Why not have fresh herbs in your kitchen in the winter? It is actually very easy to grow most of them. There are just a few things you need.
Well drained pots, good potting soil and plenty of sunshine.
Most herbs prefer a little more humidity than most homes offer, mainly in the winter.
Check them daily by pressing on the surface of the soil. If moist, do not water them. They prefer to be a little dry. Water them thoroughly until water drips out of the bottom of the container.
To increase humidity, place plants on top of gravel in moisture filled trays. Just make sure the bottom of the pot is not sitting in water. Do not mist herb plants. For more intense flavor, keep herbs a little hungry. Do not fertilize more than once in the winter.
Prune any yellowing leaves, but don't prune off or harvest more than 1/3 of the plant. Pick your herbs in the morning for the best flavor.
Most of these tips came from Bobby and Bachman's which has a great assortment of organic herbs right now at their stores.
Last but not least, here is a Bobby's favorite pesto recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 cups of fresh basil
- 4 good size garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup shelled walnuts
- 1 cup best quality olive oil
- 1 cup freshly grated imported parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated romano cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Process
- Combine the basil, garlic and walnuts in the bowl of a food processor.
- Leave motor running and add the olive oil in a slow steady stream.
- Shut the motor off, add the cheeses, a big pinch of salt and a liberal grinding of pepper. Process briefly to combine, then scrape out into a bowl and cover until ready to use.
It will make two cups, to sauce two pounds of pasta.
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