Creole Spice Blend

Paprika is the base for this smoky Creole spice blend that's hot and very flavorful. Use it to spice up your meats and vegetables. For the best results, use a quality paprika. Many of the imported varieties have either a sweet or very spicy flavor,...

READ MORE - Creole Spice Blend

Beef Jerky is Easier to Make Than you Think

If you are a lover of beef jerky and are not making your own, you know that buying it can take a bite out of your wallet. What you might not know is how easy it is to make yourself. Whether you have a dehydrator, barbecue, smoker, or just an oven, with...

READ MORE - Beef Jerky is Easier to Make Than you Think

Harvesting Coriander - Coriander Tea

If your cilantro is calling it quits for the season, don't forget to harvest the coriander seeds for winter use. Shake the seed heads into a paper bag, allow them to dry completely in a cool, dark place, and store them in an airtight container.Medicinal...

READ MORE - Harvesting Coriander - Coriander Tea

Checking Your Herbs for Freshness

Even though we love our homegrown herbs, we all probably have supplemental spices in our cupboard. If you've wondered about the freshness of your dried ginger or nutmeg, you're not alone. Don't pitch those herbs before you check their freshness dates....

READ MORE - Checking Your Herbs for Freshness

Growing and Using Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Fennel is a perennial that grows to five feet high. It has hollow stems and brilliant green, feathery leaves. Because all parts of the plant can be used, it is an almost perfect herb. A native to the Mediterranean, fennel has been an import wherever...

READ MORE - Growing and Using Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Don't Forget the Lowly Onion

Good flavors come in threes, and onions are often used with garlic and olive oil as an aromatic and flavorful base for many traditional savory dishes. If it isn't dessert, there's probably an onion in it somewhere, and using onions to advantage can be...

READ MORE - Don't Forget the Lowly Onion

Put Your Bread Maker to Good Use

If your bread maker has been gathering dust in a cupboard, pull it out and come with me on a bread making adventure. It was with mixed feelings that I opened my new bread machine on Christmas morning a few years ago. I'd never been that fond of bread,...

READ MORE - Put Your Bread Maker to Good Use

About Nutmeg

I've been a nutmeg lover ever since my mother first sprinkled a little on top of my Christmas eggnog. It was good then, but it's better now that I grate my own. If you think nutmeg is a spice that belongs in the back of the cupboard, think again. ...

READ MORE - About Nutmeg

Beat the Heat

While you are enjoying all of this hot summer weather, don't forget to protect your herbs. Water them in the morning and never spray the leaves of your outdoor plants during the hottest part of the day. Deep water herbs at least once a week, and be...

READ MORE - Beat the Heat

Make a Lavender Wand

By the beginning of summer, you should have enough lavender up and ready to make lavender wands. Lavender wands are always popular gifts for birthdays and around the holidays. I make a big batch during the summer, and tie them into my Christmas gift...

READ MORE - Make a Lavender Wand

Christmas Gift Ideas: Seed Packets with Markers

Christmas is coming. . . really. I'm sorry to remind you, but it is. One of the many great things about herb gardening is that you have the raw material for some wonderful gifts. If you plan ahead, you can make unique herb offerings quickly and inexpensively....

READ MORE - Christmas Gift Ideas: Seed Packets with Markers

Tips for Growing Herbs Indoors

Many herbs are well suited to domestic life and thrive indoors. With some attention to their special needs, you can keep an indoor herb garden that will give you fresh herbs year round.Indoor Herb LightingThe biggest challenge to the indoor herb gardener...

READ MORE - Tips for Growing Herbs Indoors

How to Make a Basic Tea Rub (Oh, and Some Variations)

Chef Ming Tsai has quite a presence on the web, and he uses rubs to create some wonderful recipes. One of his signature rub ingredients is tea. Other cooks have picked up the practice of using tea as a flavor base in rubs, artfully incorporating them...

READ MORE - How to Make a Basic Tea Rub (Oh, and Some Variations)

Growing Bay Leaf (Bay Laurel)

Bay or sweet bay (Laurus nobilis) is the leaf from a tree in the Laurel family. It's an evergreen that originated in the Mediterranean, where it grows to a height of 40 feet. Bay laurel is beautifully appointed with medium sized, glossy, green leaves....

READ MORE - Growing Bay Leaf (Bay Laurel)

Make Your Own Old Bay Seasoning Blend

One of the more well known of the crab seasoning blends, Old Bay Seasoning, sold by McCormick & Company among others, is a household staple in many parts of the United States.It has great flavor, and is less dependent on salt than some other popular...

READ MORE - Make Your Own Old Bay Seasoning Blend

Want an Herbal Teeth Whitener?

