Growing Savory: An Easy And Educational Guide
May 7, 2023
Growing Growing Savory
Savory is a plant native to the Mediterranean that adds a unique and complementary flavor to a variety of dishes. The fresh leaves have a slightly pepper-like taste, and the dried variety provides an even more pungent and flavorful experience. Savory can be used to season soups, sauces, gravies, fish, and poultry, and can also be used as an ingredient in stuffing or as a rub for grilling and barbecuing. Growing Savory is a fun and rewarding experience, as it is easy to tend to and fairly drought-resistant, making it an interesting plant to grow in a garden or container.
Growing Savory: An Easy And Educational Guide
Why Grow Savory?
Savory is an aromatic herb with a distinctive taste that enhances the flavors of many dishes. Growing savory in your garden not only provides a convenient supply of this flavorful herb but also adds beauty and fragrance to your outdoor space. Plus, it's a great way to connect with nature and learn about gardening.
Getting Started
If you're new to gardening or herb cultivation, growing savory is a fantastic choice. Here's what you'll need:
- Pots or garden beds
- Well-draining soil
- Seeds or seedlings
- Watering can or hose
- Fertilizer
- Gardening gloves
Planting Savory
Follow these simple steps to plant savory:
- Choose a sunny location in your garden or balcony where the savory plants will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Prepare the soil by removing any weeds and loosening it with a garden fork or a tiller.
- Sow the seeds or transplant the seedlings according to the package instructions, leaving adequate space between each plant.
- Water the plants thoroughly and make sure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer every month to promote growth and flavor.
Caring for Savory
To ensure healthy and thriving savory plants:
- Water the plants regularly, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist.
- Pinch off any flowers that appear to encourage the growth of leaves.
- Prune the plants if they become leggy or bushy, maintaining their shape and size.
- Harvest the leaves as needed, using sharp scissors or shears to avoid damaging the plants.
Using Savory
Enjoy the flavors of savory by incorporating it into your meals:
- Sprinkle fresh or dried savory leaves over roasted vegetables for an extra burst of flavor.
- Add savory to soups, stews, and sauces to enhance their taste.
- Infuse savory in olive oil or vinegar to create homemade dressings and marinades.
- Use savory in herb blends like Herbes de Provence for a delicious seasoning mix.
Remember, growing savory is a journey of exploration and learning. Don't be afraid to experiment with different recipes and techniques to fully appreciate the versatility of this wonderful herb. Happy gardening!
Savory is a popular and fragrant herb that is perfect for adding flavor to any dish. Growing your own savory is a fun and rewarding experience that yields lots of tasty results. Follow this guide to learn the basics of growing savory in your own garden.
Step One: Choose The Type Of Savory
There are two types of savory commonly grown in the garden: summer and winter savory. Summer savory has a more delicate flavor and is used in salads, soups, sauces, and dressings. Winter savory has a more intense flavor and can be used to season meats. Decide which type of savory you'd like to grow in your garden.
Step Two: Prepare The Soil
For best results, choose a spot in your garden with full sun, well-drained soil, and plenty of room for the savory to grow. Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches and work in a generous amount of organic matter, such as compost or aged manure.
Step Three: Plant The Seeds
Savory is best started from seed, which can be sown directly into the garden or started indoors in a pot. For an earlier harvest, start the seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost of the season. When ready to transplant, space the plants 12 to 18 inches apart.
Step Four: Water And Fertilize
Keep the soil moist and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks throughout the season. If the soil is particularly dry, water once or twice a week during the hottest months of summer.
Step Five: Harvest
Harvest the savory in late summer as soon as the leaves start to dry. Cut off individual stems at the base and dry them in a well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight. After the leaves are completely dry, store them in an airtight container for up to a year.
Growing savory is a simple and enjoyable process that yields flavorful results. Follow these steps to learn the basics of growing savory in your own garden, and enjoy the fragrant herb in a variety of dishes.
FAQ
1. What is savory?
Savory, also known as summer savory or Satureja hortensis, is an aromatic herb that belongs to the mint family. It has a warm and peppery flavor with hints of thyme and mint.
2. Where can I grow savory?
Savory is a versatile herb that grows well both indoors and outdoors. It requires full sun, well-drained soil, and moderate watering. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5-9, but it can also be grown in pots on balconies or windowsills.
3. How do I start growing savory?
Start growing savory from seeds by sowing them directly in the garden after the last frost, or you can start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. The seeds are small, so sprinkle them lightly onto the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite.
4. How often should I water savory?
Savory plants prefer moderate watering. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. However, make sure the plants receive sufficient moisture to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
5. Can I harvest savory throughout the growing season?
Yes, you can harvest savory throughout the growing season. Start harvesting when the plants reach about 6 inches in height. Snip off the leaves as needed, leaving at least 2 inches of growth. Regular harvesting will encourage bushier growth and ensure a constant supply of fresh savory.
6. How do I store harvested savory?
To store freshly harvested savory, gently rinse the leaves and pat them dry using a paper towel. Place the leaves in an airtight container or a plastic bag and refrigerate. Fresh savory can last for up to a week when stored properly.
7. Are there any pests or diseases I should watch out for?
Savory is not particularly prone to pests or diseases. However, keep an eye out for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Regularly inspect the plant and use organic pest control methods if necessary. Proper air circulation and avoiding excess moisture can help prevent diseases like powdery mildew.
8. Can I use savory in cooking?
Absolutely! Savory is a versatile herb commonly used in Mediterranean and European cuisines. It pairs well with meats, vegetables, legumes, and soups. It can be used fresh or dried, adding a unique flavor to your dishes.
9. Can I dry savory for later use?
Yes, savory can be dried for later use. Harvest the leaves before the plant flowers for the best flavor. Hang small bunches of savory in a dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Once the leaves are dry, remove them from the stem and store them in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.
10. Are there any companion plants that work well with savory?
Yes, savory is a great companion plant as it attracts beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies while deterring pests like aphids. It also pairs well with beans, onions, and lettuce, making it a valuable addition to your vegetable garden.
Remember, growing savory is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. By following these simple guidelines and caring for your plants with love, you can have a thriving savory garden that adds flavor to your culinary creations!Savory is an incredibly versatile and easy to grow herb. It is known for its mellow but unmistakable flavor, and is a wonderful addition to many dishes. Beyond its uses in the kitchen, it has traditionally been used for medicinal purposes, and is thought to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Growing Savory is a great way to bring the delicious aroma and taste of the plant into your home while adding natural health benefits to your diet. It's an easy and rewarding way to add freshness to your meals!
