Michael C. Podlesny is the administrator for the largest Vegetable Gardening page on Facebook.
He recently wrote the following article called "Herbs to Add to Your Home Vegetable Garden". This article and more herb gardening information can be found right HERE at http://www.ezinearticles.com/. I have made some comments in italics.
We are heading into indoor gardening season and Skillin's quite often has herb plants already grown in our greenhouse for you to use immediately. If you want to go the seed and grow route we do have seeds available now for you to use. Any of the following plants can be grown indoors as well as outdoors!
"... there are five herbs in particular that I believe every home vegetable gardener should add to their lineup. They are easy to grow, do not take up a lot of space and super simple to get started.
Basil
The aforementioned herb is my number one herb of choice.... basil can be added to sauces, soups and stews to enhance the flavor. There are a number of varieties of basil, such as lemon, licorice, and slam queen to name a few but my favorite is the Italian large leaf which is also the most common basil that you see. You can grow basil in a pot on your window sill and have it handy throughout the year.
Rosemary
Rosemary can grow as tall as two feet so it is more than likely for most home vegetable gardeners not an indoor plant. It is also a tough herb to grow as studies have shown in some areas of the world that the germination rate is around 50% so you will want to sow the seeds heavily. However, if you are a successful with it, rosemary adds tremendous flavor. We sell great rosemary plants year round at Skillin's. I would suggest buying and using the mature plants not starting it from seed!
Oregano
What other herb can you think of that goes better on pizza than Oregano? Common Italian is the variety of oregano that most people are accustomed to. It is also a great addition to soups and stews. It is a perennial plant so you will not have to sow new seeds every year and it is a very hardy plant.
Parsley
My mom made the best dish called parsley potatoes. It is a basic recipe where you melt some butter, mix parsley in with the butter then coat some cut up potatoes with the mixture. You bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until potatoes are soft. Adding fresh parsley to this recipe makes Mom's cooking even better. Parsley is an annual herb so it will come back and the best part is you can have fresh parsley right from your back yard in as little as 70 days. Parsley makes a great lush green houseplant. I love parsley plants and I love parsley!
Chives
Chocolate has its companion peanut butter, and sour cream has its buddy, chives. Chives are a perennial plant that has a mild flavor, almost onion like. When it grows, it looks like grass, and is a great addition on potatoes, in soups and stews and more. Chives are all that this writer just states and it also is very functional in a perennial garden as a deer deterrent. Deer do not like the scent of chives; and the purple chive flowers are pretty darned attractive in early summer.
These are just 5 of the many herbs you can choose from when creating an herb garden mixed in with your home vegetable garden. These easy to grow plants will add flavor to your cooking with very little effort.
Showing posts with label herbs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label herbs. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Herb Gardening!
Hello again,
Following is a nice introduction article about herb gardening that we picked up from http://www.articlerumble.com/an-introduction-to-herbs-and-herb-gardening.htm. We have a great selection of herbs on hand and as we head into outdoor gardening for Spring 2010 I think the timing is great for this article:
"Herbs go way back to the time of the ancient Egyptians and Chinese. There are also bits of evidence in the Bible and medieval documents that show herbs were used in several homes. Planting herbs is something that is very useful to gardeners for several different purposes. Herbs may be used to flavor food, for potpourri, for tea, for medicinal uses or to even control pests in the garden. Herb gardens can be dedicated towards one of these particular areas or a mixture of a few different uses. They can also be cultivated in a garden with other species of plants or in containers inside.
Herb gardens can be made in different ways such as an indoor herb garden in the kitchen or a tiny portion in your garden. A tiny plot about four feet by six feet is a large enough area to grow a small family. Though a well-accepted utilization for herbs are for cooking otherwise known as culinary herbs, they are also planted for their aromatic foliage and some for the beauty of their flowers. They can either be used fresh or dried. Some herbs are made as adornment for plates or salads while other kinds of herbs can be used to spice up the taste of a dish.
