Grow these herbs together for a planter that suits your needs. Even if it’s the only thing growing in your yard, fresh herbs are worth growing. You’ll wonder why you ever used store-bought herbs.
11048701_10202557063007833_5215332856300679561_n

Tea Planter

Grow Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Stevia and Mint together for a constant selection of fresh teas and sweeteners!

German Chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla, is commonly suggested for stress relief as it aids in relaxation. It is also known for soothing indigestion and heartburn, and helping colicky babies cry less.

How to Use: Pick open flowers off the plant and clip the stems to the base of the flower. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp of fresh or dried flowers and steep for 5-7 minutes. Proceed to zzzz…

Lemon BalmMelissa officinalis, has a minty and lemon scent. Similar to Chamomile, the therapeutic uses include: anxiety and stress, colic, digestion, and fever blisters.

Iced Lemon Balm Tea: Pour 4 cups of boiling water over an herb combination of 1 tsp dried lemon balm leaves, 1 tsp dried peppermint, and 1 tsp chamomile flowers. Mix in a large pitcher and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and pour into a clean pitcher. Add 1 tbs of local wildflower honey to sweeten. Add ice and drink on a hot day!

SteviaStevia rebaudiana, is an excellent natural sweetener. Chew on a clean leaf to taste nature’s sugar! To use, add fresh leaves when steeping your tea.

Peppermint and Spearmint are both great garnishes for dishes and additions to tea.

Therapeutic uses include: indigestion, colds and coughs, muscle aches, and tension headaches.

How to Use: Pour 1 cup boiling water over 6-8 fresh leaves. Steep for ten minutes, strain and cool.

Add to any tea for a minty taste or chew on a clean leaf for a quick breath freshener! 🙂

 

Grilling/Roasting

Grow Rosemary and Basil near the grill within hand’s reach.

Rosemary: Place a couple sprigs on top of Chicken or Steak when grilling and finish with a fresh spring for garnish. Also add a sprig to your mojito!

Basil: a must-have for baking chicken. Place a layer of lemon slices, olive oil, a layer of fresh basil leaves, followed by chicken breasts, and an addition layer of lemons on top in a glass baking dish. Bake in the oven for a fresh and juicy entree.

 

Italian

Grow Rosemary, Basil, Oregano, and Thyme to make Marinara from scratch.

Fresh Marinara Recipe (single-serving):

I use this recipe when I want a quick and easy Italian dinner that is just the right portion for one person.

-2 Roma tomatoes, chopped

-1 garlic clove, chopped

-1/4 white onion, chopped

-Three leaves fresh Genovese Basil

-Small sprig of Rosemary

-Pinch of fresh Oregano & Thyme

Warm a small sauce pan and coat with olive oil. Add the garlic and onion until the scents blend together and onions become translucent. Before the garlic burns (it will happen quickly) add the tomatoes. Stir with a wooden spoon. Next add the herbs, I usually pinch them with my fingers and add to the pan. Bring the sauce to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Add a splash of Balsamic Vinegar to add a deep red color to the sauce. Add more herbs to taste. Optional: Add one tbsp of brown sugar to sweeten. Serve over angel hair pasta and thank yourself.