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Growing, Harvesting, and Storing Oregano | Herb Gardening Know How

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Oregano is a great herb to try if you're just starting out as it is easy to grow and is a perennial. I love that it creates an edible garden while also acting as a repellant against biting insects. It is also known as wild marjoram and grows similarly to marjoram.  Oregano has traditionally been used to reduce fevers and relieve cramps by taking as a tea. This herb has been said to also help with bronchitis, measles, mumps, upset stomach, anxiety, and irregular menstruation. Topically, oregano oil has been said to help with seizures when applied to neck, spine, chest, throat or temples. For tea, add 1 tsp dried oregano leaves to 1 pint boiling water and let steep for 30 minutes up to 3 times per day. As with all treatments, please check with your doctor before self administering. This herb contains Thymol, which can be an antiseptic. As we look to culinary uses, oregano has been using in cocktails as a bitter as well as multiple types of food. Known best for use in Italian dis...
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Instant Pot Chicken Soup - Pressure Cooker Chicken Soup- Gluten Free

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Ingredients  1 1/2 pounds chicken drumsticks about five large ones  4 large ribs celery sliced  4 medium carrots peeled and diced  2 large parsnip peeled and diced or 1 large potato 1 Large yellow onion diced  1/2 teaspoon black pepper  1 quart water + 1 teaspoon salt  Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Instructions:  Place all of the ingredients in the pot, pouring in the chicken broth over top.  Cover the pot and set to “Soup” setting for 1 hr (up to 1hr 20 min for frozen chicken).  Allow to naturally depressurize for 10 minutes.  When pressure seal releases, remove the drumsticks and allow them to rest just until cool enough to handle or wear nitrile gloves to protect hands.  Remove the meat from the drumsticks, discarding the bones, skin, and cartilage.  Return the meat to the pot with the other ingredients. Embed
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Trelissick Gardens - National Trust Visit

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We visited Trelissick Garden on a May afternoon and lucked out with a sunny, semi-warm day that was clear and allowed us amazing views. From what we heard, the views are pretty spectacular year round. This is one of the National Trust properties so it is free to get in and park if you are a member or if you are a member of the Royal Oak Foundation (for US citizens). I highly recommend buying a membership if you will be in the UK for any amount of time as it saves a lot of money in the long run. If you aren't a member, I'd still recommend stopping here and paying the  £13 ( at time of publishing post).  This English garden seems to be where Lewis Carroll got a few of his ideas or at least where the animators of the film got theirs. We loved seeing the tree with the hole at the base and the rose trees and other fantastical sights. Was wonderful for our toddler to play around in the large grassy areas and as with many of the national trust sites, there is a lovely cafe, sho...
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St Michaels Mount Marazion - National Trust - Thriftism Travels

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Thriftism visits St. Michael's Mount in the coastal town of Marazion in Cornwall, England. This is a tidal island that can be reached via the causeway during low tide or by boat in high tide. Plan ahead if you want to walk as we got a little wet walking back to the mainland. It is approximately 15 minutes to walk the causeway.  It is a National Trust property, meaning that if you're a member, you can visit for free! I highly recommend doing the Royal Oak foundation if a US citizen as you get entry to so many places and free parking as well. If not, it is still well worth the entrance fee to see. This includes visiting both the castle and the gardens. The castle dates back to ~1650 while other buildings can be dated to the 12th century. Saint Michael's Mount is a National Trust property, although thanks to a unique lease agreement the St Aubyn family still live here! St Michael's Mount island is one of 43 islands that one can walk to from Britain. Once a Benedictine mon...
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Spicy Mint Chutney

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This spicy mint chutney is really more of a creamy mint sauce than a traditional chutney. This being said, it goes great with rice (with or without meat) as well as crackers, bread or even veggies. Be sure to use thick greek yogurt or it will be even runnier than it already is. Feel free to sub a bell pepper or less spicy pepper in place of jalapenos if you're not a fan of any spice (it can have a bit of a kick). We loved being able to use up an abundance of mint from our garden this fall and hope it helps you switch up from the standard mint teas and mojitos.  Embed
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Cajun Chicken Pasta

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This is a very simple recipe that is delicious and easy to make gluten free and dairy free if desired. It wouldn't be hard to transition to vegan as well (cut out chicken and cream cheese and replace with desired alternative. We loved this a a warm fall, budget friendly meal.  Embed
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Everything Thyme - How to Grow and Harvest Thyme - Herb Gardening

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Thyme is a great herb to try if you're just starting out as it is easy to grow and is a perennial. If you let it flower, it will produce tiny white, pink, or purple flowers that add to the visual appeal of your garden, while not detracting too much from herb flavor. Plant up front as this is a short growing perennial.  Burning thyme can help reduce insects in house or yard.  Thyme has many medicinal uses. Thyme has been known as a natural antibiotic. Some use for gargling or tea to help treat cold sores, bad breath, allergies, and the common cold. It can be used external as a hot compress to help relief chest congestion, though I have not tried this myself. It has been said to help improve blood circulation as well as treating nail or foot fungus when used as a soak. Can be applied to cuts/scraps to help prevent infection or used in toothpaste. People have used for acne and rashes as well. Thyme may help relax tense muscles helping relieve headaches. Thyme oil can still be...
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