Like some other plants herbs grow as annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees. When planting herbs, you should use well-drained soil. If you find that your mud is heavy or tight, you can sprinkle some organic matter to it. Fertilizers are not a necessity. Most herbs thrive in a sunny spot although a few thrive in full shade. Amazingly, very few diseases or insects destroy herbs. Occasionally in dry, hot weather, red spider mites can be found on low-growing plants, and aphids may stick themselves to dill, caraway, anise, or fennel. Rust can also destroy mint.
Herbs can be bought and grown into a home garden or they can be grown from seeds. It is a wonderful honor and a joy to be able to see a plant thrive from one seed. You are able to take pleasure in every step of the development from birth to death in a way. When cultivating a plant like an herb from a seed the the whole thing is all the more rewarding because herbs are very practical. Almost all herbs can be grown from a seed. Seeds should be placed in a low pot or box during the late winter season. Use a light, well-drained pot of earth to plant your seeds in. Since herbs lack a deep root base, make sure not too put too much soil on the seeds. They should be planted shallow.
Follow the rule: the finer the seed, the shallower it should be sown. You can replant the baby plants to the outdoors during spring. Even though most herbs can be grown from seeds, some herbs do not react well to being transplanted. Herbs like dill, fennel, anise, and coriander should be planted directly into the garden. "
Mike Skillin
Skillin's Greenhouses
April 20, 2010
Following is a nice introduction article about herb gardening that we picked up from http://www.articlerumble.com/an-introduction-to-herbs-and-herb-gardening.htm. We have a great selection of herbs on hand and as we head into outdoor gardening for Spring 2010 I think the timing is great for this article:
"Herbs go way back to the time of the ancient Egyptians and Chinese. There are also bits of evidence in the Bible and medieval documents that show herbs were used in several homes. Planting herbs is something that is very useful to gardeners for several different purposes. Herbs may be used to flavor food, for potpourri, for tea, for medicinal uses or to even control pests in the garden. Herb gardens can be dedicated towards one of these particular areas or a mixture of a few different uses. They can also be cultivated in a garden with other species of plants or in containers inside.
Herb gardens can be made in different ways such as an indoor herb garden in the kitchen or a tiny portion in your garden. A tiny plot about four feet by six feet is a large enough area to grow a small family. Though a well-accepted utilization for herbs are for cooking otherwise known as culinary herbs, they are also planted for their aromatic foliage and some for the beauty of their flowers. They can either be used fresh or dried. Some herbs are made as adornment for plates or salads while other kinds of herbs can be used to spice up the taste of a dish.
Like some other plants herbs grow as annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees. When planting herbs, you should use well-drained soil. If you find that your mud is heavy or tight, you can sprinkle some organic matter to it. Fertilizers are not a necessity. Most herbs thrive in a sunny spot although a few thrive in full shade. Amazingly, very few diseases or insects destroy herbs. Occasionally in dry, hot weather, red spider mites can be found on low-growing plants, and aphids may stick themselves to dill, caraway, anise, or fennel. Rust can also destroy mint.
Herbs can be bought and grown into a home garden or they can be grown from seeds. It is a wonderful honor and a joy to be able to see a plant thrive from one seed. You are able to take pleasure in every step of the development from birth to death in a way. When cultivating a plant like an herb from a seed the the whole thing is all the more rewarding because herbs are very practical. Almost all herbs can be grown from a seed. Seeds should be placed in a low pot or box during the late winter season. Use a light, well-drained pot of earth to plant your seeds in. Since herbs lack a deep root base, make sure not too put too much soil on the seeds. They should be planted shallow.
Follow the rule: the finer the seed, the shallower it should be sown. You can replant the baby plants to the outdoors during spring. Even though most herbs can be grown from seeds, some herbs do not react well to being transplanted. Herbs like dill, fennel, anise, and coriander should be planted directly into the garden. "
Mike Skillin
Skillin's Greenhouses
April 20, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Winter Container Edibles
Hello again,
Melissa Madigan and Mary Mixer of Skillin's Falmouth spent some great time this winter starting, growing and harvesting FRESH vegetables and herbs in their homes. I have sampled some of what they produced and, wow, what a great taste!
