Herb-Infused Bliss: Growing Your Way to Health and Flavor

I love having fresh herbs ready for picking. My personal favourites are basil, rosemary, cilantro and thyme. I like to grow mint as well. I started growing mint a few years ago when my friend Sue, shared a plant with me. Now it is a favourite to grow. It can quickly take over your garden so make sure you plant in a planter if that is an issue for you. This year I want to step outside of the usual plantings and add some dill for all the fish 🎣 we eat. It is always fun to experiment with different flavours and tailor your herb garden to what you eat on a regular basis.

This is a favourite snack. Cut potato’s into wedges and pour a little EVOO on them, some S&P, garlic salt and fresh rosemary toss to coat well. Lay them out on a cookie sheet and pop them into a preheated 400 degree oven for 30-40 minutes, turning once half way through. 😋

Don’t overlook the nutritional benefits in your herbs. They are typically high in Vitamin A, C, and K. Frying or grilling can decrease the spices antioxidant properties. Your best bet is to microwave, simmer or stew them. This will actually increase their antioxidant levels. I didn’t actually know this until I did a little research for this blog. Ya learn something new everyday! 😉

If you are looking for gut health  many herbs have digestive properties that can aid in digestion and alleviate digestive discomfort. For example, herbs like mint, ginger, and fennel can help relieve bloating, gas, and indigestion.

Herbs like garlic, oregano, and thyme have antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties that can help support the body’s natural defenses against infections and illness.

Certain herbs, such as turmeric, rosemary, and basil, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to various health conditions, so incorporating these herbs into your diet can promote overall health and well-being. If you haven’t tried turmeric tea you should! I love it at night. Check out the recipe HERE on this same post is a great DIY project to have fun with this spring.

Did you know that herbs can provide sensory stimulation that promotes cognitive function and mental well-being. They stimulate the senses through sight, smell, and taste with their vibrant colours, fragrant aromas, and unique flavours.

Beyond cooking and vitamins a little bit of gardening outdoors can reduce stress, anxiety and even depression. I love how mindless it can be. I have been known to take my coffee out to the garden, still in my PJ’s and start puttering…next thing you know it’s almost lunch time! It brings with it a sense of accomplishment. I honestly cannot wait to start my new garden.

Growing your own herbs is a big money saver too. These prices above might look ‘cheap’ but when a recipe calls for a tablespoon of any given herb from one of these packages…what do you do with the rest? Mine wilt in the fridge! An average plant costs $4.99 – $6.99. Seeds are even cheaper if you want to start your garden from scratch. Personally, I like to start with a plant. 😂 Lest chance of killing them. Compare a plant price to Fortinos packages and you will be ahead of the game. With the cost of groceries now it is completely worth growing your own herbs and they are probably the easiest thing to grow.

Once you become confident with herbs you will likely start growing other deliciousness (is this even a word?) in your garden. I love to grown jalapeños and cherry tomatoes, various colours of peppers and beans. Such a huge sense of satisfaction to pick home grown veggies and making a meal out of it. I can picture myself in the fall going out to my garden wearing an apron and filling up the front of it with fresh veggies. You can read my apron story HERE. It was published in a magazine.

There is an abundance of information on line about which herbs are easiest to grow and which ones to grow together. Not all herbs are happy in the same pot. You will find recipes that incorporate your fresh grown herbs. Books to read, magazines to buy. Even FB groups. It is fun to share information and get answers to your questions from others that share your passion for plants and gardening.

If you have absolutely no room for a garden of your own you can always rent space in community gardens. Or ask a friend for a small corner of their yard. You can pay them back with the fruits of your labour…or in this case the herbs of your labour.

By incorporating fresh herbs into your diet and lifestyle through an herb garden, you can enjoy these health benefits and support your overall health and well-being. Whether you have a small indoor herb garden or a larger outdoor garden, growing herbs can be a rewarding and enriching experience that promotes a healthy and vibrant life.

These cherry tomatoes came from my Corner House garden.

 

This is one of my favourite recipes for using my fresh herbs. Make a galette using frozen pastry….so delicious! Serve with a side of fruit as a delicious breakfast or with a side salad and a glass of wine for a light dinner.  Yummers!

For the full recipe and more tips on growing herbs visit this post HERE

 

 

Let the growing begin 💕 

(can you tell I’m excited?)