How to grow savory at home?

Savory - a herbaceous plant, a representative of the Yasnotkov family. Savory is a semi-shrub, it is an erect plant with a branched stem and small purple flowers (see photo).

It is widespread in the Mediterranean, as well as Asia, it can be found in Europe, Crimea, Turkey.

In Virgil's manuscripts, savory appears as a plant for flavoring food.

The ancient Romans believed in the magical properties of this plant, they wore wild garlands, hoping that this would help to clarify consciousness and improve memory. Such a wreath symbolized belonging to a noble family.

From the Mediterranean countries, savory came to Europe thanks to the monks. The pleasant taste and aroma of the plant helped it gain popularity in many national cuisines. Savory has become one of the most common seasonings due to its cheapness, especially compared to pepper, cloves, lemon, and ginger.

Growing: planting and care

Savory is grown as a garden plant, it is considered very unpretentious, but the more fertile the soil, the richer the aroma of savory. Planting should take place early in the morning on a warm day. Sometimes savory grows as a weed in vegetable gardens, orchards. He prefers dry gravelly and rocky slopes and rocks.

Savory is an excellent honey plant. So far, there are no breeding varieties of this plant; cultivated wild species, for example, garden savory, mountain savory, are usually grown in vegetable gardens. Savory is often propagated by seeds. Before planting, the seeds are carefully sorted out. The main thing is to provide the savory with a sunny place, which will ensure a good yield of fragrant greens.

The plant can be grown outdoors or in pots on the balcony.

Savory care consists in moderate watering, before winter it is sprinkled with peat or humus.

The plant blooms in July-August, but it is harvested before flowering. As a spice, the grass is cut off at the very soil and dried in bunches in a draft. After drying, the aroma of savory is enhanced. It must be added to dishes in small quantities. The plant retains its taste and aroma well, it should be stored in paper bags.

How to grow at home?

Savory can even be grown in a flower pot in a city apartment. The seeds of the plant are sown in late winter or early spring in pre-prepared soil. The soil should be made up of one piece of garden soil and two pieces of humus. Seeds are sown in a pot or small bowls every 2 cm. In order for the first shoots to appear as early as possible, the bowls are covered with plastic wrap.

Caring for savory growing at home consists of watering and organic fertilizing. Plants that are removed during the thinning process can then be eaten for gastronomic purposes.

Healing properties

The medicinal properties of savory are due to its valuable chemical composition.

Young shoots of savory contain a large amount of mineral salts, carotene, vitamin C. Carotene, entering the human body, turns into an irreplaceable vitamin A. It participates in many vital processes of the body, is a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin A neutralizes free radicals that damage cell membranes. Vitamin C, also found in savory, is considered one of the most important vitamins that the body needs to protect itself from infectious diseases. It is involved in the synthesis of collagen, as well as some hormones. Vitamin C normalizes capillary permeability, is involved in hematopoiesis.

Savory is also rich in tannins, mucus and resins. Tannins give the plant an astringent taste, and resins and mucus provide a special medicinal value. The plant's essential oil has been scientifically proven to be a powerful antioxidant.

The specific aroma of the plant is given by the presence of essential oil. Savory is an essential oil plant, from which oil with a warm spicy-balsamic aroma is obtained. The oil tones, gives a person strength and energy, increases concentration. This valuable oil is effective for alcohol and drug addiction. It is also claimed to eliminate tremors - the rapid, rhythmic movements of the limbs caused by muscle contractions. Tremors can occur with fatigue or when experiencing strong emotions, as well as with Parkinson's disease.

Savory is widely used in cosmetology. The essential oil of this plant perfectly fights baldness, strengthens hair, makes it strong and healthy. It is also believed that the plant has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, it will be useful for problem skin, boils, dermatitis, eczema. Being an excellent antiseptic, savory is used for fungal infections, scabies. The plant has a beneficial effect on the skin, rejuvenates and regenerates it.

Cooking applications

Savory has been used in cooking for a long time, it has a pungent aroma, reminiscent of the smell of pepper. The Romans prepared a special sauce with savory, which was then served with fish and meat. In ancient times, savory was used as a substitute for expensive pepper, the plant was even called "pepper grass". Later, savory became famous in Europe, then it was added to meat rolls, sauces were prepared from it for meat dishes, added to pies stuffed with pork, sausage. The herb can also be used for breading.