Try Sage and StrawberrySage has been used as means of whitening discolored teeth for centuries, and it still works today. Together with strawberry, it's a natural solution for treating a yellowed and dingy smile.Make a paste of one large sage leaf,...

READ MORE - Want an Herbal Teeth Whitener?

Make Your Own Garlic Juice or Powdered Garlic

Make your own garlic juice and garlic powder. The process takes some time because it involved peeling lots of garlic cloves. You may decide afterward that buying prepared garlic products is easier and just as tasty, but every herb fanatic should try...

READ MORE - Make Your Own Garlic Juice or Powdered Garlic

Recipe for Bechamel Sauce With Herbs

Bechamel sauce, white sauce, is one of the most basic sauces used in cooking. It's an easy sauce to make if you remember to keep stirring the ingredients throughout. Never stop stirring, use medium heat, and pick a thick pan that will evenly distribute...

READ MORE - Recipe for Bechamel Sauce With Herbs

Moussaka Recipe with Aubergine (Eggplant)

My friend Emily's grandmother was Greek and taught her some great Greek dishes which she's shared with me over the years. She's actually partly responsible for my interest in herbs and spices. One of her best recipes is for Moussaka. I've updated some...

READ MORE - Moussaka Recipe with Aubergine (Eggplant)

Greek Herbs and Spices

Greece has an ancient, almost mystical culinary tradition. Whether you are interested in making a nice moussaka, Greek salad, or stuffed grape leaves, you'll want to know something about the signature herbs of this sun kissed Mediterranean country. So,...

READ MORE - Greek Herbs and Spices

Dittany of Crete

I am a devoted Harry Potter fan. I don't know what it is about the wizarding world, but it makes me happy just thinking about it.In rereading the final book in the series, The Deathly Hallows, Harry and his friends get themselves in quite a few scrapes....

READ MORE - Dittany of Crete

Vermiculite

Vermiculite is heat expanded mica. It is often used as a starting medium for seeds and cuttings. Sometimes referred to as a soilless medium, a feature that makes it free of disease, vermiculite has no nutritional value, so some sort of liquid fertilizer...

READ MORE - Vermiculite

Wicking

Drawing moisture upward through capillary action. Potted plants that need to be watered often respond well to wicking. Fill a dish under the plant's pot with marbles or small stones, and then with water just short of the top of the stones. Thread...

READ MORE - Wicking

Transpiration

The process in which a plant releases water through pores on its leaves.This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning do. Pick up one new term a day, and...

READ MORE - Transpiration

Heal-In

The temporary placement of plants in an interim medium until they can be planted in their permanent containers.This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning...

READ MORE - Heal-In

Tropical

A typically warm and humid growing region that doesn't experience freezing temperatures.This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning do. Pick up one new...

READ MORE - Tropical

Semi-Tropical

A warm and often humid growing region that experiences infrequent temperature drops below freezing.This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning do. Pick...

READ MORE - Semi-Tropical

ornamental

A plant that is grown for its visual appeal.This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning do. Pick up one new term a day, and in no time you'll be a p...

READ MORE - ornamental

Harvesting Herbs

The process of harvesting the herbs you've cultivated is one of the most satisfying aspects of growing them. The fragrance of cut herbs fills the air around you, permeates the skin of your hands, and makes you feel blessed. Your basket is full of different...

READ MORE - Harvesting Herbs

Lavender Salt

My friend Eric was interested in making lavender salt to sprinkle on asparagus and wilted spinach salad. It's tasty and easy to make. Here's how.Recipe for Lavender Salt4 tbsp. dried lavender flowers1 c. fine salt (Coarse salt doesn't work as well.)Glass...

READ MORE - Lavender Salt

Make Your Own Portuguese Linguica Sausage

Linguica is a robust Portuguese sausage that receives far less attention than it deserves. Unlike its cousin, chorizo, linguica is more flavorful than hot, and takes full advantage of its signature ingredient, paprika. Linguica works as well with egg...

READ MORE - Make Your Own Portuguese Linguica Sausage

Friability

Soil texture that is evenly loose, light, and crumbly.This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning do. Pick up one new term a day, and in no time you'll...

READ MORE - Friability

Herbaceous

A plant with soft tissues. Not woody.This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning do. Pick up one new term a day, and in no time you'll be a p...

READ MORE - Herbaceous

Cultivar

A blending of the terms cultivate and variety. A cultivated plant variety, rather than one occurring in nature.This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning...

READ MORE - Cultivar

Dampening Off

A disease in young plants in which the stems are attacked at the soil line by fungus.This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning do. Pick up one new term...

