Australia's food system is broken. Sorry but someone had to say it! Food in Australia, rather than being a staple, has become a commodity. This system has resulted in ever-increasing prices for fresh food, coupled with the use of pesticides and other chemicals used to produce it quickly and cheaply. Luckily, however, there are some things that we can do to reduce both our food bills, and our pesticide load.
An easy way to do this and still eat (and drink) fresh produce is by growing some staple herbs. Herbs from the supermarkets are not only expensive for the amount that you get, they are often sprayed with chemicals. Not to mention, very rarely are they ever needed in the quantities that you purchase them in. This not only adds to the ever increasing food waste problem in our world, it is akin to taking your money and throwing it straight in the bin, even if you do compost your excess produce!
Growing your own herbs at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only do you get to enjoy fresh, flavourful herbs in your cooking, but you also have the peace of mind of knowing exactly where your herbs came from and that they are pesticide-free. Plus, many herbs are easy to grow and require very little space, making them perfect for even the smallest of gardens or for those who only have access to a windowsill.
Here are a few herbs that you should consider growing at home:
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Basil: This herb is a staple in many cuisines, and it's a great herb to grow at home. It requires full sun and well-drained soil, and it can be grown in pots or in a garden bed. Fresh basil is great in pasta dishes, salads, and on pizzas.
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Mint: This herb is easy to grow and is a great addition to many dishes. It is also a great herb for making tea, and it is perfect for adding a refreshing touch to drinks and desserts. It prefers a moist, well-drained soil, and it does well in full sun or partial shade.
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Rosemary: This herb is a great herb to use in cooking and it is a great herb for adding flavour to meats, stews, and soups. It prefers a well-drained soil, and it requires full sun. Rosemary can also be grown in pots and it is a great herb for adding a touch of fragrance to your home. Also if you use smudge sticks, rosemary is a fantastic cleansing herb that you can turn into your own smudge stick! If you would like to know how to make a rosemary smudge stick, visit our blog post here.
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Thyme: This herb is a great herb to use in cooking and it is a great herb for adding flavour to meats, stews, and soups. It prefers a well-drained soil, and it requires full sun. Thyme can also be grown in pots and it is a great herb for adding a touch of fragrance to your home.
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Parsley: This herb is a staple in many cuisines, and it is a great herb for adding a touch of flavour to many dishes. It requires full sun and well-drained soil, and it can be grown in pots or in a garden bed. Fresh parsley is great in salads, pasta dishes, and soups.
- Oregano: Another fantastic mediterranean herb that is great to grow in Australia and adds tonnes of flavour to pizza and pasta dishes. Oregano prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and full sun. It can also be grown in pots and is a great addition to your self sufficient garden!
Growing your own herbs at home is a great way to add fresh, flavourful herbs to your cooking and it is a great way to enjoy the benefits of herbs. Plus, it's a fun way to get your kids involved in gardening.
Let us know in the comments section which herbs you cannot live without in your garden!