Savory is considered one of the most popular spices in Bulgaria. It is the addition of "chubritsa" (as savory is called in Bulgaria) that gives the dishes a delicious taste and aroma. The plant is also part of the famous "Bulgarian ketchup". Savory can be found in Moldovan cuisine as a condiment called "chimbru". It is difficult to imagine Georgian and Armenian cuisine without this plant. Savory is widely used in salting in many national cuisines. In salads, it goes well with fresh cucumbers.

In cooking, savory has found use as a valuable spice. Its aroma goes well with legumes such as beans. The green leaves of the plant can be consumed throughout the summer season.

Savory not only gives the dish a special taste, but also helps fight intestinal gas, the appearance of which is provoked by legumes.

In Germany and Holland, the plant is even called "leguminous grass" because it helps digest starchy and heavy foods.

For gastronomic purposes, both fresh and dry plants are used. This spice is added when tomatoes are salted.Savory goes well with fish, steaks, fried potatoes, stews, cookies, mushrooms. Chefs recommend adding savory at the very end of cooking to prevent it from becoming bitter. Savory goes well with other herbs such as oregano, marjoram, basil, rosemary, sage, parsley, thyme, fennel.

Savory benefits and treatment

The benefits of the plant have long been known to folk medicine. In France and Germany, it is used as an antibacterial and antiparasitic agent. In folk medicine, the medicinal properties of savory are used for tachycardia, cystitis, flatulence, colds. Essential oil helps with joint diseases, arthritis, arthrosis, neuralgia. It is also used for stomatitis, gum inflammation.

In medicine, savory is used for the preparation of decoctions and tinctures. Clinical studies have confirmed the medicinal properties of the plant, as well as its effectiveness for flatulence and as an astringent for indigestion. The effectiveness of savory has been proven as an antiparasitic agent, as well as a remedy for intestinal colic.

In folk medicine, its application is even wider. Infusions of the plant are used as a means to increase appetite, as well as an antiemetic. During the Renaissance, it was considered a powerful pain reliever. Healers have used it to deal with stool problems.

Harm of savory and contraindications

The plant can harm the body with individual intolerance, as well as the presence of chronic diseases. Before using savory for medicinal purposes, you should consult your doctor. The essential oil of the plant can irritate the skin and mucous membranes. It is forbidden to use oil during pregnancy, hypertension.

Thyme (thyme) is valued not only for its medicinal properties, but also as an excellent spice, flavoring seasoning for many dishes and aromatic drinks in cooking. It is unassuming to care for, so it is often grown both outdoors and in a room on a windowsill. Many summer residents, highly appreciating the decorativeness of some varieties, use thyme to decorate the site. We will tell in the article how to grow thyme from seeds in the country or at home, how to squeeze, what care features are required for the plant.

Types and varieties of thyme (thyme)

The genus of thyme is very extensive, in nature there are more than 200 of its species. When breeding varieties, breeders mainly use the following types of thyme (thyme):

• ordinary;
• creeping;
• lemon-smelling;
• early.

Some species are successfully used as flowering and ornamental shrubs for arranging flower beds, decorating hills, borders.

The commercially available seeds of various varieties of thyme (thyme) are suitable both for open ground and for growing in a room on a windowsill. Plants will decorate a room or garden, and freshly picked leaves and shoots will add a wonderful aroma to food and drinks and will be used in recipes for traditional medicine. Read also the article: → "Spicy herbs in the country."

Top 5 varieties of thyme (thyme) for home growing

The most popular varieties are presented in the table:

N / a	Variety name	Characteristics
1.	Snake	The rapid appearance of the first greenery for cutting, the leaves are small, the flowers are bright, pink with purple, creeping shoots up to 35 cm
2.	Aibolit	Early ripe, well leafy, small leaves, light pink flowers with a purple tint
3.	Citric	The height of the semi-shrub is up to 30 cm, the flowers are white, the leaves are fragrant with a lemon-spicy taste, slightly pungent
4.	Nectar	Creeping plant, pink flowers, stem height up to 25 cm, large yield of spicy foliage
5.	Rainbow	It grows up to 20 cm tall, the leaves have a very strong aroma, a high content of vitamins and microelements

Thyme breeding methods

Thyme can be propagated in many ways, each of which is applicable in one case or another.

