Vegetable Garden Planner
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Profile Sheets & Recipes
Profile Sheet Name VH Basil ✓ About Popular varieties include Genovese (the most popular, used in Italian dishes), lemon, lime, purple, and Thai. (more common in Asian- influenced recipes). Advice for Growing Use and Storage An annual that is easy to grow from seed and Best when used fresh from the benefits from frequent harvesting. garden. Delicious in fresh salad When plants reach 10-12” high, encourage or as caprese salad with fresh bush form by pinching leaves from the top tomatoes and mozzarella down to just above the second set of leaves. cheese. Plant in full sun. Provide afternoon shade in For larger harvests, trim ends warmer regions. of stems and place in a glass of Plant in rich, well-drained soil. Water water like fresh flowers. Place frequently, but ensure good drainage. in direct sunlight. Notes Don’t store cut leaves in the refrigerator. Add fresh basil to cooked dishes when you are almost done cooking as they lose flavour and color when cooked. Make Basil pesto by combining with olive oil, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves and Parmesan cheese in a food processor. Add to ice cube trays and top with a little extra olive oil. Freeze and use 1-2 cubes to soups, stews and slow cooker meals.
Profile Sheet Name VH Chamomile ✓ About Use and Storage Known for its medicinal qualities, primarily Commonly used to make herbal for its calming, healing and soothing tea, essential oils and tinctures. properties. Chamomile tea can be made Roman (aka English) chamomile is a perennial with either fresh or dried creeping ground cover with daisy-like flowers. For best results, harvest flowers. chamomile flowers when the German chamomile is a re-seeding annual plant is totally dry. and grows upright to approx. 2fft. Both To harvest, pluck the individual varieties are similar in terms of their use. flower heads from the plants or cut full stems. Advice for Growing Allow individual flowers to dry completely on a baking sheet or Easy to grow from seed, cuttings or by some cheesecloth. Hang stems dividing established plants. upside down in an area with This plant enjoys partial shade over full sun, good air circulation. and prefers dry soil, making it drought Once dry, remove the flower tolerant. petals and discard the leaves It is a good companion plant, being a natural and stems before using. Store in deterrent to many pests. Plants weakened by an airtight container away lack of water are more susceptible to pests, from sunlight. however. NOTE: Check with your medical Notes practitioner before using Chamomile for medicinal purposes.
Profile Sheet Name VH Chives ✓ About Use and Storage Grown for their leaves and the beautiful, Commonly used to make herbal edible purple flowers they yield each spring. tea, essential oils and tinctures. Both the leaves and flowers have a delicate oniony flavour. Chamomile tea can be made These are hardy perennials that prefer full with either fresh or dried sun, but they can also tolerate partial shade. flowers. For best results, harvest If possible, provide some afternoon shade in chamomile flowers when the warmer climates. plant is totally dry. Advice for Growing To harvest, pluck the individual flower heads from the plants or These are hardy perennials and prefer full sun. cut full stems. If possible, provide some afternoon shade in warmer climates. Allow individual flowers to dry For best results, plant chives in well-drained completely on a baking sheet or soil rich in organic material. some cheesecloth. Hang stems Ensure good drainage for best performance. upside down in an area with Chives are ideal for container and raised bed good air circulation. gardens. Make sure your plants receive plenty Once dry, remove the flower of water until they are well established and petals and discard the leaves during the growing season.. and stems before using. Store in After 3 – 4 years divide clumps during the an airtight container away spring. from sunlight. Notes NOTE: Check with your medical practitioner before using Chamomile for medicinal purposes.
