The Delicious Trend: Growing Savory in Your Own Garden

Are you a food lover who enjoys cooking with fresh ingredients? If so, growing savory in your garden could be the perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. This versatile herb is easy to grow and can enhance the flavor of a range of dishes. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about growing savory at home.

What is Savory?

Savory (Satureja hortensis) is a member of the mint family and is related to rosemary, thyme, and oregano. It has a subtle peppery taste and is commonly used in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and European cuisine. There are two main types of savory: summer savory and winter savory. Summer savory has a milder taste and is often used in dishes such as soups, stews, and salads. Winter savory has a stronger flavor and is commonly used in meat dishes and marinades.

Why Grow Savory?

Growing savory is an excellent way to add a fresh, flavorful ingredient to your favorite dishes. Unlike dried herbs, fresh herbs have a more robust flavor and are much more potent. Additionally, growing your own savory allows you to control the quality and freshness of the herb. You can also save money by growing your own instead of buying it from the grocery store. Another benefit of growing savory is that it's a hardy plant that doesn't require much maintenance, making it an ideal option for gardeners of all skill levels.

How to Grow Savory?

Now that you know why growing savory is a great idea let's talk about how to grow it. The first step is to choose a location for your savory plants. Savory prefers well-draining soil that gets plenty of sunlight. Once you've chosen a location, prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.

Next, it's time to plant your savory seeds. You can start your seeds indoors or sow them directly into the ground. If starting your seeds indoors, begin 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Sow the seeds in trays filled with potting soil, water thoroughly, and cover with plastic wrap. Place the tray in a warm, sunny location until the seeds germinate. After the last frost, transplant the seedlings into your garden.

If sowing your seeds directly into the ground, wait until after the last frost date. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep and 6 inches apart. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which should take around 7 to 14 days. As your savory plants grow, thin them out to ensure they have enough room to spread out.

Caring for Your Savory Plants

Savory is a low-maintenance herb and doesn't require much care once it's established. Here are a few tips for caring for your savory plants:

• Water your plants regularly, but be careful not to overwater them.
• Don't fertilize your plants too much as this can cause them to become leggy and lose their flavor.
• Pinch back the leaves regularly to encourage bushier growth and to prevent your plants from flowering too early.
• Harvest your savory plants regularly to encourage new growth and to prevent the plant from becoming woody.

Using Savory in Cooking

Savory is a versatile herb that can be used in a wide range of dishes. Here are a few ideas for using savory in your cooking:

• Add chopped savory to soups, stews, and chili for an extra burst of flavor.
• Sprinkle fresh savory on roasted vegetables or grilled meats.
• Use savory in marinades for chicken, pork, or beef.
• Make a savory-infused oil by steeping fresh savory in olive oil for a few days.

A healthy and green savory herb plant

Growing savory in your own garden is a great way to add a fresh and flavorful ingredient to your cooking. With its peppery taste and versatility, savory is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. By following these simple tips for growing and caring for your savory plants, you'll have a bountiful supply of this delicious herb in no time!

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