The Best Herb to Grow and Preserve During the Month of June
Winter survival guide
Just the ability to pick fresh herbs and enjoy their aroma as you add them to a piping hot casserole makes winter feel a lot less drab, grey and long. Growing herbs in winter certainly takes a bit more effort and care, after all it is not their natural growing season, but growth does continue although at a slower pace. It is still important to fertilise monthly, especially if you are harvesting continuously.
Regional herb differences
Generally, the strategies for winter herb growing vary according to the different climatic zones.
In summer rainfall areas that receive winter frost, protection is critical. You need a sheltered, draught-free area that catches the sun. It is best to grow herbs in pots so that you can watch the movement of the sun and move your pots accordingly. Most kitchen courtyards are south facing and cold during winter so you need to seek out north facing patios and balconies or corners that are east or west facing and receive at least four hours of sun a day. When planting herbs in pots, make sure that the pots have good drainage and the potting soil is fairly light.
Choose containers that are a minimum of 20 cm in diameter (larger is better), have drainage holes and are deep enough for the herbs roots to develop. Generally potted herbs only need to be watered one or twice a week in winter, preferably in the morning. Check the soil moisture levels daily because the soil should not dry out completely.
Winter days for plants
In winter rainfall areas there is less need for protecting your herbs because most are indigenous to the Mediterranean so they prefer hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters. You do need to ensure that they get at least four hours of sun a day.
In sub tropical and frost-free areas you are in the fortunate position of being able to grow frost tender herbs like Basil, Rocket, Lemon Balm and Mint all year round. Even so, the growth will be slower and not as vigorous, because the day length is shorter. Herbs that flower easily, like Basil and Rocket, tend to develop a bitter taste after flowering so it is a good idea to consider succession planting. Germination could be a problem if the night temperatures drop below 10 c but you can start them indoors. The soil will also benefit from a light application of compost mulch.
Herbs to grow in winter
Perennials like Thyme, Rosemary and Origanum, are more frost hardy and better able to survive the lower temperatures, especially at night. Herbs like Sweet Basil, Borage, Lemon Balm, Rocket and the various mints are too tender and will die down so it is worth treating them as summer annuals. Good examples of mild herbs that grow through winter are Bay leaf, Chervil, Marjoram and Parsley. The more robust herbs are Origanum, Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme. It is no coincidence that the more hardy herbs have a robust taste suitable for use in winter comfort food while also having strong medicinal properties for treating winter ailments like coughs, colds, sore throats, sinusitis, fevers and bronchitis.
The herbs I recommend growing through winter are Thyme, Origanum, Chervil, Parsley, Sage, Hyssop and Yarrow. Hyssop and Yarrow are primarily grown for medicinal reasons but they do have culinary uses as well.
Thyme (THYMUS vulgaris)
Is the hardiest of all the herbs. It does double duty as a culinary herb and as a tonic, also relieving coughs and colds.
Sage (SALVIA officinalis) needs a little more nurturing than Thyme and its growth tends to slow down and its leaves get smaller in August. It is also good for treating colds and coughs.
Chervil (ANTHRISCUS cerefolium)
Is a hardy annual that actually prefers cooler weather and not full sun conditions. The leaves are full of vitamin C.
Parsley (PETROSELINUM crispum) is also rich in Vitamin C, as well as A and E and iron. The flat-leaf Italian Parsley is even easier to grow than the moss curled variety and it has a more distinctive taste.
Oreganum (ORIGANUM vulgare)
Is one of the more robust winter herbs, easily withstanding winter frost but liking full sun. An infusion of oregano can be used to treat coughs, tiredness and irritability.
Hyssop (HYSSOPUS officinalis)
Is a lesser-known herb that tolerates quite cold weather. Both the leaves and flowers can be used in an infusion to treat bronchitis and loosen mucus. The leaves have a peppery taste and are a good addition to thick soups and stews.
Yarrow (ACHILLEA millefolium) is a hardy perennial that makes a
beautiful pot plant with its feathery leaves and pink flowers. It is
principally a medicinal herb that can be used to bring down fevers
and help relieve infections, influenza, and sinusitis.
Preserving herbs
Of course there are other ways of keeping a ready supply of herbs during winter
The best way to preserve Basil, and other frost tender herbs is to chop or mince the leaves, removing the stems first. Place the chopped leaves in an ice tray and fill with water. When frozen, store the ice cubes in a plastic bag or sealed plastic box. Making Basil pesto, with olive oil, garlic, pine nuts or flaked almonds, and Parmesan cheese, is another way of extending the life of Basil. The pesto can be frozen in small serving quantities.
For other herbs, air-drying is the simplest. Dry small batches of leafy herbs on screens in the living room or kitchen. They only take a few days to dry, so they don't have to be in the way for too long, and the method rarely fails. I dont recommend using the microwave to dry herbs because they tend to lose most of their flavour and aroma. If you dont have the space to dry them consider steeping them in oil or vinegar.
Finally consider the joys of desktop herb gardening. There might be less to do in the garden but that doesnt mean you need to do less gardening. Garden with your eyes and mind by reading up on herbs, doing some research and planning for new herb projects in spring.
By Di-Di Hoffman
Published with permission of Chris Wilkinson Graemark