Seedless method (by seeds)

• Seeds are sown in open ground in spring, buried in well-moistened soil, but no more than 0.5-0.7 cm, since they are very small. Top them lightly sprinkle with sand or peat. The plantings are covered with polyethylene until the first shoots appear, usually it will take about 2-2.5 weeks.
• Plants, especially erect varieties, are usually placed in beds in a pattern of 40-60 cm between rows and 10-20 cm between plants in a row.
• At first, the thyme grows very slowly, after the appearance of the first true leaves, it is thinned out. For decorative purposes, it is possible to grow with a solid carpet, without thinning.

  Savory (thyme, thyme) - grown from seeds

• The soil must be constantly loosened and carefully monitored so that a crust does not form.
• Good results are given by sowing before winter, on frozen ground. In areas with severe winters, adult plants in the fall are spud and covered with spruce branches.

Tip # 1. In order to prevent thyme from freezing out in areas with severe winters, planting is mulched, it is often grown as an annual. Individual specimens can be transplanted into pots in the fall and installed on the windowsill.

Seedling method of breeding thyme

• Seedling growing is considered more reliable. Since the seeds of thyme are quite tough, and the sprouts that appear are very small, they can easily die in the open field.
• For growing seedlings, containers with a depth of 8-10 cm are used. The bottom is filled with drainage material (2-3 cm), because the plants need a good outflow of water. It can be fine gravel, expanded clay, crushed stone.
• A soil mixture is poured on top, lightly compacted and abundantly moistened with a sprayer.
• Seeds are spread over the soil, trying to avoid excessive thickening, and lightly sprinkled with sand. The container is covered with foil or glass, creating a humid and warm microclimate, and regularly ventilated.
• When sprouts appear (after 2-2.5 weeks), the containers are transferred to a cooler and well-lit place. At first, the film is periodically moved aside for a while for airing and hardening the sprouts, removing it on warm days, and later completely removed.
• Young plants in the phase of 2 leaves dive or thin out, leaving a feeding area for one sprout of about 2x2 cm.
• Seedlings can be planted in the ground after 60-65 days. For this, cloudy days are chosen, preferably after rain, the plantings are shaded for the first time. Read also the article: → "Spicy herbs - we grow ourselves."

Tip # 2. Thyme seeds will germinate faster at elevated temperatures and humidity; when sprouts appear, they must be gradually reduced.

Propagation by cuttings and root layers

• In creeping species, the processes can take root on their own, overgrowing with roots. Root layers are cut off from the mother plant, dug up and planted.
• Some species are propagated by lignified cuttings, which are cut into 3-5 cm, pre-rooted in a greenhouse or immediately planted in a permanent place under a film for rooting.

Growing thyme by dividing the bush

• In the spring, large bushes are dug up and the roots are carefully disassembled. The plant is divided into separate parts with shoots of the root system. They are planted in moist soil with an embedment of 4-6 cm.

Thyme can be propagated by dividing the bush, embedded in moist soil to a depth of 4-6 cm

Growing at home

• On the windowsill, thyme can be grown all year round, using both seedless and seedling methods.
• In the presence of adult plants, vegetative propagation methods are applicable - by cuttings, layering and dividing the bush.
• For home cultivation, varieties with compact sizes and erect stems are suitable.
• To avoid excessive stretching of the shoots, additional lighting will be required in the autumn-winter time.

Features of care at home and in the country

In order for the bushes to always be lush, green, it is necessary to observe the conditions of cultivation and care.

Watering and loosening the soil

• Loose and light soils with a neutral reaction are preferred, thyme will not grow on clay soils.
• The main condition is good drainage, since the plant does not tolerate even the slightest waterlogging and stagnation of water. Good results are obtained by using fine gravel as mulch.

Using fine gravel as mulch keeps water from stagnant

• The moisture permeability of the soil can be ensured by using equal parts of soil mixture, sand and peat for germinating seeds and rooting cuttings.
• Plants will need loosening of the soil, removing weeds.

