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Herbs To Grow In Drought Conditions

Fri, 31 May 2013 23:45:40 +0000

It may be hard to believe with the rain coming down, but many of us are living in drought conditions. Even if you are not , it is a good idea to practice good water conservation. These herbs can stand being dried out somewhat. Use them in the hard-to-water areas of your landscape and save yourself the hassle of constant monitoring for moisture.

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Mulching The Herb Garden

Fri, 31 May 2013 23:41:48 +0000

A reader asks: "When is the right time to mulch, or is is ok at any time in the season?"

My first thought is that any time is better than NOT mulching, but there are some optimum times and techniques for mulching properly. If you get overwhelmed, think of mulch as a blanket. You want to use the blanket to keep the soil at the right temperature with little fluctuation in moisture and heat. Pull it back when the soil is cold from winter, so the spring sun can warm it up, heap it on when the hottest part of the season approaches. This will keep the plant's roots happy. Use it to slow evaporation and deter weed growth.

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Herbs For Coastal Gardens

Fri, 31 May 2013 23:38:31 +0000

Growing herbs along the ocean, is not as easy as it sounds. The salty conditions can inhibit the more delicate herbs, and the gardener can quickly feel defeated.

There are herbs that can tolerate salty conditions. I have written a list of 5, but there are plenty more. These are easy to grow, and can take quite a hit of salt spray with no effects. If you are thinking that you live far from the ocean, remember that winter snow removal can cause a salt buildup on your garden beds. These herbs would fit perfectly in that situation as well.

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Article Roundup For May

Fri, 31 May 2013 23:33:12 +0000

Here is what's new for the month of May:

5 Things For Every New Herb Gardener

Roses that fill your garden with color

Herbs For Sweet Jellies

Herbs For Savory Jellies

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Not All Herbs Are Safe

Sun, 26 May 2013 16:02:05 +0000

In doing research for the toxicity of an herb this month, I ended up with list up on list of herbs that just have no place in the home herbalist's medicine chest. This doesnt mean that there aren't plenty of herbs that are safe to use, more than likely growing in your yard, but it also speaks to the saying that I often share: You don't need to know EVERY herb, just know a few herbs VERY well. Not everyone who studies herbalism needs to aspire to be a professional herbalist, but that doesn't mean your use of herbs is any less important.

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Dandelion Time

Sun, 26 May 2013 10:25:57 +0000

Even with the rain, some of the herbs just keep coming. We love dandelions for just that reason. Bright and cheerful, they are one of the most useful wild herbs on my list. I love that they are not toxic, and any variety of dandelion is safe to use.

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5 More Dangerous Herbs

Sun, 26 May 2013 08:33:59 +0000

Here are some more herbs that should be used with caution or not at all. They do have a place in alternative health, but for the home herbalist are best left alone. See if you agree:

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Spring Violets and Infused Sugars

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:33:34 +0000

The violets (Viola pratincola), are in popping up everywhere here in northern Maine. The children and I gather the delicate flowers for a special treat called Violet Infused Sugar. Simple and pretty, we layer blossoms with white sugar and repeat, until everyone grows tired of picking.

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April Article Roundup

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 23:14:19 +0000

Can you believe that April is gone? It flew by faster than any other month this year. I think it is because we were all so tired of winter that once those first warm days hit, we got out in the garden and never looked back.

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Fun Herb Garden Supplies

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:58:53 +0000

It's not always about serious herb garden stuff anymore. For fun, I have compiled a list of items that are not only useful for the herb gardener, they are also fun! Check it out and see if you agree.

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