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Using Herbs

Citrus Basil: Growing and Using the King of Herbs

by Gregory November 11, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Basil: The King of Herbs

Basil is a popular herb that is used in many cuisines around the world. It is known for its unique flavor and aroma. Basil is a member of the mint family, and it is related to other herbs such as mint, oregano, and thyme.

There are many different varieties of basil, but the most common type is sweet basil. Sweet basil has large, flat, green leaves and a sweet, anise-like flavor. Other varieties of basil include lemon basil, lime basil, and Mrs. Burns’ basil. These varieties have different flavors and aromas, so you can choose the one that best suits your taste.

Growing Citrus Basil

Citrus basil is a group of basil varieties that are known for their mild citrus scent. These plants are a little bit smaller than other varieties of basil, growing to about 12 inches tall. Citrus basil is easy to grow, and it can be grown in beds, containers, or indoors by a sunny window.

To grow citrus basil, you will need to provide it with well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Basil plants do not tolerate frost, so it is important to wait until after the last frost to plant them outdoors. You can also grow basil indoors over the winter in a container.

Harvesting and Using Citrus Basil

Basil leaves can be harvested at any time, but they are most flavorful when they are young and tender. To harvest basil, simply pinch off the leaves from the stem. You can use basil leaves fresh or dried.

Citrus basil has a variety of uses in the kitchen. It can be added to salads, soups, stews, and sauces. Basil is also a popular ingredient in pesto, a sauce made with basil, olive oil, garlic, and pine nuts.

Health Benefits of Basil

Basil is not only delicious, but it is also good for your health. Basil is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains antioxidants, which can help to protect your cells from damage. Basil has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including:

Reducing inflammation
Improving digestion
Boosting the immune system
Fighting cancer
Protecting the heart

Conclusion

Basil is a versatile and flavorful herb that is easy to grow and use. Whether you are using it fresh or dried, basil is a great way to add flavor and nutrients to your diet.

Additional Information

How to grow citrus basil indoors: Citrus basil can be grown indoors in a container. Place the container in a sunny window and water the plant regularly.
The best way to harvest citrus basil: To harvest citrus basil, simply pinch off the leaves from the stem.
Citrus basil recipes: There are many different ways to use citrus basil in the kitchen. Here are a few ideas:
- Add citrus basil to salads, soups, stews, and sauces.
- Make a pesto sauce with citrus basil, olive oil, garlic, and pine nuts.
- Use citrus basil to make a refreshing tea.
Uses for citrus basil: Citrus basil has a variety of uses in the kitchen and in the home. Here are a few ideas:
- Use citrus basil to flavor dishes.
- Make a potpourri with citrus basil and other herbs.
- Use citrus basil to make a natural insect repellent.

Herb Gardening

Perennial Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing, Harvesting, and Using Culinary Herbs

by Gregory July 8, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Perennial Herbs: A Guide for Beginners

Introduction

Perennial herbs are plants that come back year after year, making them a great addition to any garden. They’re easy to grow, require minimal care, and can be used for cooking, teas, and more.

Growing Perennial Herbs

Choose a sunny spot: Most herbs prefer full sun, but some, like mint, can tolerate partial shade.
Plant in well-drained soil: Herbs don’t like wet feet, so make sure the soil drains well.
Water regularly: Water your herbs deeply, especially during hot, dry weather.
Fertilize occasionally: Herbs don’t need much fertilizer, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring can help them grow strong.

Harvesting Perennial Herbs

Harvest leaves throughout the growing season: You can harvest herb leaves as needed.
Cut back after flowering: Cutting back herbs after they flower encourages new growth.
Dry herbs for storage: To preserve herbs for later use, dry them in a warm, airy place.

Common Perennial Herbs

Mint

Grows best in moist soil and full sun
Invasive, so grow in pots if space is limited
Pick leaves before flowering or after cutting back in summer

Rosemary

Evergreen herb that can be harvested year-round
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun
Cut back after flowering to prevent woodiness

Sage

Culinary sage has edible leaves and flowers
Plant in well-drained soil and full sun
Cut back after flowering to encourage new growth

Thyme

Evergreen herb that can be used year-round
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun
Cut back after flowering to help plants survive winter

Chives

Harvest leaves throughout the growing season
Scatter flowers over salads for a mild onion flavor
Plant in well-drained soil and full sun

Oregano / Marjoram

Pick leaves nearly all year
Plant in well-drained soil and full sun
Cut back after flowering to promote new growth

Growing Herbs in Pots

All of the herbs listed above grow well in pots. Just make sure to use a potting mix with good drainage.

Tips for Success

Companion planting: Planting herbs together can improve growth and pest resistance.
Revitalizing herbs: Cutting back herbs hard in spring or fall can encourage new growth.
Pest and disease control: Identify common pests and diseases and take steps to prevent or control them.

Growing Herbs

Lavender: The Complete Guide to Growing, Harvesting, and Using This Fragrant Herb

by Donna May 16, 2024

written by Donna 5 minutes read

Lavender: A Fragrant and Easy-Care Herb

Introduction

Lavender is a popular herb known for its beautiful purple flowers and fragrant aroma. It’s also a relatively easy plant to grow, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners.

