How About Growing an Italian Herb Garden???

Growing herbs in an Italian herb garden provides almost limited possibilities.  Italy is home to some of the most famous and tastiest herbs in the world.  Some of the best cuisines come from Italy and are famous in part for their use of these herbs.

Basil is a well- know Italian herb and useful in countless recipes.  Basil will not only add flavor to many cuisines, it often helpful to other plants.  Growing basil next to your peppers and tomatoes will improve their flavor.  Plus, basil will also repel flies and mosquitoes. 

Parsley is useful in not only Italian dishes but many other types of cuisines.  With the growing of herbs many generations ago; it was found that eating fresh, raw parsley after a meal eradicated the bad breath left over from enjoying a flavorful cuisine.  The tradition arose to serve parsley on a small dish after the meal.  The tradition lives today by using parsley as a garnish directly on the plate.

Oregano is as decorative as it is flavorful.  When it is mature it will sprout pretty little purple flowers.  Oregano is at its most flavorful and should not be harvested until it has flowered.

Fennel is famous for its seeds that enhance the flavors of Italian sausage.  Fennel differs from most herbs as it loses its flavor as it matures.  It is a perennial plant that should be divided and replanted every few years to savor its flavor.    

 Like basil, rosemary is an Italian herb that is tasty as well as beneficial to the garden.  It grows into a large shrub that spouts pretty little blue flowers and helps the garden by attracting bees.  Although it is a tough evergreen perennial, it is sensitive to frost.

 Garlic is probably the most used herb in Italian and many other cuisines.  No Italian herb garden would be complete without this useful herb.  Garlic gloves will thrive in just about any garden with very little attention.  They can be stored by freezing or pickling them to store in the refrigerator. 

 Sage is used in a variety of Italian dishes from salads to entrees.  New shoots of the plant are the most flavorful, so it is recommended not to let sage plants to get too woody.  This is accomplished by keeping them trimmed.  Trimming also encourages new shoots will be encouraged to grow.  Sage is also best harvested after it blooms.

 Since there are so many other herbs that can be included in an Italian herb garden, you really consider which herbs you will actually use.  Think about the growing conditions each plant needs and consider whether can provide them.  Italian herbs add do flavor to food but they should also be considered for more than just flavor.

Herbs also make amazing additions to landscape designs and can be displayed for color and their aroma.  By growing Italian herbs amongst other plants, you will be graced with the sweet aromas straight from Italy.  It will be a little like taking a stroll on a Italian hill side.  And remember, many of them are great insect repellents!