More Herbs, Less Salt

Posted on August 29, 2018

by April S

Did you know August 29 is More Herbs, Less Salt Day?

Until a few years ago, I didn’t know the first thing about planting or using fresh herbs. Then one day, I decided it was time to learn more about gardening, so off I went to my local home & garden store. There I found a variety of plants in biodegradable pots that could be planted directly into the ground – super easy! My first adventure growing herbs turned out pretty good, but I did learn a few things along the way that are worth sharing:

  • Always pay attention to the growing tips that come with the plants (i.e., don’t plant partial shade plants in full sun areas of your yard).
  • Don’t forget to water them (and don’t water during the hottest time of day – morning or late evening are usually best).
  • Be mindful of invasive varieties (mint will take over entire areas of your yard if you let it).
  • Fresh herbs will not last long in the fridge, so once you pick them use them as soon as possible and dry what you want to save for later.
  • Herbs really do add extra depth to recipes, but don’t use too much – it will taste awful!
  • Homemade basil pesto is easy to make and tastes great, but don’t leave it in the fridge too long – without preservatives it will not last as long as the store-bought variety.

Explore a Variety of Ways to Use Herbs

Informative Library Books

The Complete Illustrated Book of Herbs : Gardening, Health, Beauty, Crafts, Cooking by Reader’s Digest

The Complete Illustrated Book of Herbs : Gardening, Health, Beauty, Crafts, Cooking by Reader’s Digest

Known for alleviating common ailments, herbs are an ancient natural wonder, herbs are hotter than ever. Extremely informative and fascinating, this book will help you find which herb can treat various complaints. Throughout the guide are instructions for bursting-with-flavor recipes, health-care products, decorative craft ideas, insect repellents, cosmetics, cleaning agents, and much more.

Midwest Medicinal Plants : Identify, Harvest and Use 109 Wild Herbs for Health and Wellness by Lisa M. Rose

Midwest Medicinal Plants : Identify, Harvest and Use 109 Wild Herbs for Health and Wellness by Lisa M. Rose

Plants of the Midwest provide an wealth of botanical diversity. Whether you are already adept at finding, identifying, harvesting and safely using wild medicinal plants, or are just starting out, this guide will help you wildcraft your way to wellness. Also available in eBook.

The Herbalist’s Kitchen : Cooking and Healing with Herbs by Pat Crocker

The Herbalist's Kitchen : Cooking and Healing with Herbs by Pat Crocker

Welcome to the ultimate herb cookbook . . . and more! This comprehensive guide begins with 200 fresh and delicious, health-supportive recipes, ranging from a Shallot, Onion & Chive Tart to Elderberry Chicken Tagine. But, you also get information and preparations for 40 herbs—from angelica and chamomile to lavender and turmeric—that work not just in the kitchen, but as tinctures, infusions, and essential oils.

Herbal Remedies Handbook : More Than 140 Plant Profiles; Remedies for over 50 Common Conditions by Andrew Chevallier

Herbal Remedies Handbook : More Than 140 Plant Profiles; Remedies for over 50 Common Conditions by Andrew Chevallier

An expert herbalist and healer provides a visual guide to identify and use over 140 medicinal herbs—including turmeric, elderflower and ginger—to create at-home remedies for more than 50 common conditions.

The New Healing Herbs : The Essential Guide to More Than 130 of Nature’s Most Potent Herbal Remedies by Michael Castleman

The New Healing Herbs : The Essential Guide to More Than 130 of Nature's Most Potent Herbal Remedies by Michael Castleman

Based on more than 3,000 research studies, The New Healing Herbs summarizes the folklore about America’s most popular herbs and then presents authoritative scientific analyses of the latest research worldwide to show you how to get the most from nature’s oldest remedies.

The Encyclopedia of Spices and Herbs : An Essential Guide to the Flavors of the World by Padma Lakshmi

The Encyclopedia of Spices and Herbs : An Essential Guide to the Flavors of the World by Padma Lakshmi

The Emmy-nominated host of “Top Chef” presents an A-to-Z compendium of spices, herbs, salts, peppers and blends that combines sumptuous photography with culinary lore and advice.

Favorite Recipes With Herbs by Dawn Ranck Hower and Phyllis Good

Favorite Recipes With Herbs by Dawn Ranck Hower and Phyllis Good

You can cook simply with basic, tasty herbs and liven up the old family favorites! Or try a savory new dish with herbs you grow or find at the grocery store. This book features beautiful photos and hundreds of easy-to-use recipes, gathered and tested by the top herb shops in the country. The most popular herbs in cooking are all covered here – basil, parsley, rosemary, bay, lemon balm, thyme, lovage, chives, mint, sage, tarragon, oregano, marjoram, dill, and cilantro. Use herbs in your everyday cooking-for lunch, dinner, and even breakfast.

Herb & Spice Companion : The Complete Guide to Over 100 Herbs and Spices by Lindsay Herman

Herb & Spice Companion : The Complete Guide to Over 100 Herbs and Spices by Lindsay Herman

You can spice up your cooking when you learn how to grow, dry, store and use over 100 herbs and spices! This book is your ultimate guide for using fresh and dried herbs and spices in the kitchen. Includes descriptions of more than 100 herbs and spices from around the world and useful tips on storing and using spices to create innovative combinations of flavors. From basil to beebalm, from lavender to lemon verbena, learn all of the interesting aspects of your herbs, including their rich history, how to grow, harvest, and dry them, and even their unique medicinal uses.


Looking for More Herb Resources?

photo of hanging herbs and spices from Pixabay
Search the Library Catalog Using the Following Terms:
  • Herb Cooking
  • Herbs – Gardening
  • Herbs – Therapeutic use
  • Medicinal Plants
Check Out These Great Online Resources to Learn More About Growing and Using Herbs
Watch These Videos for Helpful Tips on Planting, Drying and Using Herbs

DIY Mason Jar Herb Garden


How to Make Biodegradable Plant Pots / Homemade Seed Starting Pots


How to Pair Herbs with Food


How to Make Fresh Basil Pesto


How to Dry Herbs

Gardening - Pixabay Image
Toledo Library Gardening Blog Posts

Small-Space Gardening

Plan and Plant a Bee-Friendly Garden

Ohio Native Lawn Replacements


Disclaimer: This blog post provides information for educational purposes only. It’s always advisable to consult a medical professional before starting any new diet or exercise plan – this includes using herbs for medicinal purposes.

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