READ MORE - Dampening Off

Cachepot

A plant container that does not come equipped with a drainage ho...

READ MORE - Cachepot

Complete Fertilizer

Fertilizers that contain nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium are considered complete because they provide the three minerals absolutely necessary for plant growth.10-10-10 Fertilizer - What the Numbers MeanThis is usually represented on the front of...

READ MORE - Complete Fertilizer

Air Layering

Propagation by slicing a section of woody stem and securing the open cut with a damp medium like peat moss. After roots form, the new plant is removed from the parent.This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants...

READ MORE - Air Layering

Make Lavender Sugar Cookies

You might think it's a little too hot to be baking, but it's not too hot to start harvesting your lavender buds. Once you've made lavender sugar, you can make some very tasty lavender sugar cookies. They are buttery and have that added lavender zing....

READ MORE - Make Lavender Sugar Cookies

Acidifier

An acidifier is any soil amendment that decreases the soil's pH. This would include:Substances That Increase Soil Acidity SawdustPeat mossSulphurWood chipsCottonseed mealLeaf moldCoffee grounds (Be sure to compost them first.)Herbs and Plants That Love...

READ MORE - Acidifier

Acidic Soil

Soil is acidic, neutral, or alkaline depending on its chemical composition. Acidic soil has a pH lower than 7.0 (neutral).Different plants need different soil. Modifying soil to make it more acidic or alkaline is a common practice when keeping plants....

READ MORE - Acidic Soil

Acclimate

The process of adapting a plant to a different environment. This is usually a undertaken in slow stages. Seedlings are typically acclimated to outdoor environments by allowing them more and more time outdoors in gentle weather after having been germinated...

READ MORE - Acclimate

How To Start a Vermicomposting Bin

You can make fertile, odorless compost, even if you live in an apartment. If you want to go green in your garden or with your houseplants, why not start a vermicomposting bin? Vermicomposting uses worms to convert newspaper and table scraps into some...

READ MORE - How To Start a Vermicomposting Bin

Make Peppermint Ointment

The menthol in peppermint relieves aching muscles and joints. This peppermint ointment is easy to make. It has a milder and more refreshing aroma than over the counter mentholated products, but has the same benefits. If you haven't made a medicinal or...

READ MORE - Make Peppermint Ointment

Make Dill Bread

An excellent choice with fish, egg dishes, or potato soup, this dill bread is light and fluffy. Use your bread maker for this one. I like to make dill bread when we have salmon steaks. It's also a hit with shrimp scampi. Another added bonus is that leftover...

READ MORE - Make Dill Bread

Dandelion Jelly

I am a lover of herb related rubs, blends, jellies, vinegars, an oils. I post quite a few myself, but found a beauty I wanted to share from the new about.com herb site.Amy Jeanroy has her site looking great, and has posted a wonderful recipe for dandelion...

READ MORE - Dandelion Jelly

Lemon Balm Vinegar

This lemony vinegar makes a great light dressing for fruit salad as well as an interesting and unexpected addition to asparagus, broiled pork, and steamed carrots.Lemon Balm Vinegar Recipe1½ cups chopped lemon balm leaves3 cups white vinegar¼ cup sugar¼...

READ MORE - Lemon Balm Vinegar

Getting Ready for the Holiday

I'm going to do a little Sunday recap for all those folks out there who'll be cooking Thanksgiving dinner. I've been writing content for the food section of TLC.com, a Discovery Channel website. They have lots of interesting cooking related information.This...

READ MORE - Getting Ready for the Holiday

Comfrey in the Garden

As a medicinal herb, comfrey (Symphytum officinale) was so prized that it was called "knitbone" and "bruisewort" as a tribute to its miraculous healing powers.Although there are modern concerns about taking comfrey internally, it is still recommended...

READ MORE - Comfrey in the Garden

Ten Gardening Safety Tips

Spring herb gardening is in full swing, so I thought I'd throw up a few reminders for all of us:Bend from the knees, and don't pick up objects heavier than you can handle.Take a moment to put on your garden gloves. They protect more than your fingernails....

READ MORE - Ten Gardening Safety Tips

Planting Tansy

Tansy is a hardy perennial with fernlike leaves. In the garden it does double duty as a nice fill in plant, and as a great insect repellent.Growing TansyPlant tansy in a spot that gets good morning sun and some afternoon shade. It prefers well-drained...

READ MORE - Planting Tansy

Make a Five Star Herb Vinegar

If you want deluxe vinegar for your vinaigrette, marinades, sauces or stews, here is a wonderful addition to your cooking arsenal that will use some of your first fresh herb crop this spring. Remember to clean all the herbs well, and try to harvest them...