Profile Sheet Name VH Cilantro ✓ About Use and Storage The flat parsley-like leaves give a distinctive To harvest, cut the leafy stems flavor to guacamole, salsa and other Mexican almost to ground level. Leave recipes. The seeds (Coriander seeds) are 2/3 of the plant intact and ground into a powder or used whole in many allow it to regenerate before popular Indian dishes. harvesting again. Advice for Growing Best added right at the end of cooking or in cold dishes like This is a very fast grower and easy to grow salsa or guacamole. from seed, taking only 3-4 weeks from the time the seeds are planted before it Best enjoyed fresh, but it can be harvested. doesn’t last long once cut. Keep This herb prefers full sun, with a little cut stems placed in a jar filled afternoon shade in hot regions. It also with water in the refrigerator performs best in well-drained, moist soil. with a plastic bag placed loosely Raised beds or containers are ideal locations over the top of the leaves. as long as they receive adequate water. To extend harvests throughout the growing To freeze, wash, dry and chop season, keep reseeding every 2 or 3 weeks to cilantro and toss with some ensure a steady supply of fresh leaves. olive oil. Spoon into ice cube trays and freeze. Use cubes for Notes salsa, guacamole or other recipes. Drying is not recommended as leaves lose their flavour when dried.
Profile Sheet Name VH Dill ✓ About Use and Storage A versatile culinary herb where almost all Fresh from the garden is best parts of the plant, including its leaves, and most versatile. The flowers, stems and seeds, can be used. feathery leaves have the least This self-seeding biennial provides beauty in intense flavor and can be the garden with its wispy leaves and delicate snipped off the plant as needed yellow flowers. for salads, dressings or marinades. This herb is delicious Advice for Growing garnish and goes well with fish. Performs best in more moderate climates and Dill seeds have the most flavor does not do well in extreme hot or cold and can be used whole or weather. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot ground into a powder. Use with rich soil. them for a pickling spice or try them with colorful vegetables. The regular dill plant reaches 2-4 ft in The seeds also go well in height, the more diminutive Fearnleaf variety homemade bread. usually only grows to approx. 18”. Make sure you select the correct variety for your Add the yellow flowers to pickle planting area. jars or toss in salads for a color and flavor. Save stems to make Notes broth. Preserve in olive oil, vinegar, butter or by freezing in water or oil.
Profile Sheet Name VH Echinacea ✓ About Use and Storage It is believed that Native Americans used Use the petals, leaves and roots Echinacea to treat illness for hundreds of of Echinacea to make herbal tea years before the arrival of the European or tinctures. settlers. Echinacea is used to improve immune function and reduce the severity of many Harvest the leaves and flowers ailments, including the common cold, flu and as soon as the flowers begin to upper respiratory infections. bloom by snipping each stem right above the bottom set of Advice for Growing leaves. Remove the flower buds and leaves and discard the Echinacea is also popular for its ornamental stems. Allow to dry thoroughly blooms. The most common variety of in an interior room. Exposure Echinacea is known as purple coneflower, to sunlight can reduce the because of its bright petal color. Blooms are efficacy of Echinacea after also found in many other colors. cutting and remaining moisture can lead to mold. This is an easy-to-grow perennial and can be grown from seed, transplants or by division. It Harvest roots in the fall after is a very hardy plant that can thrive in the foliage has turned brown. Hand dig some, but leave most conditions with very little attention. plenty for next year’s growth. Although it prefers full sun, it will do well in Wash thoroughly and allow to light shade. In hot climates, shade yields more dry for several days on screens. vibrantly colored flowers. Store dried petals, leaves and Notes roots in an airtight container in a pantry or cupboard until ready to use. Check with your medical practitioner before using herbs for medicinal purposes.
