Of course there is one thing that cannot be missing in a bean soup. That's right, the beans. But not the savory either. Of course, it tastes best from your own garden.
Anyone who grows beans in the vegetable garden should also think about growing savory (Satureja). You should know from the outset that there are two different types of savory. The summer savory and the winter savory.
What is the difference between summer and winter savory?
Actually, summer and winter savory only differ in taste. Winter savory has a very distinctive, peppery aroma. The summer savory, on the other hand, is sweeter. That's why we prefer to grow it.
The two types of savory also differ slightly in appearance. Winter savory has dark green, needle-like leaves. The flowers are white or purple. Summer savory, on the other hand, has bright green leaves. The flowers are white and pink.
How is savory grown?
No matter whether you want to grow summer or winter savory - both are grown at the same time and in the same way. The best time for sowing is between April and May. However, you can also grow the savory in the pot from March or generally grow it in it if you have no more space in the bed.
Savory should be grown in a sunny, dry and warm place. The herb must also be sheltered from the wind. The soil should be loose and humus. The herb generally does better with a rather dry soil than with one that is too moist.
How to plant savory correctly
Prepare the bed before sowing by incorporating compost and fresh soil. You can then sow the savory in rows. Keep a distance of about 30 centimeters between the rows. Then cover the seeds only lightly with soil and keep the bed moist.
How to properly care for savory
➜ casting:
If you regularly remove the weeds and loosen the soil around the plant, the care is pretty much done. You don't even have to water the savory once it has successfully sprouted. The rainwater is enough herecompletely off. You should only use a watering can if it is dry for a long time.
➜ Pruning:
Prune the summer savory back about 10 centimeters before flowering. This stimulates leaf formation.
You should cut back the winter savory before and after winter. Then trim each one back to just above the bottom.
Harvest and storage
You can harvest winter savory all year round. Summer savory, on the other hand, only grows between July and October. To do this, cut the shoots just above the ground and make small bundles of them. You can then hang them upside down to dry. Once dry, strip the leaves and place in light and moisture proof containers.