Requirements for watering bushes

• Watering should be moderate, but constant, the soil should not be allowed to dry out.
• In dry summer periods, with active regrowth of shoots in spring and during flowering, watering is slightly increased.
• Waterlogging causes great harm to plants. If it rains for a long time and the soil becomes saturated with moisture, the roots may begin to rot.

Watering should be moderate, both waterlogging and overdrying of the soil is not allowed

The need for lighting in summer and winter

• The plant prefers well-lit and sunny places.
• It can withstand light partial shade and shading, but it will bloom poorly and stretch out strongly, losing its decorative effect.
• When grown on a windowsill in winter, illumination of 40-55 W / m2 is required. Read also the article: → "How to grow onions and other greens in an apartment."

Indoor temperature and humidity

• In open ground, excessive overheating, overdrying or waterlogging of the soil must not be allowed.
• Before the first shoots appear, a higher temperature and humidity (+ 20-22 ° C) will be required. When growing seedlings, the temperature is gradually reduced (up to + 15-18 ° C), hardening the plants.

Fertilization and dressing

• Before planting, organic matter (2-3 kg per 1 m2) and nitrophosphate (30 g) are introduced into open ground.
• Plants in the open field are fed with complex fertilizers two or three times per season, especially they need feeding after harvesting raw materials.
• When growing seedlings, plants are fed 1-2 times with universal fertilizers with microelements, following the instructions. You can use wood ash and spraying with Epin-extra.

Shoot picking time

• In the first year (when grown from seeds), individual, longest shoots are selectively cut off.
• For medicinal purposes and for making drinks, thyme is harvested in dry weather, during flowering, which begins in the second year. In this case, the stem is cut off, leaving 7-10 cm at the root. The second harvest can be repeated in the fall, as the shoots grow back.
• For eating, use young shoots with delicate leaves.

For culinary use, young shoots and leaves are plucked

Thyme care rules

The basic rules of care are presented in the table:

Care type	Peculiarities	Recommendations
Watering	Moderate but regular	Thyme does not tolerate waterlogging, stagnant water and strong drying out of the soil
Temperature	+ 15 ... + 20 ° С	A higher temperature is needed before the emergence of shoots, then it is gradually reduced
Agricultural practices	Weeding, loosening	The soil needs regular loosening so that the formed crust does not interfere with the access of oxygen

Answers to questions about growing thyme

Question number 1.I grow thyme in the open field, but it blooms and develops poorly. What is the reason?

It is possible that the soil is not suitable for the plant, it is too acidic. Other reasons are the location of the plantings in the shade or stagnant water in the garden.

Question number 2.Thyme, planted on an alpine hill, grows and stretches very much, its decorative effect is lost. What can be done?

For an alpine slide, it is best to change the variety, choosing creeping species with miniature and compact bushes for planting.

Question number 3.Is it possible to sow thyme seeds in open ground not in spring, but in summer or autumn?

Sowing can be carried out at any time, but it must be borne in mind that young plants must have time to root sufficiently before the first frosty days. For the winter, they should be hilled and covered.

Question number 4.When is the right time to cut thyme for medicinal purposes?

Most of the useful substances are contained in flowering thyme, therefore, the cut is carried out during flowering.

Question number 5.What can be done to make potted plants on the windowsill more compact?

More compact bushes with a dense green mass are obtained with regular pruning, overgrown shoots are cut to a lignified base. For home cultivation, it is better to select low, upright varieties.

When grown on a windowsill, the thyme is placed in the sunniest place.

Review of the cultivation of thyme

Fragrant thyme is known for its medicinal and taste properties, so I have been growing it for several years in my summer cottage, and it invariably pleases us with its decorative effect. Recently, I decided to plant it at home so that when I cook, there are always spicy leaves at hand.

There is nothing super complicated in growing it, but you still have to take into account some of the main points. In the open field, the seedling method is more suitable, so the thyme takes root better. The seeds are very small, germinate for a long time, so you need to constantly look after them, observe the regime of high temperature and humidity.

But even when the first shoots appear, they are very tiny and grow slowly, the weeds can destroy them, this will also have to be constantly monitored. But in the spring, I visit from time to time, so it is more convenient for me to bring ready-made seedlings grown on the windowsill with me.

