How to Grow Spices
Spices are usually obtained from the seeds, roots, fruit or bark of a plant. These are often found in kitchen and make great additions to any recipe.
Growing spices for culinary and medicinal use is one of the pleasures of gardening. One of the finest things about spices is that you can grow them yourself with relative ease. However, spices are challenging as compared to herbs to grow in the home garden, due to the reason that they need tropical conditions to survive and grow. Spices can also be grown in pots or in containers. They can add an attractive look and fragrance to the house, even during the winter.
If you are keen to know about how to grow spices in your garden, then you are at the right place. We provide you the easy steps for growing spices.
How to grow spices:
- Firstly, decide which spices you want to grow. This is essential because each plant requires different growing environment. For instance, basil requires full sun, while ginger needs only filtered sun and oregano grows best in partial sun. Select to grow spices that will offer you with the most benefit.
- Decide whether you would like to grow your spices indoors or outdoors. In case you want to grow them in small amount for personal use, then you will probably want them to grow indoors. In such a case, window box could be a good option, as you can control the temperature. If you want to grow them for larger amounts, then you should consider growing them outdoors or in greenhouses.
- Find out the source of spice plants. Few spices can be available from grocery stores, while spices that are more exotic will need to be ordered from online catalogs or special nurseries.
- Next step is to prepare the beds. The spices grow best in fertile soil with good drainage. Till the soil with a fork down at least 6 inches and add organic material into the soil.
- Test the soil's pH. Most spices prefer neutral to slightly acidic soils. As per the plants requirement you need to correct your soil to meet the plant's requirements.
- Make a hole in the soil slightly larger than the root ball and place the transplant in the hole. Garlic planted from cloves and ginger planted rhizomes should be planted at least 1 inch deep into the soil. In case, you sow seeds, they should be sowed into the soil to a depth thrice the length of the seed.
- Gently water the soil without disturbing the plants or seeds. Use a watering can, which is easier on the delicate plants as compared to a hose.
- Prunning should be done to encourage the spread and remove the older leaves.
- Prevent your plants from insect damage or disease. However, insects do not attack most spices.
- Dry and preserve your spices in the freezer until you are ready to use them. Later store them in airtight containers.
Growing your own spices can be rewarding experience as you know there are no chemical additives and you have fresh spices for your food, which always tastes better.
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