Food prices got you down? Time to grow your own herbs

You may not think you can grow your own herbs, but it beats the current food prices, easy and a great outdoor activity that adds flavour to your cooking.

You may not think you can grow your own herbs, but it’s cheap, easy and a great outdoor activity that adds flavour to your cooking. Picture: Showables.

Food prices are going through the roof, and everyone is cutting back, so why not grow your own herbs so you don’t have to cut back on the flavour in your cooking.

You, like me, probably never thought you’d be able to grow your own herbs. But I can tell you it’s a wonderfully fulfilling experience from soil to plate.

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GROW YOUR OWN HERBS AND AVOID HIGH FOOD PRICES

Best of all, to grow your own herbs, very little maintenance is required. Most will grow freely outdoors assuming you’ve done the basics right:

1. SOIL

Ensure the ground you’re using has a moderate amount of fertiliser. Herbs grow best in soil without excessive nutrients.

2. SUNLIGHT

Find a place to grow your own herbs that doesn’t have more or less than five hours of sun. A prominent windowsill in your house is a good option if you don’t have a garden.

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3. WATER REGULARLY

Water often so they don’t dry out, but don’t overwater. Too much water can weaken and rot the plants.

4. TRIM AND HARVEST

The key is regular trimming and harvesting to keep the productive and full of flavour.

DIFFERENT HERBS

Everyone has a personal preference when you grow your own herbs, but the most common for excellent flavour are:

Basil: Great for Italian dishes and pestos.
Parsley: Ideal for salads, stews and soups.
Rosemary: Popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. Great to season meat and vegetables. Makes your herb garden smell great, too.
Thyme: Perfect for meat, fish and poultry. Requires regular pruning.

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Will you try grow your own herbs? Do you have some experience? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on Twitter and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates

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