Profile Sheet Name VH Fennel ✓ About Use and Storage There are two main types of fennel - Herb Snip off fronds as needed. fennel and the white bulb-type vegetable. This Fennel goes well with fish - page focuses on the herb type. place a few fresh stalks next to the fish while it is cooking. Common sweet fennel resembles dill with its wispy foliage. Other varieties of herb fennel Fresh fronds can be added to are more popular for their bronze or red salads or soup, or use it as a leaves. In mid-to-late summer, fennel garnish. produces delicate yellow flowers. To collect the seeds, allow the Advice for Growing plants to flower. When the flowers have turned brown, cut Fennel is short-lived, but will reseed naturally. the stalks and place in a paper Plants reach 3- 5 feet high so provide ample bag upside down. Hang upside room for growth, depending on the down by the stems in a cool varieties you are growing. area inside. Collect the seeds as This herb prefers full sun and rich, well- they drop out, then rinse and drained soil. It is drought tolerant, but needs dry them thoroughly before lots of water until it becomes established. storing in an airtight container. Fennel does not transplant well due to its deep tap root. Seeds can be used to make sausages or in other savory Notes dishes. They work well as a pizza topping when paired with goat cheese, thinly sliced prosciutto, fresh fig and spicy arugula. Freeze foliage for use in soups and stews or air dry and store it in an airtight container.
Profile Sheet Name VH Lavender ✓ About Use and Storage This is a beautiful culinary herb that is Too much lavender flavour can popular for its delicate purple blooms and be overbearing. When cooking soothing fragrance. with it, start with small Lavender also has a delicious flavor. amounts and slowly add more Like basil, oregano, and thyme, lavender is a until the desired result is member of the mint family. achieved. English lavender is the most popular of all the available cultivars and is also the variety most Be aware that a lot of used in cooking. commercially available lavender is not safe to be consumed so Advice for Growing ensure you are growing / purchasing ‘culinary grade’. Lavender grows best in a sunny location with very well-drained soil. Ideal growing Harvest small amounts of conditions for lavender are hot and dry. lavender when the plant is 2 years old. A much larger Notes harvest can be expected from the third year. Use garden sheers or a curved blade to cut through the tough stems. Enjoy lavender in both sweet and savory dishes. Use fresh lavender in salads or homemade ice cream. It can also be used in place of rosemary in breads and marinades. Strip the leaves off of dried stems and use them as kabobs for grilled shrimp or fruit.
Profile Sheet Name VH Mint ✓ About Use and Storage Mint is a nearly foolproof culinary herb. This Take clippings as needed from versatile and tough plant is a good herb to the plants. Look for the newest start with for beginners and those with a growth because it is the most black thumb. flavorful. Rinse leaves Mint belongs to same plant family as many thoroughly and pat dry before other popular herbs, including basil, oregano, using. and rosemary. Peppermint and spearmint are the most There are many ways to use popular of the many mint varieties available. mint. It is used in ice tea and other beverages, as well as Advice for Growing forming a key ingredient in several classic cocktails: mint Mint prefers full sun and a more moist soil juleps, mojitos and gimlets. than most. If you keep the soil around your Bruise, or muddle, the leaves mint damp, it will produce more strongly before adding to drinks for best scented leaves. results. It is a very good companion plant because its strong scent repels ants and many other To use mint in mixed green garden pests. It is an aggressive grower that salads, roll the leaves and slice can also become an invasive nuisance. into thin sections. Plant mint in containers or sink large bottomless plastic containers into the ground Add finely chopped mint leaves to prevent mint from taking over the garden. to chocolate chip cookie dough before baking, or use fresh mint Notes leaves to enhance homemade sorbet or ice cream recipes. Excess mint can be frozen alone or in ice cube trays. It can also be dried and stored in an airtight container.