Follows is a report by Melissa which will serve as the basis for her class on growing edibles in containers on Sunday March 21 at 2 PM at Skillin's Falmouth and Sunday March 28 at 11 AM at Skillin's Brunswick and 2 PM at Skillin's Cumberland.
Container / winter gardening is gaining in popularity due to the current economic climate. It is a great way to save money on your food bill and have the freshest vegetables all winter long!
If there is a sunny spot on a windowsill or in a room, then you can grow container vegetables and herbs.
Vegetable gardening indoors has most of the same requirements as an outdoor garden:
• bright light
• water
• nutrients
• protection from pests
Since space is likely to be limited, you do best to grow crops that mature quickly and be sure to stagger plantings in a couple of containers for a constant supply.
Setting Up Your Indoor Garden
1- Choose a space with plenty of sunlight, or an area where you can supplement with grow lights.
2- Get a planter that is appropriate size for what you are planting
3- Choose plants the will not grow too big or have extensive root systems
It is best to choose compact, miniature or dwarf varieties and crops that are quick to mature. Some good choices:
Herbal Teas - Spearmint, Peppermint,
Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Chocolate mint Herbs - Parsley, Oregano, Rosemary, Garlic, Thyme, Basil
Radishes Potatoes
Green onions Leafy Greens - spinach, lettuce, kale
Carrots Peas - Peas ‘N-A-Pot variety
Tomatoes - small varieties Celery - start it late summer and bring it in before frost
Peppers Bean Sprouts
Cauliflower Mushrooms
Planting:
Vegetables will grow in any container that provides good drainage, and is of appropriate size for what you are planting. The larger the plants root system the deeper and wider the container should be. Sow your seeds just as you would in your outdoor garden, thinning plants after the first leaves have gained strength.
Light:
Growing veggies indoors requires bright light just as they do outside - if you do not have enough light from a natural source you can supplement with a grow light or even bright fluorescent lights. Remember that plants tend to grow towards sunlight, so if possible it is a good idea to rotate your plants weekly so they will grow straight.
Temperature:
Most autumn and winter crops do well in temperatures of 60˚ - 65˚ daytime and 50˚ at night. Plants with warm roots can stand a room temperature 5-10˚ cooler - using a seed mat will help.
Good air circulation is very important for good plant health.
Water:
Water indoor crops when needed - but ONLY when needed! - too much water can result in fungus disease, and poor plant growth.
Water indoor crops in the AM on sunny days (if not using artificial light). Plants require less water in the winter - use room temperature to warm water.
Feeding:
Feed indoor container plants every other week with liquid fish, seaweed or organic liquid fertilizer. A folier spray of compost tea or liquid seaweed will aid in disease resistance. You should fertilize when the temperatures are cool.
Pests:
Give established indoor plants a rinsing under the faucet every 2 weeks to help prevent aphids, mites and white flies. You should spray the entire plant with lukewarm water, being sure to check the undersides.
Harvest:
Start snipping as soon as the plant is growing well - for example your lettuce leaves should be 2 - 2 1/2 high and your basil has at least 4 sets of leaves.
Containers:
Choose containers that have good drainage, and be sure that the plant pot is large enough to provide plenty of space for root growth, or in the case of a root vegetable, such as beets or carrots, room for them to grow.
Another good way to grow indoor winter crops would be to use a mini greenhouse. You can set it up in a small area (corner) of a room outfitting it with a grow light. You should have 4-5 shelves to place your plantings on, arranging them so that those plants that need the most light are on the upper shelves. You can place crops that can with stand cooler temperatures and less light on the bottom.
Using one of these greenhouses you can grow crops such as lettuce, peas in the pot, broccoli sprouts, spinach, celery, basil, micro greens and beets. In this set up the temperature was kept at a stable 60˚ and 68˚, after one week most plantings had started to show some growth as seen in these pictures. It was also discovered that plants that were already established (say you brought in from the garden just before frost), do extremely well under these conditions. If you are able to get veggie starts from your local greenhouse all the better, because even though the seeds will germinate and start to grow they have a hard time maturing unless they have some real sunlight and warmth (70-75 degrees).
