For those who love cooking, having an aromatic corner in your garden is a real pleasure. In addition to being easy to grow, aromatic herbs bring an aesthetic and fragrant touch to your exterior. March is the ideal time to start planting some herbs and thus take full advantage of the flavors they will offer you throughout the year. Here is our selection of the 5 best aromatic herbs to plant in March.
1. Basil: indispensable in the kitchen
The basil is certainly one of the most used and appreciated aromatic herbs in cooking, especially in Mediterranean cuisine. Whether it’s to enhance a tomato and mozzarella salad or to prepare a delicious homemade pesto, it’s hard to do without its refreshing and slightly aniseed taste.
How to plant basil in March?
To plant basil in March, begin by sowing the seeds in pots, inside your house or in a greenhouse, from mid-March. Make sure the ambient temperature does not drop below 10°C at night, as basil is a cold-sensitive plant and fears frost. Then transplant your seedlings into the open ground or into pots in May, when the frost risks are eliminated.
[bzkshopping keyword=”plant basilic”]
2. Coriander: an exotic taste
Often associated with Asian cuisine, the aromatic herb is also widely used in other world cuisines like those of the Middle East and Latin America. With its powerful and slightly lemony aroma, it manages to enhance many dishes, whether they are meat-based, fish-based, or even vegetable-based.
How to plant coriander in March?
The coriander likes the sun and well-drained soil. To sow it in March, prepare a plot in full sun and sow your seeds in rows spaced about 20 cm apart. Also remember to thin the young plants to avoid overcrowding, coriander roots need space to develop properly. Watch out for slugs and other snails who love young coriander shoots!
[bzkshopping keyword=”plant coriandre”]
3. Parsley: A Versatile Herb
Among the essential aromatic herbs in a garden, parsley holds a special place. We distinguish two main varieties of parsley:
- Flat leaf parsley: its taste is milder and less pronounced than that of curly parsley. It’s ideal for accompanying fish and shellfish, vegetable dishes, or for enhancing a homemade tabbouleh.
- Curly parsley: its flavor is more pronounced than that of flat parsley. It pairs very well with soups, omelettes, red meats, and other stews.
How to plant parsley in March?
The sowing of parsley can be done from March until July. The germination of seeds can sometimes take a bit of time (up to three weeks), so be patient! Prefer a half-shade location and a fresh but well-drained soil. Make sure to keep the soil moist, as parsley doesn’t like dry soil.
[bzkshopping keyword=”plant persil”]
4. Dill: Ideal to accompany fish and raw vegetables
The dill, also known as bastard fennel, is an aromatic herb with a delicate and slightly aniseed scent. While it is often used to prepare salmon-based recipes (gravlax or marinades, for example), it can also bring a delicious taste of summer to your potato or cucumber salads.
How to plant dill in March?
Dill loves sunny conditions and does not cope well with dampness. To get beautiful plants, sow the seeds directly into the ground, then thin out when the young plants reach about ten centimeters in height. Be sure to space your dill plants apart to allow them to grow properly.
[bzkshopping keyword=”plants aneth”]
5. Chives: a classic that still has its place
Last but not least, chives are a must-have in aromatic gardens. Its mild and slightly spicy scent goes well with a multitude of dishes, ranging from traditional jacket potatoes to composed salads, including omelettes or even white cheese sauces.
How to plant chives in March?
Chives are a very easy plant to grow. In March, sow your seeds directly in the ground and ensure that you keep the soil moist until they sprout. Once the plants are in, make sure to regularly cut the stems to stimulate their growth. As a bonus, this aromatic herb can also be grown in a pot on a balcony or a terrace.
With these 5 aromatic herbs, your garden will be ready to offer you a true festival of flavours throughout the year! Do not hesitate to follow our advice to ensure their beautiful growth, and thus make the most of their delicious aromas in your kitchen.