Bay leaves on roast pork, in the pickling brine or in the stew. It simply belongs there. And even if you may not use bay leaves in the kitchen every day, there is something quite special about fresh leaves from the garden compared with the ones you buy in the supermarket.
Not only is bay laurel tasty in all kinds of cooking, it is also a beautiful shrub to have. It adds a great deal of Mediterranean atmosphere when you place it in the exotic corner of the herb garden.
Cherry laurel or true bay laurel?
You have surely heard of both cherry laurel and true bay laurel, Laurus Nobilis. But the rule of thumb is that you must never confuse the two. Cherry laurel is the one most people use as a hedge plant, and it is poisonous and definitely not edible. So remember to make sure that you have true bay laurel, as they can look confusingly alike.
Growing bay laurel – getting started
Plant your true bay laurel in a raised bed or a planter. Your bay laurel needs both sun and shelter, and this way you can easily move it around so that it has the best conditions. The soil should preferably be well drained, but otherwise bay laurel does not have many demands on its surroundings. This makes it all the more essential that the water can drain away when you plant in raised beds or planters.
What do I do with bay laurel in winter?
True bay laurel is not one of the hardiest plants that will simply survive a cold winter in the garden. It does not tolerate frost, so you need to protect it from it if you want it to come back. Move your bay laurel indoors to a greenhouse or conservatory over the winter, and put it back on the terrace when the temperature begins to rise again.
If you want to take a chance and let your true bay laurel stay in the garden over the winter, the best option is to place the plant against a wall or another somewhat secluded spot that is sheltered and without too much frost. It is also a good idea to wrap it up over the winter.
If you would like a supply of bay leaves in the cold months, you can dry them by hanging them in a warm, dry room. Then you are well covered for all the winter's simmered dishes!
Find more good ideas for herbs in the garden here.