Melissa Madigan and Mary Mixer of Skillin's Falmouth spent some great time this winter starting, growing and harvesting FRESH vegetables and herbs in their homes. I have sampled some of what they produced and, wow, what a great taste!
Follows is a report by Melissa which will serve as the basis for her class on growing edibles in containers on Sunday March 21 at 2 PM at Skillin's Falmouth and Sunday March 28 at 11 AM at Skillin's Brunswick and 2 PM at Skillin's Cumberland.
Container / winter gardening is gaining in popularity due to the current economic climate. It is a great way to save money on your food bill and have the freshest vegetables all winter long!
If there is a sunny spot on a windowsill or in a room, then you can grow container vegetables and herbs.
Vegetable gardening indoors has most of the same requirements as an outdoor garden:
• bright light
• water
• nutrients
• protection from pests
Since space is likely to be limited, you do best to grow crops that mature quickly and be sure to stagger plantings in a couple of containers for a constant supply.
Setting Up Your Indoor Garden
1- Choose a space with plenty of sunlight, or an area where you can supplement with grow lights.
2- Get a planter that is appropriate size for what you are planting
3- Choose plants the will not grow too big or have extensive root systems
It is best to choose compact, miniature or dwarf varieties and crops that are quick to mature. Some good choices:
Herbal Teas - Spearmint, Peppermint,
Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Chocolate mint Herbs - Parsley, Oregano, Rosemary, Garlic, Thyme, Basil
Radishes Potatoes
Green onions Leafy Greens - spinach, lettuce, kale
Carrots Peas - Peas ‘N-A-Pot variety
Tomatoes - small varieties Celery - start it late summer and bring it in before frost
Peppers Bean Sprouts
Cauliflower Mushrooms
Planting:
Vegetables will grow in any container that provides good drainage, and is of appropriate size for what you are planting. The larger the plants root system the deeper and wider the container should be. Sow your seeds just as you would in your outdoor garden, thinning plants after the first leaves have gained strength.
Light:
Growing veggies indoors requires bright light just as they do outside - if you do not have enough light from a natural source you can supplement with a grow light or even bright fluorescent lights. Remember that plants tend to grow towards sunlight, so if possible it is a good idea to rotate your plants weekly so they will grow straight.
Temperature:
Most autumn and winter crops do well in temperatures of 60˚ - 65˚ daytime and 50˚ at night. Plants with warm roots can stand a room temperature 5-10˚ cooler - using a seed mat will help.
Good air circulation is very important for good plant health.
Water:
Water indoor crops when needed - but ONLY when needed! - too much water can result in fungus disease, and poor plant growth.
Water indoor crops in the AM on sunny days (if not using artificial light). Plants require less water in the winter - use room temperature to warm water.
Feeding:
Feed indoor container plants every other week with liquid fish, seaweed or organic liquid fertilizer. A folier spray of compost tea or liquid seaweed will aid in disease resistance. You should fertilize when the temperatures are cool.
Pests:
Give established indoor plants a rinsing under the faucet every 2 weeks to help prevent aphids, mites and white flies. You should spray the entire plant with lukewarm water, being sure to check the undersides.
Harvest:
Start snipping as soon as the plant is growing well - for example your lettuce leaves should be 2 - 2 1/2 high and your basil has at least 4 sets of leaves.
Containers:
Choose containers that have good drainage, and be sure that the plant pot is large enough to provide plenty of space for root growth, or in the case of a root vegetable, such as beets or carrots, room for them to grow.
Another good way to grow indoor winter crops would be to use a mini greenhouse. You can set it up in a small area (corner) of a room outfitting it with a grow light. You should have 4-5 shelves to place your plantings on, arranging them so that those plants that need the most light are on the upper shelves. You can place crops that can with stand cooler temperatures and less light on the bottom.
