A few details on growing herbs in our garden and how they can be used in the kitchen

1. Growing and
cooking garden
herbs
North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Service
May 20th, 2013

2. Special thanks!
Click here for today’s
recipes From Wild
Indigo Catering

3. Herbs
• Annuals- Basil and cilantro
• Perennials- chives, mint, parsley, sage, tarragon,
thyme
• Shrub type perennials- Lavender, rosemary

4. Generalizations
• Cheap seed
• Usually have minimal insect and disease issues
• Do not require high temperatures to grow
• Do well in potted plants
• Need well drained soil

5. Healthy livin’ with herbs
• A healthy way to add flavor to our food!
• Much better than adding salt and fat
• Many beneficial health effects

6. Healthy livin’ with herbs
• Basil- Basil herb contains exceptionally high levels of beta-
carotene, vitamin A, cryptoxanthin, lutein andzea-xanthin
• Chives- Chives are very low in calories; 100 g of fresh leaves provide just
30 calories. Nonetheless, they contain many noteworthy flavonoid anti-
oxidants, plant fiber, minerals, and vitamins that have proven health
benefits.
• Cilantro- contains no cholesterol; however, it is rich in antioxidants,
essential oils, vitamins, and dietary fiber, which help reduce LDL or "bad
cholesterol" while increasing HDL or "good cholesterol" levels.
• Rosemary- The herb parts, especially flower tops contain phenolic anti-
oxidant rosmarinic acid as well as numerous health benefiting volatile
essential oils. These compounds are known to have anti-inflammatory,
anti-allergic, anti-fungal and anti-septic properties.

7. Potted vs. Garden
Want them close to the house
for cooking
Some not winter hardy, better in
a pot.

8. General tips for growing herbs
• Start with good plants, free of disease and insects
• Understand the growth pattern of your herb
• Create ideal soil conditions for your herb ie-
rosemary can handle hot, dry and alkaline soils
better.

9. Planting
• Follow guide to choose seed or cuttings. IE- Thyme,
rosemary, mint and sage best propagated with
cuttings.
• Plant seeds in trays with good clean potting mix
• Don’t let soil dry out too much

10. Watering
• Usually plenty of water here in T-County
• Plant in well drained soil
• Herbs don’t like wet feet!

11. Further resources
• NCSU’s herb page
• NC herb’s page
• Herbs for the home gardener
• Purdue University’s herb advice

12. Let’s eat!!