"As for rosemary, I let it run all over my garden walls, not only because my bees love it but because it is the herb sacred to remembrance and to friendship."
Sir Thomas More (1478-1535)
 |
|
Spring herbs! dill, chives, parsley, savory, sorrel, cilantro and basil!
Growing a few of your favorite herbs definitely has some nice payoffs. Fresh harvested herbs are aromatic and can be grown indoors in front of a sunny window or in a garden bed. They can be used as ornamental landscape elements or as culinary seasonings, fresh, dried or frozen. Thankfully, growing herbs is simple. Herbs require very little care and space, have few insect and disease problems, and generally require only moderate water. |
Growing herbs
- Most herbs like six to eight hours of full sun. Don’t worry, in our coastal regions the sun is still penetrating through the fog.
- Well-drained soil is essential. If drainage is poor, work in plenty of organic matter or grow in raised beds or containers. Work in a complete fertilizer (EB Stone Organic All Purpose, Tomato & Vegetable Food, SureStart or Alfalfa Meal for vegetarians and vegans).
- Water regularly until the plants are growing steadily. Then most will need only occasional watering. Exceptions are basil, chives, mint, and parsley (which prefer evenly moist soil).
- Herbs can be tucked in established beds and borders or in a pot close to the kitchen door.
- Many herbs attract beneficial insects if they are allowed to flower (see sidebar).
- Annual herbs like basil should not be allowed to flower (though if they do, basil buds are delicious tossed in a salad)
- Keep herb plants pinched back regularly.
To read about harvesting and storing herbs, click HERE »
| |
Super Herb Dip
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 large pinch fresh thyme, chopped
1/8 teaspoon cracked pepper
1 cup cream cheese
1 cup yogurt
Mix well.
For best results, let sit for a little while before serving to let the aromas commingle!
Serve with fresh baked bread.
Check out more recipes using herbs here
|
Kitchen Gardener Notes:
Read last month's issue of The Kitchen Gardener — we discuss starting edibles from seeds. More»
Coming soon to a Sloat Garden Center near you: Soft Fruits!
Read all about it in the March/April Gardener's Notebook
Grow your Own Edibles Seminar Series
From Fruit tree pruning to Organic Edible Basics, we have a wide range of edible seminars scheduled this spring. Visit the link, here:
Ask the Edible Guru
A wonderful question about when to plant edibles this spring can be found here
Companion Planting list
Lots of herbs and flowers are perfect companion plants. See the list, here!
Grow your Own
The pleasure of eating fruits, herbs and vegetables harvested yourself is so
sublime that sometimes mere words cannot do this experience justice. Read more about growing your own herbs, fruits and vegetables, here.
Join our Mailing List!
Sign up for Sloat's monthly e-newsletter (includes sales & specials info, the Kitchen Gardener and more!) HERE »
| |
Sloat Recipe Box
To view recipes you can make with fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables grown in the garden, visit our recipe box »
|
Be our friend on Facebook! Take a look at our Facebook page here.
Do you have questions, comments or is there a gardening topic you'd like for us to cover?
Contact us here:
