Plan Your Herb Window Box Now, and Reap the Rewards Later

“Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme.” Truth be told, Simon and Garfunkel were on to something with their third album, of the same title, released in 1966.  There is nothing quite like freshly clipped herbs to add that oomph to whatever you are cooking. 

Imagine getting home from work, and in the midst of carpools, soccer practice and a load of laundry, thinking about dinner. This task can daunt even the most self-described “foodies.” Imagine again, that you have your main dish in mind, and you simply reach out your window and clip some fresh herbs. In an instant, the ho-hum meal takes on a new and improved version of itself — bolder, fresher, and more alive.

Effort pays off, and while planting herb seeds is more daunting than it sounds, it’s really not that difficult, and well worth the effort in the long run. You can start seeds now — readily available in most hardware stores, discount department stores, as well as by catalogue. 

Invest in some good quality, fertilized potting soil and containers to house the individual seeds. Plastic cups, egg cartons or peat moss pots work well for the seeds' new, but temporary, home. Carefully follow the directions on each seed packet to see how deep you should sow the seeds, and pay close attention to water and sunlight requirements. 

In little to no time, you will have seedlings ready to replant in your window box or deck pot once the danger of the last frost has occurred. (Or wait another month, and simply buy the herb plants from your local nursery or garden mart.) Whichever route you go, be sure to place the plants somewhere near the kitchen window where you will remember they exist and will be inspired to use them when you cook.

Which herbs to plant? Think of how you cook. The basics are, as Simon and Garfunkel sang about, but consider adding cilantro, a great herb for Mexican cooking; lemon grass, a flavor enhancer for Asian cooking; or basil, the epitome (for us, anyway) of the all-American summer herb, perfect for topping pizzas, making pesto, or just enjoying the best of summer with the traditional salad of Beefsteak tomato and fresh mozzarella. Fresh thyme and oregano, added to Mediterranean or Italian dishes, will surely delight all the senses.

Think outside the box (or the pot). Sure, fresh dill can take your salmon dish over the top, but consider herbs for not only transforming your entrees, because added to  salad dressings, salsas, sauces, pasta salads, and fresh vegetables, they can also be used for desserts and drinks. Freshly picked mint (try the "pineapple mint") as a garnish for fresh fruit, or added to a vodka and tonic or a mojito, will surely be one of life’s little pleasures after a hot day. 

Plan and plant now, and in no time you will be savoring summer’s best flavors.