Herbs planters ideas
Herb planter ideas – ways to grow in containers and pots
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
Are you looking for herb planter ideas? Whether you want to grow herbs inside on your window sill or you want ideas for growing and displaying herbs in containers in the garden, we've got plenty of inspiration.
Used in cooking and for infusing hot drinks, as well as for their aroma and for medicinal purposes, herbs have so many benefits so it’s worth growing your own and the great thing is, you don’t need a large garden to grow them – most herbs grow well in containers which are perfect for small gardens, patio areas or inside on window sills. From hanging baskets to old wheelbarrows, almost any container is suitable provided it has drainage holes; the options are endless, so why not let your imagination run riot.
See: Kitchen garden ideas – easy ways to get started
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Whatever you choose, it is useful to position container grown herbs near a back door, or close to the house, so that they are easy to access for harvesting. It is also important to include grit in your compost when planting herbs into containers.
In his monthly blog gardening expert Monty Don shares his tips for growing herbs stating that, 'if the water does not flow almost immediately through the pot that they are in then the drainage is not good enough. If you are planting herbs in a container mix general purpose peat-free compost with at least an equal measure of grit or sharpsand.'
1. Grow herbs in a strawberry planter
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
Strawberry planters make brilliant planters for growing herbs, particularly low growers such as oregano, thyme or mint. Large pots with several pockets, the containers allow an array of different herbs in one place. It’s recommended to opt for terracotta as terracotta is a porous material which allows air and moisture to pass through easily resulting in healthier plants.
See: Herb garden ideas – for indoors and outdoors
2.
Create an attractive display by arranging potted herbs on staggered shelves (Image credit: Future / Tim Young)
If you’re short of patio space then try arranging potted herbs on a plant stand such as the Aldsworth design Garden Trading. Using an array of pot styles, from traditional terracotta, to colorful glazed and galvanised metal designs, will help add bring variety and interest.
See: Planning a kitchen garden – from designing a layout to picking plants
3. Save space by creating hanging herb planters
(Image credit: Future / Oliver Gordon )
Planting herbs in an array of outdoor planters and suspending them is a brilliant way to maximise floor space on a small patio or balcony area. Lightweight plastic containers or old tin cans would work well, or you could even use an old colander – perfect with its readymade drainage holes.
4. Use potted herbs to create a fragrant escape
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Ornamental as well as practical, potted herbs in a range of heights can be arranged on a patio area to create a pretty feature, but they also great for adding fragrance to a garden seating area.
See: Companion planting – your ultimate guide
5. Use recycled tins as herb planters for an eye-catching display
(Image credit: Future / Tim Young)
Saving up old tomato tins with retro labels and repurposing them as herb planters is a great way to cut down on your waste but also to create a fun display with a Mediterranean twist. Simply drill holes in the bottoms for drainage.
6. Use reclaimed vessels as herb planters
(Image credit: Future / Judith Everitt)
Offering a rustic, weathered patina from years of use, reclaimed metal containers such as farm troughs, old galvanised baths and dolly tubs – historically used for washing clothes – make characterful planters for herbs.
7. Arrange potted herbs on an old crate for a rustic display
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
Old creates can be easily picked up from flea markets will bring vintage charm to a patio space and can be easily moved indoors or throughout the garden.
8. Opt for a window box herb planter
(Image credit: Getty Images)
You don't need a garden to grow herbs; most can be grown inside in individual pots on a window sill or in a window box by a sunny window. Growing herbs on the kitchen window sill is really convenient for cooking.
9. Maximise space by thinking vertically
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Make the most of a small garden by using every inch of space. Consider fixing planters to garden walls and clustering potted herbs on old chairs to help make extra space for more pots on the ground. Growing herbs at different levels will also add decorative interest, too.
10. Add vintage charm by displaying herbs in enamelware
(Image credit: Future)
Displaying shop bought herbs in colorful vintage enamel cups and teapots is a great way to disguise unsightly plastic pots – just make sure they are left sitting in water.
Is it better to plant herbs in pots or in the ground?
Most herbs can be grown in the ground or in containers.
Sometimes, it is preferable to grow certain herbs in containers. Growing slightly tender herbs such as myrtle, lemon verbena and scented geraniums in pots or containers is preferable to borders because it means they can easily be moved indoors during winter months. It is also recommended to grow invasive plants such as mint in containers to help control its growth and prevent them from taking over.
One thing to remember when growing herbs in containers rather than in the ground is that herbs in containers is that in hot weather they can be quick to dry out, be sure to keep an eye on them and to keep them well watered.
