Backyard Gourmet Spices

Ginger

• Ginger is one of the simplest spice plants to grow for a beginning gardener. This is because the spice is a rhizome that will spread easily throughout your backyard. In fact, in some humid climates, ginger is considered a weed because it reproduces so quickly. The ginger plant can also grow hydroponically, if your garden space is limited. Ginger needs a warm climate of 75 degrees Fahrenheit on average and high humidity, making it well suited to warm and humid climates. If you are growing ginger in the ground, bury barriers around the plant to make sure it doesn't take over your entire yard.

Galangal

• Galangal is a rare spice that you won't often see in the spice section of your grocery store. It is relatively simple to grow and is more tolerant of cold weather than ginger, having a similar taste to ginger. Its common name is, in fact, Thai ginger. It has a milder flavor that goes well in soups and rice dishes. Galangal is also well suited to hydroponic gardens. Always place it in a container, even in the backyard, when planting it to ensure it doesn't spread out of control.

Cardamom

• Cardamom is popular herb that is widely available. It has long wide leaves that need a lot of space to grow so that the plant can develop properly. Cardamom needs a warm climate that is at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are growing it in your backyard, place it outside during warm and hot summers and bring it inside a greenhouse or indoors during cold winters.

Anise

• Anise is a gourmet herb that can be hard to find in grocery or specialty health food stores. It is an annual plant that requires full sun and a warm climate to grow properly. Anise has a strong licorice flavor. You can use the leaves to flavor teas or soups, and you can use its seeds for baking. Anise has been used for centuries to sweeten breath, cure coughs and aid in digestion.