One of the best things about cultivating your garden is growing plants that you can use in the kitchen. From fruits and vegetables to fresh herbs, there are a lot of plants that can grow in the New York area. Below, we will discuss 5 herbs that grow well in Staten Island gardens.
Rosemary
Rosemary grows in needle-like leaves. It adds an earthy and lemony taste that pairs well with meat and fish. Rosemary grows best in full sun, but can also flourish with partial shade. For best results in our area, overwinter the plant indoors.
Basil
Basil herbs grow soft, broad leaves. Its flavor profile is sweet and pungent. This herb is a mainstay in Italian, Vietnamese, and Thai cuisine. It makes an excellent inclusion to soups and pasta dishes. It grows best in full sun while being sheltered from excessive wind.
Mint
Mint grows long dark leaves in small clusters. It grows best in partial shade but can spread quickly. Because of this, many gardeners choose to grow it in pots. Fresh mint isn’t common in many American dishes but can be great in tea or added to cocktails. It is, however, found in many Greek and Mediterranean dishes. This pungent herb is also very useful in deterring pests, wild animals, and weeds.
Parsley
While many people use parsley as a garnish, this herb is great in soups, on grilled vegetables, or added to grain dishes. Parsley is often added to breadcrumb dredges for frying or baking cutlets, along with other herbs and spices. It is a hearty plant that grows well in both full sun and partial shade.
Cilantro
Cilantro is a great addition to any herb garden because you get 2 seasonings for the price of one. While cilantro is the leaves and stems of the plant, the dried seeds are the spice known as coriander. The leaves have a lemony, peppery flavor, and is commonly used in Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisines. Coriander is more floral but maintains much of the citrus notes of its leaves. Coriander is often paired with vegetables. Cilantro plants grow best in full sun, with partial shade on the hottest days.
The USDA Plant Hardiness map provides information on which plants grow best in your area. Staten Island falls under the range of 7b. When choosing plants to grow in your garden, research plants that grow well in this range.
For over 40 years, Russo’s Landscaping has offered professional and quality landscaping services on Staten Island. Contact us or call us at 718-727-7914 to discuss your landscape renovation needs.