Profile Sheet Name VH Oregano ✓ About Use and Storage Oregano is very popular in Greek, Italian Oregano goes very well with and Mexican cuisine. Mexican oregano is tomato based (Italian) dishes. stronger than the Greek and Italian varieties, and does not work well as a substitute for the There are many other ways to other types. use fresh oregano: in baked Some types of oregano work better as breads or herb butter; sprinkled ornamental herbs, for example ‘Kent Beauty’. over mixed salad greens; or This variety is grown primarily for its hop-like added to homemade flowers and eye-catching foliage. vinaigrettes or marinades. To release more flavour, crush the Advice for Growing leaves with your fingers. Greek and Italian oregano belong to the mint Add fresh oregano in the last 5 family, along with basil, rosemary, thyme and to 10 minutes of cooking as it many other popular culinary herbs. These does not do well with heat. Use perennial varieties prefer full sun, with some dried oregano in tomato sauces, afternoon shade in hot climates. Plants will soups or stews that require perform best in well-drained soil. longer cooking times. n warm climates, Oregano is evergreen. In colder areas, the plants When using dried oregano, will need some protection in the form adjust the required amount, as of mulch or cold frames to survive the winter. it is stronger when dried. Oregano grown in portable containers can be brought indoors for fresh flavor all year long. Oregano can be frozen alone or in ice cube trays with water or Notes olive oil. It can also be dried and stored in an airtight container or preserved in butter.
Profile Sheet Name VH Parsley ✓ About Use and Storage Parsley is easy to dismiss as an obsolete herb. However, this versatile culinary herb actually Fresh parsley is ideal for adding tastes good. There are two main varieties of parsley: flat color to a dinner plate. To add leaf (aka Italian parsley) and curled leaf. These some bright, fresh flavor to a two are mostly interchangeable, however, the dish, sprinkle finely chopped flat leaf variety has a more robust flavor, fresh leaves over the food while the curled variety has more tender leaves and is more often used as a garnish. To harvest, trim fresh sprigs as needed. Cut leafy stems Advice for Growing Parsley is easy to grow from seeds or nursery from the base of the plant to transplants. It likes plenty of sun, but it can encourage bushier growth. also grow in partial shade. Grow in rich, moist soil, and ensure the plants Fresh parsley stems are perfect receive plenty of water. for making stocks, broths, soups or braises. Parsley is one of the Notes main ingredients in a classic “bouquet garni.” To make your own, secure parsley stems, sprigs of fresh thyme and whole bay leaves with unwaxed kitchen string. Add to the pot while making soups, stews and broth. Rand discard when finished. Parsley can be frozen and used in cooked dishes, but will no longer be viable as a garnish. Avoid drying because too much of the flavor is lost in the process.
Profile Sheet Name VH Rosemary ✓ About Use and Storage Rosemary is a versatile, fragrant herb native There are many ways to use to the Mediterranean region. It is popular for rosemary in the kitchen. To use its pungent, pine-like flavor that adds a as a marinade for meats and distinctive taste to dishes ranging from chicken, strip the leaves from grilled fish to beef roasts to wild game. the woody stems and crush Rosemary is also a visually appealing herb, Its them with your fingers to woody stems allow it to be pruned into a release the oils. conical Christmas tree-like shape and adds visual quality to your herb garden or window Combine Worcestershire sauce, sill. olive oil, garlic and crushed rosemary to make a wonderful Advice for Growing marinade for steaks. Stuff chicken or other poultry with Rosemary is a member of the mint family, whole fresh rosemary sprigs, along with basil, oregano, thyme and many lemon wedges and cloves of others. As with the other members of this garlic. Finely chopped leaves are herb family, it prefers a warm, sunny a delicious addition to soups, spot in well-drained soil. stews and salad dressings. Rosemary can grow into a large evergreen shrub in hot climates, but it is not hardy To harvest, clip fresh sprigs as in colder areas. To survive, it needs to be needed. Rosemary will keep in brought inside when temperatures drop below the refrigerator for approx. one freezing. week Notes For larger harvests, rosemary can be frozen alone or in ice cube trays with water or oil. It can also be dried or preserved in olive oil or vinegar, or finely chop the leaves to make herb butter or seasoned salt mix.
