Italian Herb Garden

Growing an Italian herb garden opens up a huge number of possibilities. We all know how wonderful Italian cuisine is and most of this is because of the herbs they add. Adding a little bit of Italy to your herb gardening is really quite east.  Some of the most well-known and tastiest herbs originated in Italy, so it’s no wonder their food is so beautifully flavored.

The first most recognized Italian herb is Basil which is used in a wide variety of recipes. This herb is not only a wonderful addition to the Italian dish you’re preparing but it is also extremely useful in the garden as well. By growing basil next to your tomatoes and capsicums (peppers) you will improve the flavor of these vegetables. Basil is also an excellent way to repel mosquitoes and flies!

If you are able to grow parsley then do so as this herb has other uses besides the culinary addition. Many years ago, before there were mints to freshen the breath, it was discovered that by eating fresh parsley after a meal it would help solve the problem of the bad breath caused by eating richly flavored food. Small amounts of parsley were then served on individual plates at the conclusion of the meal, thus arose the tradition of using parsley as a garnish.

Another Italian herb is oregano. This herb is not only full of flavor but is also decorative. It should not be harvested until after it has flowered as this is when it is at its best flavor. A sprig of oregano with its little purple flowers can look very attractive placed on the plate.

Fennel is a perennial herb which tends to lose its flavor as the plant matures. To combat this it is best to divide and replant every few years. The seeds of the fennel are famous for enhancing the flavor of Italian sausage.

Rosemary is another Italian herb that works its magic in the garden as well as in the kitchen. The pretty blue flowers adorn the shrub which can grow quite large. It is marvelous for attracting the bees and can be used in topiaries as it great for pruning and shaping. It can, however, be frost sensitive.

No Italian garden is without Garlic. This herb is, no doubt, the most often used in Italian cooking. It’s an easy herb to grow as it will do well with very little attention in almost any garden. Garlic bulbs can be used fresh, frozen or can be pickled.

Sage is a herb used in all sorts of dishes. It is the new shoot that contains the most flavor so its best not to let the plant get too woody. The new shoots will be encouraged if you keep the plant trimmed. The harvest time is after the plant blooms.

There are many more herbs that can be put into your Italian garden, however, you need to review which ones you will be using the most. You will also need to consider the soil and your weather conditions and take into consideration the individual needs of each plant. These herbs obviously add flavor to your cuisine but more than that they bring a little bit of Italy to your environment with the lovely flowers and aromas.