Using one of these greenhouses you can grow crops such as lettuce, peas in the pot, broccoli sprouts, spinach, celery, basil, micro greens and beets. In this set up the temperature was kept at a stable 60˚ and 68˚, after one week most plantings had started to show some growth as seen in these pictures. It was also discovered that plants that were already established (say you brought in from the garden just before frost), do extremely well under these conditions. If you are able to get veggie starts from your local greenhouse all the better, because even though the seeds will germinate and start to grow they have a hard time maturing unless they have some real sunlight and warmth (70-75 degrees).
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Growing Herbs at Your Kitchen Window!
(the above image was forwarded by the Paul Parent Garden Club)Hello again,
Good gardening friend Paul Parent of the Paul Parent Garden Club (http://www.paulparent.com/) sends out a great newsletter every week with pertinent gardening topics. I encourage you to go to his website (http://www.paulparent.com/) to sign up for his newsletter. Paul can also be heard every Sunday morning from 6 AM to 10 AM at his website or at WBACH (104.7 FM) every Sunday morning from 6 AM to 9 AM.
Here is some of what Paul had to say this past week:
Growing herbs can be as simple as planting a few seeds in a pot of soil, right now! All you need is a sunny or brightly lit window to grow the secret ingredients for the winter salad or special pasta sauce.
Herbs love the sunlight and the warmer the sun is, the better they love it. Just think of the fragrance of a new pot of basil, chives or parsley will give your kitchen window. Crush the leaves with your fingers, roll the foliage in the palm of your hand and place it into a fresh bowl of salad greens. Your family will ask you what you did differently to the salad--and believe me it's not the taste of the tomatoes during the winter! Herbs are easy to grow and will do better if you don't put a lot of time with them. Water, fertilize and pick often to encourage new growth. After all, the new growth has more fragrance and taste than older growth.
Your local garden center has now received its new seeds for the spring. So get out of the house, brave the cold and select some herb seeds to grow in your kitchen. All you need are 4 inch plastic pots, fresh potting soil and a little love. Most herbs will germinate in 7 to 14 days if kept warm after planting. I start mine on top of the refrigerator because of the heat on top and because there are no cold drafts up there to cool the soil. Once they germinate, move them to the windowsill. If your windowsill is warm, you can start them right there! I also cover the pots with Press and Seal plastic until they germinate, as this keeps the moisture and humidity in the soil. Jiffy products also makes a small windowsill greenhouse, which is a solid container to hold the soil and a clear dome to hold the moisture in. Just transplant to pots when large enough or start seeds in a Jiffy 7 pellets for easy transplanting to pots.
Growing herbs from seed will change your outlook and your relationship with the plants. The flavor you grew did not come from a bottle; it came from your enjoyment of inviting mother nature into your home this winter to grow the plants. So get out the bottle of seasoning you use most and read what it contains for herbs--then grow your own ingredients. Just use a few seeds now and save the rest for the garden in the spring. The spring seedlings can be started later on during the winter. Those seedlings can be transplanted later right into the ground during May. The seeds you plant now are for use now.
If your time is short and you want instant results, we at Skillin's have some beautiful fresh herbs already growing for only $3.99 for a 4" pot! All you have to remember is to water as needed and feed every 2 weeks and pick often--but take time to smell the foliage. Bon Appétit!
Mike Skillin
Skillin's Greenhouses
January 16, 2010
P.S. Just noticed this article by Sudhir Nalik extolling the many virtues of basil--one of THE most popular plants we sell here at Skillin's:
Basil is also known as "Sacred Tulsi" or "Holy Basil". It is cultivated and known for around 5000 years. The tropical regions of Asia, Iran and India were the producers and consumers of basil for a long time till it became a popular herb thanks to the extremely beneficial properties of basil. While there are more than 60 varieties of basil and most of them are adaptable to organic cultivation, you can consider "Genovese" and "Italian large leaf basil" varieties relatively easy for growing. You can also choose to grow "Thai Basil" which has a mild anise flavor and is sweeter compared to the Italian variety. Purple variety of basil known as "Purple Ruffles" is also considered one of the best.
