Make the most of culinary herbs and spices.
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Combination Plantings Equal Culinary Pots
by Sandra Bowens
The idea is not mine but I'm so enthusiastic about it, I want to pass it on. Culinary pots, where you grow a grouping of herbs in one container, is merely mentioned in passing in the book Herbs in Pots by Robert Proctor and David Macke.
They suggest you group the herbs of your favorite cuisine to make meal preparation easier. It makes perfect sense! You grow the herbs you use the most. Not to mention that a pot with a variety of plants is going to offer more visual interest.
As Proctor and Macke suggest, you might even consider planting your herbs in a container with a tomato plant. Why not add a pepper plant with some cilantro and call it your salsa pot?
Do a little research to ensure the plants you choose require similar growing conditions like sunlight and soil. Beware, too, that some plants make poor companions to others. For instance, beans don't grow well with members of the onion family and carrots don't compliment dill. The list of plants that do compliment each other is much longer and definitely worth a look. I found lots of good information about companion planting in The Moosewood Restaurant Kitchen Garden book.
Although you are sure to come up with your own favorite combinations, here are some ideas for culinary pots.
French
Tarragon, Chervil, Parsley, Thyme, Rosemary
Italian
Basil, Marjoram, Rosemary, Oregano, Parsley
Mexican
Cilantro, Chiles, Mexican oregano
Greek
Oregano, Mint, Garlic, Dill
Salad
Arugula, Garlic, Fennel, Parsley
Favorites
Dill, Thyme, Sage, Chives
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Here's one that's full of our favorite recipes because we wrote the book! It is also full of information, helpful hints and ideas for using herbs and spices in your kitchen.