Herbs

Who can resist growing plants that have so much to give in return for so little? Herbs tolerate poor soil; have few requirements yet produce leaves, flowers, seeds and roots that make our lives healthy and more enjoyable. I hope you will journey with me as we discover the wonderful qualities of these incredible plants. I am passionate about herbs and have spent many years growing, harvesting and teaching folks about them. If you see something about an herb that interests you, I hope you will research it and find out if it is something that can be of use to you or someone you love.

Don?t just take my word for it; I?m not here to prescribe but to provide information and growing tips that will make your herb gardening experience successful. Herbs used medicinally are medicine. Use caution, be informed and remember if a little is good, more is not always better when it comes to herbs.

I am constantly amazed at the incredible usefulness and practicality of herbs. Isn't it just like God to create plants all around us that are fragrant, beautiful, tasty, useful and beneficial for his kids!

Here are a few to get started and I will add more as we go along....

~Cindy~


Arugula (Eruca vesicaria)

Also known as rocket and roquette Start from seed early spring, loves cool weather making it a great spring and winter crop. I continue to plant seeds the entire growing season providing shade for summer months. Plant in full sun to part shade. If allowed to flower, Arugula will readily reseed giving you lovely volunteers that will save you some extra work, that's always nice! The flowers are edible as well and tasty.

This is a green that goes great in salads or on sandwiches. I love it with French sorrel leaves - the citrus flavor combines nicely with the nutty flavor of Arugula.

In Italy I had pizza covered in "rocket" and it was incredible. The leaves can also be steamed like spinach.

This plant has been used to ease an upset stomach, and as a cough remedy. The seeds can be used to treat bruises.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

  

What an incredible plant! It is a tender annual that can be started from seed a few weeks before the last frost date or in the ground after danger of frost has passed and the earth has warmed up. Buy as plants if you would like to harvest leaves earlier in the season. Be sure to plant after the last frost date, as basil is very susceptible to cold, frosty nights. I tried to wait to put plants of basil out for sale until it was warm enough to plant. My husband thought I was crazy, he reasoned they will buy it somewhere and what a great way to get repeat business! (He was kidding about the last part..I think) If you are cheap like me (and most gardeners), look for containers at the nursery that have several plants in one pot. Carefully pull these apart and suddenly you have enough plants to make pesto all winter!

There are many varieties of Basil so have fun. I like cinnamon for its warm flavor, sweet with large leaves, spicy globe to stick in pots on the back porch and lemon and lime basil just to mix things up!

Basil is a great companion to tomatoes in the garden. Some say that there is a chemical reaction that happens between basil and tomato giving a better flavor to tomatoes. It also confuses any would be pesky moth from laying eggs on any leaves near by. I usually plant basil between my tomatoes plants and in pots with cherry and grape tomatoes - why not?

Medicinally basil has 6 compounds that may help to lower blood pressure. It also has antiviral properties. If you are bothered by warts - try applying a fresh crushed leaf on a wart, cover with a bandage and change daily for a week. If the wart doesn't go away at least you will smell great!

A tea from the leaves and flowers (one teaspoon dried or 3x that amount when used fresh) may help alleviate tummy problems and flatulence. It might be good to serve to the family after a meal that is heavy on the beans!

Personally, I think it won't be long before doctors will be prescribing a teaspoon of pesto every day for good health! Haven't ever made pesto? Check out the recipe

German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

This herb is an annual that likes full sun, but can take some shade. It is easy to start from seed and is about 15-24" tall. The flower looks like a daisy with a yellow center and white petals. The ferny leaves smell like apples but taste bitter. The flower is what you use to make the familiar Chamomile tea. You will need to grow six or more plants if you plan to harvest enough for later use. It will readily reseed giving you plants for the future. Hang dry small bunches of flowers, when dry, put the flowers in a jar, label and keep in a cool dark cupboard.

Chamomile is a wonderful plant in the vegetable garden as it is a good companion to cabbage and onions but it has also been called "the plants physician" as it contributes to the overall health of the garden.

Caution: Chamomile is related to ragweed, asters and chrysanthemums. If you are allergic to those or have hay fever you may want to avoid Chamomile. Excessive use can cause vomiting.

Chamomile has long been valued for its sedative properties. Where would Peter Rabbit be if his mommy had no chamomile tea to give him after his close call with Mr. McGregor in the garden?

Other healing properties of Chamomile: relieves upset tummy, digestive aid, use tea as a mouthwash for sore, inflamed gums, and if tea is taken on a regular basis may help with arthritis. It also makes a nice hair rinse for blondes and a toning aftershave for the men.