Health Benefits of Basil
Basil herb benefits body by increasing its resistance and developing strong immunity system. While many of the benefits have immediate effect and are evident clearly, some of the benefits show in long run when the body's natural process of healing and health improves gradually. This becomes obvious after taking a regular intake of Basil or "Holy Basil extract" for weeks altogether. You may feel more energized and relaxed after consuming a cup of basil tea or basil juice. Modern scientific research confirms that basil reduces stress, enhances stamina, lowers cholesterol, relieves inflammation, eliminates toxins, prevents gastric ulcer, lowers fever, improves digestion and provides a rich supply of antioxidants and other nutrients. It has traditionally been used by folks in Ayurvedic remedies and medicine in countries around the world. It is also finding wide usage in homeopathy and pharmaceuticals.
Properties and Composition of Basil Herb
The unique composition of "Basil" is highly complex with its different beneficial compounds known as phyto-chemicals, essential oils (containing linalol, estragol, eugenol, citral and citronellal monoterpenes), tannins, flavonoids, rosmarinic, caffeic and chlorogenic acids.
Antioxidant - The anti-oxidative effect is mainly due to the phenolic acids, flavonoids and anthocyanins present in basil. Due to this property, it is effective in reducing blood glucose levels.
Adaptogen - The adaptogenic property of basil helps the body to adapt efficiently to stress and tension. Adaptogens present in basil reduce the intensity and negative, harmful effect of the stress caused by the hectic life schedule, mental tension, emotional outbreaks, poor lifestyle habits, infection and pollution.
Antiviral - Studies have shown that crude aqueous and ethanol extracts of basil that contain ursolic acid exhibit strong antiviral behaviors against viruses
Culinary Uses of Basil Herb
Basil herb is commonly used fresh in cooking recipes. The aroma of the fresh leaves is simply outstanding in salads, tuna, stews and potatoes. It is advisable to add it when the dish is almost done to retain the flavor and aroma of fresh basil that does wonders to the recipe. Beware of excessive cooking, as it destroys the flavor and the essential nutrients. Fresh herb can be refrigerated in plastic bag or dried for future consumption. Basil is a popular and main ingredient of "Pesto" an Italian sauce along with olive oil and pine nuts.
Growing Basil Indoors
How to grow basil? Basil herbs are tender annuals in cold climate like US and Canada but are perennial in the warm, temperate and tropical regions of Asia. They can be easily grown indoors in containers or outdoors from seeds and cuttings. Growing basil indoors is simple by maintaining the soil temperature at around 70 degree Fahrenheit. Basil should be pruned when it has grown into 3 to 5 set of leaves to expedite propagation and branching.
Start an Herb Garden with Multipurpose and Healing Basil Herb
Basil is an important ingredient in potpourri and also used for scented beads. You must enjoy the delicious "Basil Herbal Tea" in the early mornings or dreary tired evenings to relish the rejuvenating experience and the fragrance that lingers for a long time. If you haven't, I would suggest you to try the aromatic "Basil Green Tea", especially with the fresh basil leaves from your herb garden. You will definitely feel the difference when compared it from the one that was obtained from the grocery stores. Drying Basil leaves and preserving it can serve you throughout the year.
Sudhir Naik co-wrote the above article with Shraddha N. and has been caring for herbs for over 20 years. He is a contributing writer to http://www.evergreenherbgardens.com site - providing information and tips on herb garden. Basil's extracts are used in Ayurvedic remedies for common colds, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, skin disorder and malaria. Traditionally, Holy Basil or Sacred Tulsi is taken in many forms - as herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaves or mixed with ghee. Use the fresh aromatic Basil herb in your own home herb garden, for healthy living, nature cure and rapid healing of common ailments. Sign up for a Evergreen Herb Garden Mini-Course and procure your own copy of "Secrets Of Evergreen Herb gardening" to start growing Basil indoors in your herb garden. Increase immunity and develop resistance to common allergies and live a healthy life.
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