by Faith Draper

Created on: May 16, 2009   Last Updated: April 20, 2010

Common garden herbs to use in your cooking is Italian seasoning. Italian Seasoning is a combination of several different herbs. While most people would use it for dishes such as spaghetti or lasagna it is a versatile combination that is great on most any meat dish, eggs, stews, and sprinkled on garlic bread for added flavor. Many people are happy purchasing their Italian Seasoning at the grocery store in a jar or bottle but why not grow your own herbs to use as Italian Seasoning.

Herb gardens come in all shapes and sizes and can include a multitude of herbs for as many different uses. Most processed Italian Seasonings I found contain Thyme, Parsley, Oregano, Rosemary, Marjoram, Basel, and Sage. All of these grow nicely in most areas of the country and don't require a lot of attention. And each of these herbs can be used for different purposes alone or together.

When growing herbs you really should look at them as more than just something to add to food. The majority of herb plants make spectacular additions to landscape designs also. Herbs don't have to be grown just in a herb garden and can be planted among other plants and flowers. Many herbs also flower during the season so can be used for an additional display of color as borders or in beds.

Yet another great aspect of herb gardens or herbs in general is the aroma, not just when used in cooking but just walking near some herbs can bring a wealth of smells that will linger in the air. If planting an Italian Seasoning herb garden you will be able to enjoy the smells all through the growing season as well as into the winter months when you dry your herbs.

Thyme is a herb that is great with lemon, garlic, and basil, or can be used as a garnish in salads and chowders. You can use Thyme with any meat, casseroles, soups, vegetables, soups and stews. The Thyme plant grows to between 6 and 12 inches tall and sends out many side branches so likes space to grow. In mid summer thyme will produce small pink to lilac colored flowers and is very aromatic you can smell it several yards away from the plant.

Parsley is great in Middle Eastern and French dishes as well as Italian foods but also makes an attractive garnish to any plate. The Parsley plant doesn't put off any flowers or smell but most varieties offer an attractive mound of green that is attractive planted with flowering plants.

Oregano is probably best known for its use on pizza and in spaghetti but it also works wonderfully adding flavor to vegetables, meats,

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