• For planting seeds for seedlings, I use low containers, on the bottom I spread a layer of fine expanded clay, well washed and scalded with boiling water. Thyme does not tolerate stagnant water, and containers should have good drainage.
• It is best to take the soil for the initial germination of seeds that is not rich in nutrients. It might just be a mixture of sand and peat, because if you use a regular nutrient mixture, the high humidity will encourage mold growth.
• Before planting, I water and compact the soil abundantly, then I spread the prepared seeds on its surface, trying to distribute them evenly, and cover the container with glass (you can use a film). I put it in the warmest place, constantly keep the soil moist, and after about 2 weeks the first shoots begin to appear.

Thyme shoots appear in about 2 weeks

• In a state of 2-3 true leaves, I dive seedlings, but I already make up the soil from equal parts of peat, sand and a universal soil mixture. The plant will be ready for planting in the country in 2 months.
• I prepare the land in the garden in advance, dig it up, mixing it with sand. I add a universal fertilizer, as well as well-rotted compost. Please note that the soil should be light and loose, heavy clay soils on which water will start to stagnate will not work. At first I shade the plants, then I ensure timely watering, weeding and loosening of the crust.
• I leave a little seedlings for growing in the kitchen. On cloudy and winter days, the thyme will need additional lighting, otherwise it will stretch a lot. I especially liked the varieties "Lemon" and "Medoc".

How to avoid mistakes when growing

Mistake # 1.Growing thyme on clay soils where water stagnates. The roots start to rot and the plant gets sick and disappears.

The soils should be light, with the addition of sand, moisture and air permeable. Plants need good drainage.

Mistake # 2.Due to the placement of the thyme in the shade, it is very stretched, sick and does not bloom well.

How to avoid? Plant light-loving thyme in well-lit, sunny areas.

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Hello, my dear readers and blog guests ! In this article, we will get acquainted with such a spicy plant as garden savory, which will be the topic of this post. Garden savory (or fragrant) is an annual semi-shrub 30-40 cm high, which belongs to the family Labiatae (yasnotkovye), which also includes garden marjoram, about which there was a winter article. It is also popularly called pepper grass. But, unfortunately, this interesting spice is not yet grown in our gardens.

The stalk of the garden savory is covered with highly branched shoots with small dark green elongated leaves, which, when rubbed, emit a very strong specific aroma. The flowers are small, purple (occasionally pink or white), with purple specks in the throat. Savory is an excellent honey plant. There are many types of annual and perennial savory, which differ in appearance, taste, and aroma of the leaves. But almost all of them are southerners.

Young stems and leaves of garden savory are rich in mineral salts, carotene, vitamin C and essential oils. The smell of herbs is spicy and pleasant. The herb itself tastes hot, reminiscent of pepper, with which savory competes on the table.

Savory has medicinal properties. Taken in small quantities, it stimulates the appetite, promotes better absorption of food, has a bactericidal, antihelminthic and strengthening effect. Useful for colds, respiratory diseases, tonsillitis. The herb is brewed as tea and is used for gastrointestinal disorders.

There are no breeding varieties of savory yet, and its cultivated wild species (garden savory, mountain savory, creeping savory), which differ from each other in early maturity, size, foliage and color, are cultivated in the gardens.

Garden savory - cultivation

Savory, although a cold-resistant savage, is very photophilous and succeeds only on fertile light soils. It is sown in open ground in early spring, in rows every 20-30 cm. Seedlings are thinned out, leaving the plants in a row every 15-20 cm.

Crop care is normal. Watering is moderate. You can grow garden savory and seedlings. Savory does not need a lot of soil and does well in pots (eg on the balcony).

Good results are given by podwinter sowing in November, when persistent cold weather sets in. Seeds are planted to a depth of 0.5-1 cm, and the earth is compacted. Before winter, the seedlings are sprinkled with peat or humus.

The period from full germination to the beginning of flowering is 50-60 days. Savory leaves

plucked for food throughout the season. Savory seeds ripen around September. The left plants are pulled out by the roots, tied in bunches, left to ripen in a ventilated room, and then threshed. Seeds remain viable for 3 years.

Collection and storage

Savory greens for drying are harvested at the beginning of flowering. Plants are cut at branching height in mid-July. Dry in the shade. After drying, the aroma is enhanced.