Choosing the Right Lavender Plant

There are many different varieties of lavender, so it’s important to choose one that’s right for your climate and growing conditions. If you live in a hot, dry area, look for drought-tolerant varieties like ‘Grosso’ or ‘Hidcote’. For cooler climates, ‘Munstead’ or ‘Jean Davis’ are good choices.

Planting Lavender

Lavender prefers well-drained soil and full sun. When planting, space the plants about 2 feet apart. Water the plants deeply after planting, and then water regularly until they are established.

Caring for Lavender Plants

Lavender is a low-maintenance plant, but it does require some basic care.

Watering: Established lavender plants are drought-tolerant and only need to be watered occasionally, especially during hot, dry weather.
Fertilizing: Lavender doesn’t need a lot of fertilizer. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring is sufficient.
Pruning: Pruning lavender plants helps to encourage new growth and prevent them from becoming leggy. Prune the plants back by about one-third in the spring after they have finished flowering.

Harvesting Lavender

Lavender flowers can be harvested throughout the summer. Cut the flower spikes when they are about two-thirds of the way open. Bundle the spikes together and hang them upside down in a dry, dark place to dry.

Uses for Lavender

Lavender has a variety of uses, including:

Culinary: Lavender flowers can be used to add flavor to teas, desserts, and other dishes.
Medicinal: Lavender has calming and relaxing properties, and it can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
Fragrance: Lavender flowers can be used to make potpourris, sachets, and other fragrant products.

Growing Lavender Indoors

Lavender can also be grown indoors in pots or containers. When growing lavender indoors, place the plants in a sunny window and water them only when the soil is dry to the touch.

Tips for Growing Lavender in Hot, Dry Climates

If you live in a hot, dry climate, here are some tips for growing lavender successfully:

Choose drought-tolerant varieties like ‘Grosso’ or ‘Hidcote’.
Plant the lavender in well-drained soil.
Water the plants deeply after planting, and then water regularly until they are established.
Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture.
Prune the plants back by about one-third in the spring after they have finished flowering.

Easy-Care Lavender Plants for Beginner Gardeners

If you’re a beginner gardener, look for easy-care lavender varieties like ‘Munstead’ or ‘Jean Davis’. These varieties are relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a variety of growing conditions.

How to Encourage Higher Oil Production in Lavender Plants

To encourage higher oil production in lavender plants, grow them in full sun and well-drained soil. Water the plants regularly, but avoid overwatering. Fertilize the plants lightly in the spring.

The Best Way to Prevent Root Rot in Lavender Plants

Root rot is a common problem for lavender plants, especially in wet or poorly-drained soil. To prevent root rot, plant the lavender in well-drained soil and water the plants only when the soil is dry to the touch.

How to Prune Lavender Plants for Optimal Growth

Pruning lavender plants helps to encourage new growth and prevent them from becoming leggy. Prune the plants back by about one-third in the spring after they have finished flowering.

When and How to Harvest Lavender Plants

How to Grow Lavender Plants Indoors for Year-Round Enjoyment

Lavender can also be grown indoors in pots or containers. When growing lavender indoors, place the plants in a sunny window and water them only when the soil is dry to the touch.

Herbs

Leaf Celery: The Flavorful Herb for Your Garden | Growing, Using, and Drying

by Donna April 4, 2024

written by Donna 3 minutes read

Leaf Celery: The Flavorful Herb for Your Garden

Introduction

Celery is a popular vegetable that is often used in soups, salads, and stews. However, there is another variety of celery that is grown specifically for its leaves. Leaf celery, also known as cutting celery or soup celery, has a darker color, more leaves, and thinner stalks than traditional celery. The leaves have a strong, peppery flavor that makes them a great addition to many dishes.

Growing Leaf Celery

Growing leaf celery is relatively easy, especially compared to growing celery for its stalks. It prefers partial sun and requires a lot of moisture, so it is best to plant it in a wet area and water it regularly. Leaf celery can be grown in containers or in the ground, and it reaches a maximum height of 8-12 inches.

Germinating leaf celery seeds can be a bit tricky. Direct sowing does not have a very high success rate, so it is best to start your seeds indoors two to three months before the last frost date of spring. The seeds need light to germinate, so press them into the top of the soil so they are still exposed. Water them from below instead of above so as not to cover them with disturbed soil. The seeds should sprout after two to three weeks and should be set outside only after the danger of frost has passed.

Using Leaf Celery

Leaf celery is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is often used as a garnish, but it can also be added to soups, stews, and salads. The leaves have a strong flavor, so a little goes a long way.

One of the great things about leaf celery is that it can be treated as a “cut and come again” plant. This means that you can harvest the leaves as needed, and the plant will continue to produce new growth.

Drying Leaf Celery

Leaf celery can be dried and stored for later use. To dry leaf celery, hang the stalks upside down in a ventilated area. Once the leaves are completely dry, they can be crumbled and stored in an airtight container. Dried leaf celery can be used as a seasoning or as a garnish.

