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Herbs-Next Page» | |||
According to legend, the Frankish emperor Charlemagne (742-814) once remarked that herbs were "A friend of physicians and the praise of cooks." |
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| GROWING HERBS ORGANICALLY The best conditions for organic herbs are well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter (compost, shredded leaves, well-rotted straw, for example ), and plenty of room and sun. If you don't have a well-drained site, raised beds work great, as do containers. Organic matter improves soil texture and drainage in clay soil and improves water-holding capacity in sandy soils. It also creates an ideal pH range of 6.5 to 7. The organic matter should be added several months before planting to allow it to break down and mix with the soil. Of course, fine compost can be added and planted shortly thereafter. You can see that herbs require the same garden and soil conditions that vegetables and flowers prefer. Once your herbs are in the soil, don't forget to mulch to reduce evaporation, wind damage, and to keep soil temperatures constant. Organic mulches have the added benefit of breaking down and contributing organic matter to the soil. Herbs that spread by runners, such as thyme, pennyroyal or oregano, should be mulched lightly, because of their expansive nature. Herbs that tolerate damp soils: Angelica, beebalm, boneset, meadowsweet, mints, lovage, and sweet flag (calamus). Herbs that tolerate shady sites: Borage, chamomile, chervil, dill, evening primrose, goldenseal, lemon balm, oregano, parsley, pennyroyal, sweet cicely, sweet woodruff, valerian and violet . Herbs for dry locations with lots of sunlight: Common oregano, hyssop rosemary, sage, thyme,and winter savory. Herbs that tolerate poor dry soil: Rosemary, sage, sweet marjoram, thyme and winter savory. |
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BASIL Basil is an annual herb that has delicate aromatic leaves, is very frost sensitive and is wonderful to eat when paired with tomatoes. Plant basil in a sunny spot in well-drained soil. Basil does not like cool weather--so plant it once the weather has warmed up.Basil can be grown quite easily from seed, or you can buy plants at the nursery. Removing any flowering shoots will ensure continued growth of fresh young leaves. |
 Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) |
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| If you use basil to make pesto, you can freeze some in glass jars for later use. Or you can dry the leaves to use crumbled in pasta dishes, tomato sauces or on pizza. Basil is native to India, Africa and Asia. It is a member of the mint family and basil tea is used to quell digestive upsets such as indigestion or stomach cramps, and to reduce headaches and nausea. The French call basil "herbe royale." |
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BAY LEAF Wreaths of victory have historically been made of leaves from the bay laurel tree. It has long been considered a symbol of glory, honor and greatness. In ancient Greece and Rome, laurel wreaths crowned kings, priests and revered poets, as well as the victors of battles and of scholarly contests. Garlands woven of laurel were given to the champions of the first Olympic games in 776BC. Bay is indigenous to the Mediterranean area and Asia Minor. |
 Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) meaning renowned bay tree. |
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 Herbalists recommend using bay leaf oil for snakebites, wasp and bee stings, bruises, scrapes and many other ailments, including rheumatism. Studies of the essential oils show it does contain properties that kill bacteria and fungi. An infusion of bay leaf is said to soothe an upset stomach and relieve gas pains. The bay tree is evergreen and can grow ten feet tall or taller, in the ground. You can grow bay trees in areas with mild winters and warm summers. If your climate includes harsh winters you will have to take extra precautions, such as planting the tree in a large container and moving it indoors in the winter. Bay leaf is called for in many recipes for soups, stews, sauces and marinades. Some cooks add a rubbed bay leaf to lentils, beans, rice or other grains. If you wonder why most recipes call for removing the bay leaves before serving, it's because a sharp-pointed leaf may get stuck in a diner's throat, which could be uncomfortable and painful! Some people scatter bay leaves in drawers to repel cockroaches and other pests. |
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