Profile Sheet Name VH Sage ✓ About Use and Storage Sage is known as a culinary herb and Sage is best known for its use in medicinal plant. Native to the Mediterranean holiday stuffing recipes. It pairs region, it was used by Ancient Romans for beautifully with foods high in its healing qualities. Later, the French grew fat and oil, and is often used to large amounts of sage for tea. make sausage and other meats Today, sage is considered a classic ingredient for this reason. It is also perfect in holiday stuffing and other rich dishes. with buttery pasta dishes. For a Sage is a member of the mint family, along quick and easy meal, sauté with basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary and fresh sage leaves in butter and many others. toss with penne pasta, sliced grilled sausage and some freshly Advice for Growing grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Fresh sage sautéed in a Sage is an attractive perennial in USDA zones browned butter sauce goes well 5 to 8 and does not do well in extreme heat with butternut squash ravioli. or cold. It prefers full sun and light, well-drained soil. Loose soil, raised garden Best enjoyed fresh, however beds or containers are ideal for growing sage. sage can also be dried or Do not plant sage too close to cucumbers as frozen, either alone or in ice its strong flavor can have an adverse affect on cube trays with water or oil. the fruit. Fresh sage can be preserved in butter. Dried leaves can be used Notes to infuse vinegar and honey, or used to make an herbed salt that is then used for meat rubs. NOTE: Check with your medical practitioner before using Chamomile for medicinal purposes.
Profile Sheet Name VH Stevia ✓ About Use and Storage Stevia has been used for centuries in South Stevia is up to 15 times America as a natural sweetener. Its popularity stronger than regular cane has grown in other parts of the world because sugar, but the amount of it offers a calorie-free alternative to regular sweetness varies depending on processed sugar and other sweeteners. growing conditions and when the leaves are harvested. Start Advice for Growing by adding very small amounts to your drinks and recipes until As a native to tropical regions, stevia is an you find the right balance. annual that enjoys most climates. It grows best in warm, humid weather, but needs good To harvest, clip stems or air circulation to stay healthy. Grow in a individual leaves as needed. Use sunny spot with a little afternoon shade leaves either fresh or dried. Dry in warmer areas. cuttings outside, in a food Root rot is an issue for many culinary herbs, dehydrator or in a low heat including stevia. Be sure to provide loose, oven. Discard the stems once well-drained soil. Raised beds and containers the leaves are thoroughly dried. work best if you have dense clay or other soil Crumble or grind the dried that does not drain well. leaves into a powder and store in an airtight container in a Notes cool, dark place. Fresh leaves are used to sweeten tea and other drinks. Powdered leaves can be used directly in recipes or to make extracts, tinctures or syrups that can be stored in a dark bottle in your refrigerator for up to one year.
Profile Sheet Name VH Thyme ✓ About Use and Storage This aromatic herb is well known for its To harvest, clip off a few stems ornamental and medicinal qualities. as needed. To remove leaves, hold the stems at the top and Thyme is popular for both its flavor and gently pull down the length of fragrance, as well as the way it grows in the stem with your fingers. garden beds as a border plant, and how it Discard the stems or use to spills over low walls and containers. make stocks and broths. Thyme is a member of the mint family, along Add thyme early in the cooking with basil, oregano, rosemary and lavender. process in order to release all of its flavor. Sprinkle fresh leaves Of the many varieties of thyme available. into pasta sauces or add them German and lemon are the two better-known directly into soups, stews, and ones. German thyme is aromatic and popular braises. Tie whole thyme stems for cooking, and Lemon Thyme has a lovely together with parsley stems citrus aroma and flavour. and a bay leaves to create a classic “bouquet garni” to Advice for Growing season soups and broths. Combine fresh thyme with Thyme prefers full sun and needs well- rosemary and sage for a drained soil to thrive. marinade for grilled meat. Grow in soil that is slightly more alkaline than Before roasting, lightly toss other herbs, with a pH just above 7.0. If potatoes, carrots or other root needed, add a little lime to the soil or vegetables in a little olive oil, limestone mulch around the fresh thyme and some salt and plants. pepper. Thyme can also be dried, frozen alone or in ice Notes cubes with water or oil, or preserved in olive oil or butter.
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