Fresh spices add value to any meal. Find out here which spice plants are best suited for growing in the garden and on the balcony.
Kitchen herbs and spice plants are among the most popular crops of all. No wonder, after all, the plants not only refine every dish, but are usually also easy and space-saving to grow. Especially their very easy-care and robust nature make many spice plants so popular. So many can not only be cultivated in the garden without any problems, but also on the balcony or even at the kitchen window. And spice plants can do even more: Often they not only taste good, but also help as medicinal plants against all kinds of ailments. Many of the spice plants are also visually impressive. In this article, we will tell you which kitchen herbs are best suited for growing in the garden and on the balcony.
Spice plants, which are particularly striking because of their aromatic leaves, flowers and fruits, come in a variety of forms and are particularly popular with gardeners. Here we show which species are particularly popular in gardens and balconies.
10. Coriander
Even though coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is one of the most versatile spices in the kitchen, the plant divides the nation: either you love the unique, savory aroma with the sweetish aftertaste or you make a big detour around the plant. The leaves of the plants in particular have an intense aroma and are often used for Asian and Arabic dishes, but also for poultry and fish dishes. The coriander seeds or fruits, on the other hand, have a slightly citrusy taste, which is why chicken, game, rice dishes and curries are preferably seasoned with them. Those who like the idiosyncratic taste of the plant can easily grow coriander - it is considered to be extremely hardy and tolerant and grows well in the garden or on the balcony.
9. Rosemary
The evergreen rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a true classic among aromatic plants and both infound in many gardens as well as on the balcony. The plant is particularly popular because of its robust nature: the Mediterranean herb is well armed against drought and heat and therefore only rarely needs to be watered. In the right location, rosemary can easily overwinter even with light winter protection - it does not like waterlogging at all. In the kitchen, rosemary is particularly popular with hearty meat, fish and potato dishes. But it is also known as a medicinal plant: digestive problems, inflammation and circulatory problems can be reduced with the plant.
8. Parsley
Particularly in German cuisine, parsley is one of the best-known kitchen herbs. There are basically two types of parsley, flat-leaf parsley (Petroselinum crispum var.neopolitanum) and curly parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. crispum), split. These differ not only in their appearance, but also in their taste: flat-leaf parsley is much more intense and spicier than its curly sister. Both types of parsley are particularly suitable for pesto, soups, herb quark or fish and meat dishes. In cultivation, parsley is probably one of the more robust herbs. A sunny to partially shaded location is ideal for the plant. And if the parsley is watered properly, it will grow by itself.
7. Basil
It is essential for Italian cuisine: Basil (Ocimum basilicum) should not be missing in any well-stocked kitchen. The Mediterranean herb is particularly popular with pasta dishes, but also with tomatoes or on pizza. Basil is also a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine, even if you tend to use more exotic basil varieties such as Thai basil (Occimum basilicum var. thyrsiflorum ) grabs. When growing basil, the right location is particularly important: Since the herb cannot stand temperatures below 10 °C, it is often grown in pots or on the windowsill. But basil can also thrive in the garden if you can offer it loose soil without blazing sun. As far as caring for the basil is concerned, it should be watered regularly - the plant is quite thirsty, especially in summer.
Already in the name thespecial flavor: Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) has an impressive lemony aroma that is pleasantly tart at the same time, and is therefore used particularly in Asian cuisine. Especially in combination with fish, chicken or coconut, the exotic spice is a real treat. Lemongrass can also be grown in your own garden or in a pot - however, the plant is relatively sensitive to frost and does not like temperatures below 10 °C, which is why it should overwinter indoors. Lemongrass, on the other hand, always welcomes the sun. When watering, a he althy mediocrity should be maintained so that the plant thrives.
5. wild garlic
Collect spices in the forest? That actually works, because wild garlic (Allium ursinum) is still found as a wild herb in German forests today. But the plant should not be collected by laypeople - there is a risk of confusion with the poisonous lily of the valley. In this article we explain how to recognize wild garlic. If you still don't want to do without the spicy plant, you can also plant wild garlic in the garden without any problems. It grows excellently in a semi-shady to shady location and requires little care. Wild garlic is becoming more and more popular in the kitchen due to its interesting, garlic-like aroma (which, by the way, does not leave a bad breath). Especially in combination with fish, but also as a soup or in potato dishes and light sauces, wild garlic provides a great taste experience.
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is one of the most famous medicinal plants of all: since ancient times it has been used to treat influenza, mild digestive problems and inflammation. But it is also not to be scoffed at as a spice plant - pleasantly bitter and spicy, the plant is often served with meat dishes, but also with salads. Sage is also very popular as a tea. If you prefer something more fruity or exotic, you can also use sage varieties such as lemon sage (Salvia lemonii) or marzipan sage (Salvia officinalis 'Nazareth'). To fall back on. If you want to grow sage, you don't need to make any effort: the plant thrives on its own in full sun with poor soil - whether in the garden or in a pot.
3. Dill
With hisWith its mild, slightly herbaceous taste, dill (Anethum graveolens) is one of the best-known German herbs. The kitchen plant is particularly popular when pickling gherkins, which is why it is colloquially referred to as cucumber herb. But dill is also great for fish, salads and soups. For a long time, however, the plant was only known as a medicinal herb: its essential oils help with indigestion and heartburn. Dill can be grown both in pots and in the garden. With the latter, you should pay particular attention to the right bed neighbors: While dill, due to its susceptibility to nematodes, should not be planted next to potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) and garden onions (Allium cepa ) should be planted, it can repel pests such as aphids alongside cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) and tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum).
Spices don't always have to be associated with hearty dishes - mint (Mentha) is a perfect example of a spice that is particularly impressive because of its versatility: in addition to desserts and sweets drinks in particular are often refined with the fresh plants. Mint is also used in hearty meat dishes. In addition to the classic peppermint (Mentha x piperita), which impresses with its fresh, almost hot taste, there are also fruity variations, such as grapefruit mint ( Mentha rotundifolia variegata or Mentha suaveolens x piperita). In addition, the mint is a real beginner's plant and can thrive almost anywhere - even on the windowsill.
1. Thyme
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) was already a well-known and extremely popular herb in ancient times and is still an important part of Mediterranean cuisine today. The plant unfolds its full aroma particularly in combination with fish and seafood, but also with vegetables and potatoes. With hearty dishes, thyme has a positive side effect: it has a stimulating effect on digestion. Thyme can also help with colds as a medicinal herb and, for example, do a good job as an expectorant. When growing, thyme is relatively easy to care for, as long as it gets dry, well-drained soil with plenty of sun. The plant also does not like waterlogging - but it does particularly well with droughtrightly so. In addition, thyme convinces with its great purple flowers, which not only make the plant attractive but also particularly bee-friendly.
Find out how best to store and preserve herbs after harvest here.