containers, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan in case you can’t wait for the first one to be fully established.
You might also want to consider the climate conditions of your region when planning your Italian herb garden. Most varieties should do well no matter what the temperature is during the growing season. However, mint is best grown in areas where temperatures rise above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as in sunny weather. Thyme, Rosemary and oregano will also do nicely in the right conditions.
Another tip for planting Italian herb plants is to make sure you have adequate drainage. Most herbs like a lot of sun, so they need a lot of sunlight and fresh air to thrive. Also, make sure you don’t plant your herbs too close together. It’s best to place them about three to four feet apart. This will ensure proper spacing between the plants for good root growth.
Good soil will be one of the most important elements in growing any kind of herb. Before planting your Italian herb plants, check the soil for pH levels and other issues. You can purchase soil test kits at most garden centers to help you check the pH level and soil fertility in your area.
Planting herbs is a wonderful hobby for anyone with a green thumb. It’s a great way to brighten people’s days and add delightful flavors to their foods. Plus, the herbs themselves are amazing to look at and smell! So the time to plant your Italian herb garden is now! What herbs do you like the most?