Spice Up Your Life with Boma's Herb Plant Starter Collection

Are you looking for a way to add some zest to your cooking and improve your garden's aesthetic at the same time? Look no further than growing your own herb garden! Not only do herbs add incredible aroma and taste to your meals, but they also provide a host of health benefits. Plus, the process of growing your own herbs can be a fun and rewarding experience.

If you're new to herb gardening, fear not! Boma offers herb starter collections, with and without terracotta pots, that can help you get started. And with free nationwide shipping for orders over £50, there's no reason not to give it a try.

So what herbs should you consider planting in your garden? Here are some of our top picks:

Thyme: This fragrant herb is a staple in many Mediterranean dishes and pairs well with poultry, fish, and vegetables. Thyme is also a natural antiseptic and can help soothe coughs and sore throats.

Mint: There are many varieties of mint, including peppermint, spearmint, and chocolate mint. Mint is excellent for adding flavour to desserts and cocktails and has digestive benefits.

Rosemary: This woody herb has a robust flavour that pairs well with roasted meats and vegetables. Rosemary is also said to have memory-enhancing properties.

Chives: These mild, onion-flavoured herbs are a great addition to soups, salads, and dips. Chives are also a good source of vitamins A and C.

Oregano: Oregano is a staple in Italian cuisine and pairs well with tomato-based dishes. It also has antibacterial properties and can help boost the immune system.

Marjoram: This herb has a sweet, delicate flavour that is great for seasoning meats, vegetables, and soups. Marjoram is also said to have calming properties.

Lavender: While often considered a decorative plant, lavender can also be used in cooking. It adds a floral flavour to desserts and teas and can also help promote relaxation.

Sage: This herb has a slightly bitter, earthy flavour that pairs well with fatty meats like pork and duck. Sage is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Now that you know which herbs to plant, how do you go about growing them?

Here are some tips to get you started:
 

1. Choose the right location: Most herbs prefer full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

2. Use well-draining soil: Herbs don't like to have wet feet, so make sure the soil in your garden is well-draining. If you have heavy clay soil, consider adding some sand or perlite to improve drainage.

3. Water regularly: While herbs don't like to be waterlogged, they do need regular watering to thrive. Aim to water your herbs deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather.

4. Harvest regularly: The more you harvest your herbs, the bushier and more productive they will become. Be sure to pinch off any flowers that appear, as this can signal the end of the plant's productive life.

Once you've grown your herbs, it's time to put them to use in the kitchen.
 

Here are some ideas on how to use herbs to get you started:
 

• Add chopped herbs to salads for extra flavour and nutrition.
• Make a simple herb-infused oil by steeping herbs in olive oil for a week or two. Use the oil in dressings, marinades, or as a finishing touch on roasted vegetables.
• Make fragrant herb butter by mixing softened butter with chopped herbs and a pinch of salt. Use the butter to add flavour to grilled meats, vegetables, or spread it on crusty bread for a quick snack.

• Brew a soothing herbal tea by steeping lavender, chamomile, or mint in hot water.

• Use rosemary and thyme to season roasted potatoes or other root vegetables.

• Make a classic pesto by blending fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor. Use the pesto as a sauce for pasta, as a spread on sandwiches, or as a marinade for grilled chicken.

• Add fresh herbs to homemade salad dressings for extra flavour and nutrition.

• Use chives to add a pop of colour and flavour to scrambled eggs or omelettes.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to using fresh herbs in cooking. Not only do they add incredible flavour and aroma to your meals, but they also provide a host of health benefits. So why not give herb gardening a try? With Boma's herb starter collections, you'll have everything you need to get started. And with free nationwide shipping for orders over £50, there's no reason not to get started today!