Spices are in high demand in cooking. They enhance the taste of dishes and give them an exquisite flavor. Spices come from different parts of plants. Indeed, cinnamon is a bark, ginger is a rhizome, while pepper is a fruit. To season your dishes with organic spices, discover which ones you can plant in March.
Like aromatic plants, spices are very popular in cooking. In addition to seasoning dishes, some also have medicinal properties.
What spices can you plant in March?
Take advantage of this month of March to plant these spices and season your dishes.
Planting Turmeric
Turmeric is a yellow spice that comes from the rhizome of a plant in the ginger family. Also called Indian saffron, turmeric is an important compound in curry. Originally from India, this condiment plant can be planted from February until May. For growing in a pot, first place a layer of clay balls or gravel at the bottom of the pot to promote drainage. Then fill the pot with a mixture of organic potting soil and river sand, then plant the rhizomes. Keep your pot in a bright place, but avoid exposure to direct sunlight. This could dry out your plant. Instead, choose an exposure to partial shade. Watering turmeric should be regular but not excessive. Also be sure to remove any stagnant water in the saucer or planter to prevent root rot, and allow the substrate to dry out between two waterings. Once a month, fertilize your plant with a special houseplant fertilizer.
Plant Ginger
Ginger is an herbaceous plant of Asian origin. The ideal time to plant ginger is the end of winter, in March. In addition to its aromatic virtues, this edible plant is also beneficial for health. Ginger is in fact rich in vitamin B3, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. To grow ginger at home, choose a deep pot and fill the bottom with pebbles of different sizes. This way, you prevent the earth from settling so as not to block the drainage holes. Then fill the pot with a light, draining potting soil, and place the ginger rhizome on the surface, without sinking it completely. Do not overwater your plant to avoid root rot. On the other hand, after the appearance of the stems, regular watering is recommended . Note that ginger is a tropical plant that appreciates humidity and heat. That said, this condiment needs a temperature varying between 20 and 21° to develop well.
Plant Cumin
Cumin is an annual Mediterranean plant that lives less than a year. Originally from the Middle East, cumin belongs to the Apiaceae family , to which parsley also belongs. This condiment can be sown between March and May. Cumin flowers in July, and gives beautiful white flowers, and sometimes even purple. In addition to its aromatic properties, cumin also has therapeutic virtues. It is effective in relieving digestive disorders and facilitating digestion. For this, you can prepare an infusion based on cumin seeds, at the end of a hearty meal.
To successfully grow cumin, the soil must be drained and rich in humus. Keep your pot in the sun and water the soil well so that it stays moist and does not dry out in the sun. For outdoor cultivation, sow cumin seeds directly in the ground, in your garden, as it does not tolerate being transplanted.
Alongside these spices, you can also plant aromatic and condiment herbs in March such as dill, thyme, rosemary, chives, verbena, or even anise and water mint. These herbs and aromatics are effective in enhancing your dishes and flavoring them, thanks to their aromatic power. Also consider composing bouquets garnis, by assembling the aromatic herbs that you appreciate most in cooking.
