Herbs are very simple to grow and offer a wonderful way to expand your culinary horizons. Karen Krohe, Supervisor at Thome's Farm & Greenhouse in Elyria, shares some tips below on how to maintain a healthy herb garden all summer long.

· While herbs may be grown from seeds, purchasing small plants from a local greenhouse allows you to begin    cooking with your herbs right away.

· Whether in pots or in the ground, grow your plants close enough to the kitchen that you will use them often.

· Always use an organic botanical garden base or soil. Do not use chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides because the plants will absorb them.

· Soil should be loose and well drained. Herbs need to dry in between watering, otherwise they will rot.

· Most herbs prefer full-sun. If you do not have a full sun area, then grow them in the afternoon sun (northwest-,   west- or south-facing, but never on the east side), which is brighter and hotter. They need at least eight hours of   sunlight.

· Keep them trimmed back by “deadheading,” pinching off the growth at the top. This will keep them bushy and full of the edible leaves.

· At the end of the summer, plants may be brought indoors to grow and be used all winter long. Just be sure they continue to get plenty of sunlight.

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Herbs come in an amazing array of varieties – Karen says that Thome's grows over 50 varieties of mint alone! Herbs also come in various types of flavors that work well with certain styles of cooking, such as Cajun, Mexican and Asian. Karen warns that some Szechwan varieties can be hot enough to burn your fingers when cooking with them. Other herbs carry fruit flavors, such as pineapple, orange, lemon or lime. Tossing these with a simple salad will add a completely new dimension.

Once your herb plants get growing, you will probably have far more than you need. Be sure to use them regularly and share with friends. Use the internet to search for recipes that highlight your new bounty. You may even find some surprising uses. Karen shares that she makes a delicious jelly out of some varieties, which she then also uses to make cookies around the holidays.

With just a small investment of effort and care, your savory rewards will flourish all summer!

Thome Farms & Greenhouse is located on State Route 58, ½ mile south of State Route 113 in Elyria.
They can be reached by calling (440) 986-2351.

Photos by Bob Perkoski, www.Perkoski.com.