Tag Archives: herbs

Growing Herbs in Containers – Continued

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 “Ah Me! Love can not be cured by herbs” Ovid

3 things herbs need: 1) Good light 2) water 3) the right nourishment. Herbs are sun worshipers, so choose a spot or window with plenty of sun-southern exposure is perfect. 

I like using different types of pots, various heights make an interesting arrangement. However, you can use any type of pot you have, even a cut off milk carton. Choose a container with holes in the bottom. Basil is going to require a larger pot than most, as it fills out nicely. Put rocks, or as I do-shards of broken flower pots and there are always plenty of those . Fill ¾ way with soil-I like Vermiculite, dampen slightly. Remove plant from container-shaking dirt off roots-place and fill with enough soil to cover roots. Firmly press dirt down-water well-be sure to have tray under to catch water.Water only when soil is dry-and not on leaves~~they don’t like that. Fertilize lightly every two weeks.

If your plants get leggy with only a few leaves then they are not getting enough light. Try using a fluorescent lamp. Also, turn your plants often as they grow toward the light.

Start harvesting in 4-6 weeks if it has filled out. Picking only a few at a time ’till they get established. Do not allow to flower or the flavor will suffer.

 “Bon Appetit!”

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This is a nice arrangement of containers

Photo used with permission from //glutenfreescdandveggie.blogspot.com/

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GROWING HERBS INDOORS

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O.K.. I was making a dish for one of the organizations I belong to and the recipe called for basil. No problem I think but unfortunately the cold snap we recently had-melted my plants down.   Time to start my indoor herb garden!  So off to the store to buy some~~~~$5.49 for a small (very small) container. 

Choose the ones you use most often in cooking-don’t waste time on the ones you will not use. My favorites are:

 BASIL- many varieties. It is a member of the mint family and can be used in salads, soups, sandwiches. Great with tomato, mozzarella .(And did you know that storing in refrigerator will produce a black leaf)?

ROSEMARY-one of my favorites but it is a hardy outdoors plant.

OREGANO-a Mediterranean herb with a strong flavor-a necessary ingredient in my spicy-spaghetti sauce and home made pizzas

PARSLEY-of course- to add freshness to all dishes

CILANTRO-essential ingredient in Mexican and Asian dishes

 If you can’t find plants in your local nurseries-try the grocery store (produce department).

Next time I will discuss containers and planting of the herbs

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Rosemary in my garden

FALL HERB DAY

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FALL HERB DAY

Saturday, October 12, 2013

9am – 4pm 

HUNTSVILLE BOTANICAL GARDEN @ Murray Hall

Come shop the HERB BOUTIQUE – purchase plants and our unique products to stock your pantry and for gifts.

Free parking, handicap accessible. Garden Admission is not required for this event.

For more information visit :

http://www.hsvbg.org/index.php?mainID=2&subID=2&viewMoreType=events&typeID=200

or email: hsvherb@aol.com