What herbs can be planted together?
Many herbs can be planted together provided they like the same growing conditions and have the same irrigation needs. Many herbs are Mediterranean in origin – such as rosemary, thyme and oregano, – and so all thrive in sunny conditions and free –draining soil and work well when planted together. Herbs such as parsley and basil on the other hand will require more constant moisture.
Pippa is Content Editor on Homes & Gardens online contributing to Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors print issues. A graduate of Art History and formerly Style Editor at Period Living, she is passionate about architecture, creating decorating content, interior styling and writing about craft and historic homes. She enjoys searching out beautiful images and the latest trends to share with the Homes & Gardens audience. A keen gardener, when she’s not writing you’ll find her growing flowers on her village allotment for styling projects.
25 Pretty Herb Garden Ideas
Growing herbs is an increasingly popular hobby, owing to its relative simplicity and the small amount of space needed.
If you’re interested in growing your own herbs, check out these 25 herb garden ideas for inspiration on how you could incorporate these healthy plants into your lifestyle.
1. Herb Potting
An easy way to make an herb garden is by using individual terracotta pots for each herb plant and grouping them together.
These pots are readily available at garden centers and hardware stores and are generally low cost. They are suitable for keeping indoors and outdoors, making them very versatile. You could move them outside to encourage growth during warm summer months, and bring them back inside during winter to protect them from the elements if you live in a colder climate.
2. Raising Herbs
Building a raised bed for your herb garden can be as simple or as extravagant as you want it to be. The walled edges can be built from old planks of wood you have laying around, or repurpose old pallets and cut the planks down to size for your raised herb bed. If you’re not into the rustic look, you can buy short fence-like edging strips from home and garden stores, fit them into place and fill the middle with soil to create your raised bed. Plant your herbs, leaving growing room between each one, and remember to label them.
3. Re-Use, Reduce, Recycle
Repurposing old mason jars is a stylish and sustainable way to house your herb plants.
It’s very cost-effective and can look quite striking when all of the jars are lined up in a row. You can get creative with the labels, using ribbon and printed tags, stickers, or garden string and handwritten labels for a more rustic look.
4. Round the Twist
Planting your herbs into a spiral design in your backyard is a clever way to ensure the plants are benefitting from optimum growing conditions. All herbs require slightly different treatment, with some enjoying constant sunlight, and others preferring occasional shade. With an elevated spiral, you can plant sun-loving herbs at the very top, to ensure they receive full sun. Plant herbs that like more moisture at the bottom, as this is where water will run down to. Herbs that require minimal water can sit at the top, benefitting from better drainage. Spiral garden beds can also create a visual centerpiece for your backyard.
5. Portable Planters
You can create an herb garden in almost any hollowed out structure that you find in your home or garage.
This galvanized oversized bucket makes for an industrial feel for a selection of planted herbs, but you could also house herbs in old watering cans, teapots, mugs, paint tins, or even ice cream tubs. One trick is to drill a hole in the underside of your chosen container to ensure herbs don’t become waterlogged.
Planting all of the herbs together in one portable unit makes easy work of moving them inside or outside depending on the weather.
6. Basket Case
Herb gardens make pretty features within the home, and also contribute to making the air a better quality. Plant up a selection of your favorite herbs in a plastic container, and then place it in a more attractive outer shell for display in your kitchen or dining area. A woven basket makes for a homely, traditional look, while an old wooden wine box or fruit box will lend itself to a more rustic style. You can get creative with your herb garden containers, using paint on old vases or tins to update them and make them complement your decor.
7. Stand Out
A unique looking herb garden can be achieved by simply using various pots that you already own. Mismatched pots housing different herb plants can give a vibrant and colorful look in your kitchen, or outside in your backyard. Using pots of different styles and sizes lends itself to an eclectic look, which you can completely personalize to suit your individual taste. Arrange the pots in a haphazard way to give a casual feel, avoiding symmetry or height order.
8. Healthy Shelf-y Herbs
If you’re tight for space in your backyard, then a shelf is a great solution for a place to keep your herbs. You can hang a shelf from a wall, wooden fence, or even metal railings, to create extra surface space for herb pots and other flowers or plants.
You can buy purpose built garden shelves, or you can build your own with some planks of wood and metal brackets to hold them in place. If you make your own shelves, be sure to treat the wood to ensure longevity.
Then simply line up your herbs on the shelves and enjoy.
9. Herb Warming
Herb plants make excellent gifts, especially for housewarming occasions, which are a slight change from the usual gift of flowers or house plants. Select your herb plant with your recipient in mind, by choosing an herb that will complement their taste in food. For example, a fan of Italian food may appreciate a basil plant, while a fish lover might enjoy dill. Wrap the plant in brown paper for a cute but rustic look; brown paper makes perfect wrapping paper as it is stylish and understated, plus completely recyclable, unlike many store-bought wrapping papers. This is a particularly good gift for anyone who appreciates sustainable gifts, as it will continue to grow and be used for months or even years to come.
10. Outdoor Tables
To create more surface space in your backyard, use a table to stand your herb pots on. If carefully positioned to consider sunlight and shadows, you can place the table on top of other plants to maximize space.
You could use an outdoor table specifically designed for outside use, such as a treated wooden table, or you could make use of old unwanted furniture from your garage, or from friends or family members. Metal tables make for great outdoor tables as they sustain much less wear from rain and sun, though wooden tables can be used outside, but expect them to look quite rustic very quickly if they haven’t been treated for outdoor use.
11. Corner Creation
Creating an herb corner in your backyard is a good way to keep your herbs separate from other plants and flowers. If you have children or pets who play in your backyard, then select a corner which is tucked away to ensure the herbs are protected. You will also want to choose a corner which is not near a path or area that frequently gets foot traffic. Also, bear in mind when choosing an herb corner that the plants will need natural sunlight, so they shouldn’t be in a corner which will always be shadowed by a fence or wall.
12. Planting Tables
Tables are not just for inside the home, with planter tables being a brilliant solution for people who love to garden but do not want to spend time on their knees to prune the plants. Purpose built planter tables can be purchased from garden centers and hardware stores in various styles and sizes to suit your specific requirements. Planter tables are a good place to create an herb garden for people who enjoy warmer climates all year round. If you experience cold weather with frost or snow during winter, then a planter table may not be a convenient place to house herbs, as it cannot be easily moved.
13. Rooftop Garden
Even people who live in apartment buildings can have outside herb gardens, by planting herbs in pots and placing them on balconies or rooftop spaces. As long as the herbs can enjoy a decent amount of natural sunlight, then they will thrive even in the most unlikely areas. Herbs do tend to be less hardy than many other plants, so also try to ensure they are protected from strong wind or heavy rainfall.
They will need to be brought indoors during colder months or adverse weather, so it’s always a good idea to use a portable container to make this transition less hassle, especially if you will be carrying the plants up and down flights of stairs in an apartment block.
14. Hang On
If you are the lucky owner of a balcony, but have limited floor or surface space for herbs, creating a hanging herb garden could be a useful solution. You can create extra space by fixing hooks to your walls from which hanging baskets can be suspended. Alternatively, fix a pole from one side of your balcony to the other in a similar style to a wardrobe rail, and dangle hanging baskets filled with herbs from it. You can use traditional bought hanging baskets, or find ways to suspend pots you already own with rope and hooks.
15. Protective Polytunnel
Polytunnels are an excellent choice for your garden if you want to keep herb plants outside all year round. Polytunnels come in many sizes and are made of polythene, a cheap but hard wearing plastic which will protect your plants from adverse weather, pests, and animals.
They also retain heat and create a humid atmosphere, much like a greenhouse, warming the soil for earlier planting and increased growth. Polytunnels can be easily removed when necessary, and reused for other areas of your garden.
16. Balcony Garden
Develop an herb haven on your balcony by covering every possible surface with potted herbs and planters. Introduce fairy lights and soft furnishings in bold colors to give a luxurious and magical feel. The scents of the herbs will contribute to creating an appealing environment where you will want to spend more and more time. Outdoor rugs and cushions will help to make your herb balcony more comfortable, though remember to buy specially designed outdoor soft furnishings, or bring them inside when they’re not being used.
17. Fenced In
This quirky herb garden has taken the idea quite literally, by putting a miniature picket fence around the potted herbs. This is a good example to show how creative and inventive you can get with your herb garden, using it as a way to express yourself and an extension of your identity.
Experiment with different ideas, such as using alternative pots, or wrapping containers in wallpaper or fabric for a new look. If you’d like to make your own picket fence for your herb garden, look online for miniature fence panels, or think outside of the box by using dolls house furniture or pieces from your child’s toy collection to create your own mini forest with herbs.