Plucked straight from the garden or dried garden savory is a wonderful spice seasoning. Fresh, finely chopped greens are great in fresh cucumber salad or with new potatoes. Savory is combined with fish (added with breading). Gives a piquant smell to meat dishes from pork, lamb, poultry.

It is added to minced meat, sauces, soups, and also put in boiled cabbage. Savory is also used in cooking beans and peas, as well as in pickles and pickles from cucumbers and tomatoes.

In general, draw your own conclusions and you can choose for yourself this wonderful plant - garden savory, the cultivation of which, as you have seen, is not particularly difficult.

See you soon!

With all respect, Andrew!

Posted in: Medicinal plants

Many people use fresh herbs of garden savory (fragrant) to add to salads, but few people know that this spice can be successfully added to soups, canned vegetables and meat, sauces and main dishes. You can also dry savory for use in the cold season, the main thing is to observe the storage conditions so that its unique bitter smell does not disappear.

Keep in mind - savory is often confused with thyme (the names are similar), but although they are "related", they are two different plants!

Garden savory. Growing.

Savory garden (lat.Satureja hortensis) came to us from the Mediterranean countries of Southern Europe, where it is very popular as a spice. This plant belongs to the labiate family and is a small annual bush with narrow pointed leaves of a dark green color, usually not growing in our area above 20-25 cm.Since savory is very light and thermophilic, it begins to sprout only when the soil is well warmed up, therefore you need to grow it with seedlings in a greenhouse, only then transplant it to a permanent place in open ground. You do not need to deeply bury the seeds for seedlings into the soil, a depth of 1 cm is enough, and sprinkle with peat mulch on top. By the way, savory grows remarkably not only outdoors, but also in pots and boxes on the balcony and windowsill. Savory is not picky about the composition of the soil, although its yield increases on fertile soil. To grow savory at home, you should prepare a light and fertile soil mixture. When grown outdoors, this plant begins to bloom in August with small white or lilac leaves collected in tassels at the ends of the branches. After cutting off the branches on the bush, instead of the cut ones, new, additional ones grow. Savory tolerates transplanting well, but it should be planted at a distance of 20-25 cm from bush to bush.

Savory harvest

It is necessary to dry savory in bunches in the shade; for this, branches about 7-8 cm long are cut and tied in small bunches. It is convenient to store dried bundles whole in glass coffee jars with a cardboard lid under the lid. The cardboard absorbs moisture and does not allow the spice to grow moldy. You can, of course, use ordinary cans with a screw cap, but then you will have to cut out the cardboard gasket yourself. These tricks with a cardboard box are needed so that the spice does not lose its unique bitter aroma. And all winter you will be delighted with the smell of the past summer, for this it is enough to get a couple of dry twigs from the jar, rub them with your fingers and add to food. Although in some recipes it is recommended to use dried savory sprigs whole, but in a chopped form, the taste and aroma of the seasoning is enhanced.

Do not forget to prepare a few twigs with seeds, so as not to be left next year without a crop of your favorite seasoning. Please note that savory seeds fall off quickly after ripening, therefore, when they acquire a dark, almost black color, the sprigs with seeds should be collected and dried.

Useful properties and uses of savory

Garden savory has a characteristic pungent, bitter-spicy taste, stimulates the appetite.

As a medicinal plant, savory has an analgesic and disinfectant effect. Savory broth used in folk medicine for problems of the gastrointestinal tract to improve digestion and increase appetite, reduces the feeling of thirst in diabetics. Savory infusion It is used as a diaphoretic and diuretic, for tachycardia, migraine, as well as an antitussive and antiemetic, antispasmodic and bactericidal agent.

• To prepare the daily dose of the infusion, take 3 tsp. dried herbs, pour two glasses of boiling water and leave for 10-15 minutes, then strain and drink before eating. When treating cough, you can add 1 tbsp to the cooled broth. l. honey.

Due to its disinfecting properties, savory is good for preserving cucumbers, tomatoes, mushrooms, etc. Savory not only suppresses the development of mold, but also gives your pickles and marinades an original aroma and a pungent spicy taste. Bon appetit and good health, Uncle Cactus & friends wishes you!

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