Substituting Leaf Celery

Leaf celery can be substituted for flat leaf parsley in many recipes. However, leaf celery has a stronger flavor than parsley, so you may want to use less of it.

Growing Leaf Celery in Containers

Leaf celery is well-suited for growing in containers. This makes it a great option for gardeners who have limited space. When growing leaf celery in containers, be sure to use a potting mix that is well-draining. You should also water the plants regularly and fertilize them every few weeks.

Conclusion

Leaf celery is a flavorful and versatile herb that is easy to grow. It can be used in a variety of dishes, and it is a great addition to any garden.

Herbs

How to Grow and Use Marjoram: A Complete Guide

by Donna July 12, 2021

written by Donna 2 minutes read

How to Grow Marjoram

Introduction

Marjoram is a herb that’s easy to grow and has a sweet, delicate flavor. It’s perfect for adding to Mediterranean dishes like meat, stuffings, and pasta.

Growing Marjoram

When to Plant: Sow seeds in spring or buy young plants from a nursery after the last frost.
Where to Plant: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
How to Plant: Sow seeds in seed compost indoors, then transplant outdoors after the last frost. Or, plant young plants directly in the garden.

Caring for Marjoram

Watering: Water marjoram regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Fertilizing: Fertilize marjoram monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning: Remove flowerheads before they open to promote new growth.

Harvesting Marjoram

When to Harvest: Harvest marjoram leaves on a sunny morning when they’re full of flavor.
How to Harvest: Cut the leaves off the stems and use fresh or dry them for later use.

Storing Marjoram

Fresh: Store fresh marjoram leaves in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Dried: Dry marjoram leaves by hanging them upside down in a dark, warm place for a few weeks. Then, store the dried leaves in an airtight container.

Using Marjoram

Marjoram is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes.
In Cooking: Add marjoram to meat, stuffings, pasta dishes, and more.
As a Tea: Steep marjoram leaves in hot water to make a soothing tea.

Troubleshooting

Pests: Marjoram is rarely bothered by pests, but aphids can sometimes be a problem. Remove aphids by hand or spray them with water.
Diseases: Marjoram is not prone to diseases, but root rot can occur in wet conditions. Avoid overwatering and plant in well-drained soil.

Herbs

Apple Mint: Your Guide to Growing and Using This Versatile Herb

by Gregory December 16, 2020

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Apple Mint: A Versatile Herb for Your Garden

Introduction

Apple mint, also known as Mentha suaveolens, is a delightful and aromatic herb that can add a burst of flavor and fragrance to your garden. It’s a member of the mint family and is native to Europe. Apple mint is a versatile plant with culinary, medicinal, and decorative uses. Let’s dive into the world of apple mint and explore how to grow and use this wonderful herb.

About Apple Mint

Apple mint is a perennial herb that typically reaches a height of about 2 feet. It has woolly stems, fragrant serrated leaves, and produces terminal spikes of white or light pink flowers in late summer or early fall. Apple mint is relatively easy to grow and can be planted from seed, cuttings, or root division.

Benefits of Apple Mint

Apple mint offers a range of benefits:

Culinary: Apple mint leaves can be used fresh or dried to add flavor to a variety of dishes, including salads, desserts, and beverages.
Medicinal: Apple mint tea is a popular herbal remedy for digestive issues, headaches, and stress.
Decorative: Apple mint plants are attractive additions to gardens, with their fragrant leaves and showy flowers.

Growing Apple Mint

Apple mint is a prolific grower and can quickly spread if not contained. Here are some tips for growing apple mint successfully:

Choose the right location: Apple mint prefers part shade to part sun and well-drained soil.
Plant in containers: To prevent the plant from becoming invasive, consider growing it in containers.
Water regularly: Water apple mint plants regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Cut back: Cut back apple mint plants a few times each season to encourage new growth and prevent them from becoming leggy.
Overwinter: In colder climates, cut back apple mint plants to the ground in the fall and cover them with a layer of mulch.

Harvesting and Using Apple Mint

Apple mint leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season. Here are some tips for harvesting and using apple mint:

Harvest fresh leaves: Harvest fresh apple mint leaves by snipping them off the stem. Use them immediately in recipes or store them in the refrigerator for a few days.
Dry apple mint: To dry apple mint, cut the stems just before they bloom and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place. Once the leaves are dry, store them in airtight containers.
Make apple mint tea: To make apple mint tea, steep fresh or dried apple mint leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Sweeten with honey or sugar to taste.
Add to salads: Add fresh apple mint leaves to salads for a burst of flavor and freshness.
Make apple mint dressings: Combine fresh apple mint leaves with olive oil, vinegar, and other seasonings to create a delicious and refreshing salad dressing.

Conclusion

Apple mint is a versatile and easy-to-grow herb that offers a wide range of culinary, medicinal, and decorative uses. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can successfully grow and enjoy the many benefits of apple mint in your own garden.