18. Windowsill Wonder
One of the best things about herb gardens is that they are so versatile, and can be made to be so compact that anyone can enjoy one. You don’t even need to have access to outside space to have an herb garden, all you need is a windowsill and some natural light. If you enjoy using s variety of herbs in your cooking, then you could turn a whole windowsill into an herb garden, potting up a row of herb plants. If you’re new to herb growing, start small with something like a basil plant on your windowsill to see how you get on. They are surprisingly easy to grow, with very little attention needed.
19. Growing in Water
Hydroponics is an increasingly popular way to grow plants without the use of soil, which might be very appealing if you don’t like the potential mess of having soil in your home. You can grow herbs in any number of containers, such as plastic cups or glass tumblers. The herbs are grown in a solution of water and nutrients, and it’s fascinating to watch the roots grow through the water if your hydroponics experiment is successful. Grow your hydroponic herb garden on a windowsill or in a greenhouse for the best growth rates.
20. Paint it Green
Making a green wall in your backyard is a real statement, and can be achieved in a variety of ways. Fix wall planters in a desired pattern on your wall and fill with herbs of different kinds for a vibrant green wall. For added impact, you could paint the wall underneath in a bright shade of green, or alternatively paint a striking pattern on it, such as stripes or a geometric design.
21.
Vertical GardeningVertical gardens are growing in popularity due to the clever use of space they occupy. Vertical gardens can be achieved in a number of ways, by using shelf units lined up on your garden wall, or by fixing pots onto a large vertical metal frame. Although vertical gardens are popular among owners of small backyards, a vertical herb garden can make a great feature even in large gardens. Vertical gardens are also an efficient use of energy; by watering from the top, unused water from highest herbs drains through and drops onto herbs below, rather than being wasted elsewhere.
22. Helpful Herbs
Installing an herb garden alongside the space you use for dining in your backyard can improve your enjoyment of meal times. Not only will the herbs provide a pleasant fragrance for you to enjoy, but by carefully selecting the right herbs, you will be able to keep nuisance flies and insects at bay. Herbs known to repel pests include basil, lemongrass, mint, and rosemary.
23. Tiered Herb Garden
Growing herbs in raised beds on several tiers has both aesthetic and practical benefits. This pyramid style of bed makes it easier to access the top herbs than if they were all flat on the same level, as they would be difficult to reach at the back for pruning and picking without disturbing the herbs at the front. It also enables you to keep different herb varieties separate for easy identification. Similarly to the spherical raised beds, it would be beneficial to place herbs that require less water at the top of the pyramid, as these will drain more quickly while keeping the thirstiest herbs on the lowest tier
24. Gardening with Kids
Herbs are the perfect way to get children interested in gardening. They grow very quickly, so children can reap the rewards of their efforts much faster than when growing fruit and vegetables. Your herb garden for children doesn’t need to be fancy or pretty; it just needs to be safe and easily accessible for small hands.
Gardening has numerous benefits for children, improving focus, relieving stress, and encouraging an interest in a healthy diet.
25. Theme It
If you have a particular interest in a certain cuisine, allow your herb garden to reflect this. You could have an Italian themed herb garden, growing basil and oregano, or go for something a little more oriental with lemongrass and coriander. You could decorate your herb garden to match your choice of herbs, with pots colored to match the national flag.
Growing herbs is a cost-effective way to add new flavors to your cooking, while the simple process of successfully growing your own food is a joy and achievement in itself.
Herbal teas, lemongrass and raisins are grown in Primorye on a Far Eastern hectare
The Taiga cooperative runs a farm on 30 hectares of territory
Over 95,000 citizens received free plots in the Far East as part of the Far Eastern Hectare program. In addition, the Russians have the opportunity to unite and submit a collective application for a large land plot.
This is exactly what the members of the Primorsky cooperative "Taiga" did, who currently have 30 hectares of territory in use. Their main activity is the cultivation of herbal tea on plantations and the collection of medicinal herbs, flowers and berries. Members of the cooperative told how the economy is run specifically for the project "On the Far East Land", which is being implemented jointly with the Corporation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic.
“The idea was born to take exactly 30 hectares with the whole big company. We already had a project for tea, there was a project for peonies, and we needed land where we could plant taiga fruit trees, make such a nursery of lemongrass, raisins, hawthorn, viburnum, plant our endemics and willow-herb, - says the creator of project "The Living Soul of the Ussuri Taiga" Elena Andreeva .
We have 15 varieties of tea, we collect 41 types of herbs in the taiga, because Primorye ranks second in the world in terms of the diversity of plant species after the Amazon.
According to Elena Andreeva, a bag with plants must be laid out for drying within half an hour, because the temperature inside is very high, and if you don’t do it in time, everything will be yellow, burned out and all the hours of work will be lost. The drying method is used the most standard, almost in the dark, the herbs are laid out on wooden floors. Plants dry out very quickly, literally in 2.5-3 days. Modern devices, such as electric dryers, are not suitable for this business, the quality immediately drops. A beautiful color may still remain, but all the essential oils evaporate.
After drying, be sure to put the whole leaves in large linen bags made of cloth. If you store ready-made tea broken, then through these breaks the essential oils contained in the plants will evaporate very quickly and the quality of the product itself will become much worse in just 3 months. Further, the required amount of the product goes to packaging.
The creator of the project added that every year, at the beginning and in the middle of summer, the cooperative submits all teas and herbs for laboratory analysis, they have all permits and laboratory tests for each batch of tea.
“The second project is the Flower Road between Japan and Russia. I have been dealing with tree peonies from Japan since 2008, I have a very close relationship with Japanese agronomists. An idea was born to open a nursery here,” shared Elena Andreeva.
And the third project is called “Roots”. Since we have all creative people in the company, we decided to make an installation park. We invited residents of different regions of the Far East - those who want to take part in this. The idea is this: a person presents us with some concept of his installation according to the general idea of the project, the project gives us, and we all implement it together. A qr-code will hang on each installation, and any visitor will be able to fully familiarize himself with the history of the artist and his works. There will be a small art gallery.”
Within a year after receiving a hectare, the owner must decide on the type of use of the site. For certain needs, you need to additionally obtain the necessary permits, licenses and certificates.
“Difficulties, of course, are mainly that when they give you land, you can’t always choose the options for using the land, we have agricultural land. We can’t build a permanent dwelling here, we can’t build a base, although we would like to, we can’t do land reclamation ourselves, because we can’t move the earth deeper than 30 cm, and our entire territory is swampy. Who counts on rural life, it can be profitable, very interesting from the point of view of people's communication. For me, this place is now a priority in all respects, ”says Elena Andreeva.
Here, in the cooperative, a mother of many children Tatyana runs her household.
“We planted lemongrass and sultana plantations. A little further there is a plantation of willow-tea, which we protect as a population, because there is not much of it in Primorsky Krai. We collect very carefully, without causing damage to the plant. Since we have a cooperative here, we replace each other.
Someone does one thing, someone else, this, of course, is a help. If I alone organized such a big project, then I would not be able to do it, like many others. Therefore, we have a large company, many people, many volunteers,” says Tatyana.
Together they go to eco-trails when they collect plants in the taiga. Often people join who are also interested and like it. Tatyana has three children, and they also sometimes come to help.
“I am very grateful for the support provided by the Far East and Arctic Development Corporation. With their help, we have already participated in many international exhibitions,” added Tatyana.
Pensioner Alla Filippovna is also a member of the Taiga cooperative.
“We took a hectare to experiment, to learn something new about this land, here it was very noble. We decided to revive it, planted this year experimental pumpkins, sunflowers, Dutch remontant strawberries, a little bit of everything, to see how it feels and how it lives here.
I come here to enjoy life, because there is such an upliftment of the soul, especially when you come early in the morning, fog, the sun rises, the hills are so beautiful. All this is so uplifting and uplifting that you want to enjoy life. My grandchildren also come here with me when on vacation. They grew up in the village, they know what land is, what berries are, and therefore they are happy to work here, participated in the construction of the lake with their peers, ”the pensioner shared.
Another member of the cooperative, student Alexander , spoke about his participation in the project and an unusual idea.
“When I was told that I could take a hectare, I was 17 or 18 years old. And I decided that this is a great chance to do something useful in the place where I was born, where I live. I am engaged in biology, and I am very interested in collecting herbs, combining them into herbal preparations. Therefore, what the project “The Living Soul of the Ussuri Taiga” gives me is practice.
Further we plan to develop tea. I'm very interested. We are now agreeing to expand the industry, we will have a packaging shop,” said Alexander.
In addition, according to the young owner of the hectare, in the future he plans to make a skatepark on his site so that people can come to the field and ride boards.
The best projects for the development of the "Far Eastern hectare" are awarded the "Star of the Far East" socio-political prize, supported by the office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Far Eastern Federal District Yu. P. Trutnev, the Ministry of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic, the Corporation for the Development of the Far East and Arctic. Over the four years of the award, more than ten such projects have received it. Yes, in 2019year, the winner of the nomination "Best hectare" was a project for the production of birch sap (Andrey Vorotnyak, chairman of the Far Eastern Sloboda cooperative, Khabarovsk Territory), the winners were projects for organizing bread baking (Andrey Shaplov, head of the Khleb Otet farm, Primorsky Territory) and year-round cultivation of strawberries underground (Denis Melamed, Kamchatka Territory).
