How to create your own herb-growing space
Zet echte marjolein en oregano niet meteen onder één etiket. Juist de smaakvergelijking maakt deze groep interessant: hetzelfde tomatenhapje met een klein beetje van elk kruid laat je voelen wanneer je zacht of krachtig wilt koken. Maak de eerste proef met verse bladeren en schrijf er de botanische naam bij.
Choose a suitable growing position
A separate pot of sweet marjoram is a good choice if you do not yet know how your garden fares through winter. You can place the plant under bright cover and check the root ball. A nicely dry surface does not always mean there is no water deeper in the pot; keep drainage holes clear.
From plant to kitchen
Use a herb garden as a place to experiment, rather than a collection of names without a purpose. Someone wanting a mild everyday herb might choose sweet marjoram; someone seeking greater winter hardiness might consider another form. The position and soil still need checking. A sheltered city garden and an exposed, wet plot do not give the same results.
Plan the next harvest
Knip steeds enkele groene toppen en bekijk hoe de plant vertakt. Zet een aparte bloeiende plant tussen de oogstplanten als je insecten wilt laten meegenieten. Zo blijft de keukenvoorraad bereikbaar en hoeft niet elke bloemstengel dezelfde behandeling te krijgen.
Scent, flavour and use
Sweet marjoram is delicate and sweetly aromatic. Pot marjoram is stronger; French marjoram is more pungent than sweet marjoram.
Care, cutting and harvesting
Warm, sunny and well drained. Sweet marjoram is not reliably hardy in a cold, wet climate; a pot can overwinter under protection.
Lightly trim spent stems and protruding green tips. No drastic cutting into bare old wood.
Snip young green tips during growth. Use small amounts so the delicate aroma remains distinguishable alongside your dish.