More information about the conditions for applying is on the official website of premium-star.rf .
The smell of happiness - Light No. 29(5382) dated 07/27/2015
The recipe for bliss is simple: you need to mix the herbs of Provence and inhale
Photo: Fotolia / PhotoXPress
Helia Delerins
Provence herbs - not necessarily from Provence. Most herbs packaged in sachets and jars grow in Central Europe, somewhere in Albania. Thyme, sage, rosemary, marjoram, basil, thyme, bay leaf, chervil, fennel, tarragon are produced in the French southwest, and in Italy, and in Greece. It is produced: almost no one has been collecting for a long time, herbs are grown, like vegetables, on industrial plantations. Not a very romantic picture, is it?
Still, these plants, although many of them are not herbs at all, are attributed to Provence. Because Provence is our common south, the westernmost facade of the Mediterranean.
It is now he is sandwiched between the Alps from the east and the Rhone from the west, and for the Romans a huge province extended to the very Pyrenees, with the capital in the city of Narbonne. The province, which descended to the sea, and from the sea itself rose to the north with hills and foothills with their many grasses.
For us Nordic people, no European name sounds so tempting as Provence. Provence is invincible. To be honest, I love him too. I love Marseille and its calanques (gorges over the sea) around. This is where you can collect herbs yourself!. I am very offended when, without understanding and forgetting Monte Cristo, someone frowns at the mention of this city. I love Nice, a proud county, at the same time Ligurian, Piedmontese, Roman, Greek, Savoy, Provencal and French. On the streets of the old city, you can still meet not at all old people who speak Niçoise. And the central district itself, old Nice, its inhabitants call in Arabic "babazuk" - the gate of the bazaar.
Of course, Nice is a city of sailors. And most of all I love Haute Provence, the one that goes farther and farther from the sea, never breaking with it. Fernand Braudel, the great French historian, believed that the Mediterranean ends where the olive no longer grows. She still feels at home around Valence.
Provençal villages and towns can be listed: Mougins, Moustiers, Vence, Grasse. Whatever summer influxes of visitors do to them, they manage to retain their rustic roots. Even in neighboring Monaco, whose fame is by no means rural, you can drink a glass of rose wine for small money and eat a chickpea tortilla in the market at a plastic table. And even Cannes, which in the summer becomes like military sanatoriums of the Soviet era, is still Provence. You do not need to travel to Provence in the summer, at least in July-August. Then he can be seen in a shirt and linen pants. So herbs, both garden-grown and wild, are harvested not in summer, but at the end of spring - in May. At least in June.
Commercially grown Provence herbs are truly Provence herbs when labeled with the Label Rouge. It means that the herbs were collected and dried according to the rules. If the wind is too strong, the collection is postponed until tomorrow, after the rain, the herbs are allowed to dry. In the end, you are not just buying herbs, but also the land on which they grew, the sun that warmed it, and the wind that walked there. All in one package labeled "Provencal herbs".
The quality mark also means that the herbs did not get into the jars and bags under-dried and do not risk spoiling. This also means that the herbs were dried each separately, unnecessary branches were selected and only then mixed. You can also rest assured that they have been tested for essential oils and color. Oils are the most important thing. You will feel these when you rub the herbs between your fingers. This is what must be done before using them: grind the herbs in the palms of your hands or at least in a mortar.
Well, the color ... real Provence herbs should not contain any gray or yellow shades, only green. Is that the thyme stands out among the rest of the greens with a silver color. Such control should also be carried out at home: it is useless to buy herbs in reserve, in a year they will run out of steam, and it will be pointless to use them.
While the herbs of Provence were harvested on the hills above the calanques, they could include a dozen herbs, or even more. Since it was industrialized, the cooperatives have determined the composition to within one percent: savory (26 percent), regan (26 percent), rosemary (26 percent), thyme (19 percent), and basil (3 percent). This ratio was considered the best in taste and suitable for all recipes where Provence herbs are present. And you can grow almost all this not only in the country, but also at home, on the windowsill. Well, except that with basil, difficulties may arise.
And they are present in every barbecue. It doesn't matter what lies on these barbecues: fish, lamb ribs, entrecote or just vegetables.