READ MORE - Make a Five Star Herb Vinegar

Grow Basil

Basil is an annual with many varieties. It is a bit of a chameleon, coming in a range of sizes, leaf colors, leaf shapes, and aromas. A fast grower, basil is native to Asia and Africa, and has a solid, if not revered place in the kitchen.Growing BasilCultivate...

READ MORE - Grow Basil

Make Herb Croutons

Herbed croutons are easy and inexpensive to make and are a great use for stale bread.They make a tasty addition to French onion soup and add a satisfying texture and crunch to salads. You can even crumble them into your meatloaf and meatballs.Herbed...

READ MORE - Make Herb Croutons

Make a Mint Julep

With the Kentucky Derby coming up, it's time to get into the spirit by learning to make a mint julep. It isn't for every taste, but everyone should try it once.The recipe consists of two parts: First you need to make mint syrup. I like to use peppermint...

READ MORE - Make a Mint Julep

Growing Mint

Mint is the first herb I ever saw growing in the ground. I was about ten and brushed up against it at the nursery where my mother was shopping for edging plants. I was shocked that a plant could smell so strong, and be so true to the aroma I most associated...

READ MORE - Growing Mint

Keeping Cats Out of the Garden

I have been inundated with requests for tips on keeping cats out of the garden. Here are my personal favorites:For some years, I had big problems with cats in the flowerbeds. These days our dog, Harry, takes care of the problem, but before he decided...

READ MORE - Keeping Cats Out of the Garden

Uses for Parsley

Parsley is a great "medley" herb. It plays well with others to create a dish with a nice blending of flavors. It is one of the key ingredients in bouquet garni, and is a familiar herb in any number of salad and egg dishes, stuffing, and soups. When using...

READ MORE - Uses for Parsley

Growing Parsley

Parsley may be the most easily identified of all of the herbs. It is a common resident of the bins and shelves of produce departments around the world, and is the most beloved garnish available for the table. In the garden, there are two common varieties:...

READ MORE - Growing Parsley

Lavender Ice Cream

If you are taking a needed rest from your gardening, or gardening prep duties today, spare a few minutes to look at my lavender blog. I have a recipe for Lavender Caramel Ice Cream that makes a nice summer treat.If you are heading out to the plant nursery...

READ MORE - Lavender Ice Cream

Starting an Herb Garden

A while back, I wrote a brief article about starting an herb garden. It has some good summary information that will be helpful if you are just getting started. Give it a quick read at: Planting an Herb GardenWhen you've finished, the posts below will...

READ MORE - Starting an Herb Garden

Hardening Off Herb Seedlings

If you are planning on putting your delicate seedlings out soon, don't forget to prepare them for the outdoors first. "Hardening off" your immature plants by introducing them to nature in small increments will help avoid setbacks. It's sad to see your...

READ MORE - Hardening Off Herb Seedlings

Growing Marjoram

Marjoram is a tender perennial herb in the oregano family. It's frequently placed on the oregano page of herb texts, so it's easy to miss sometimes; and in the garden, too, it can look like oregano, with its small gray-green leaves and bushy habit. Marjoram...

READ MORE - Growing Marjoram

Growing Oregano

Oregano is a half hardy perennial with small green leaves and purple (sometimes pinkish) flowers. It reaches a height of 12 to 18 inches. The common term 'oregano' can refer to a number of plants, some of which have very little flavor. The Greek oregano...

READ MORE - Growing Oregano

Get Rid of Japanese Beetles

My garden was a buffet for Japanese beetles until I discovered a trick for banning them.I read a number of discouraging articles about how difficult it is to get rid of them. I also tried looking at commercially available traps, only to read about the...

READ MORE - Get Rid of Japanese Beetles

Lemon Balm Tea

For a refreshing tea, try lemon balm. It makes a good mid-morning pick-me-up, and in the evening with a little lavender honey it will help you relax. Oh, and it tastes great too. Take a little trip over to my tea blog for the recipe and a link to...

READ MORE - Lemon Balm Tea

Make Your Own Bouquet Garni

The term bouquet garni comes from the French, meaning garnished bouquet, and was made up of sprigs of tied, fresh herbs that were used to season the stew or soup pot. Before serving, the bound herbs were removed and discarded.Bouquet garni has changed...

READ MORE - Make Your Own Bouquet Garni

Thyme for the Garden

I couldn't help the play on words . . . although I tried. Thyme is the traditional herb of courage, and was often used as an ingredient in teas, soups, and as a main ingredient in tokens and sachets to encourage good luck in battle, in overcoming shyness,...

READ MORE - Thyme for the Garden

Relaxing Lavender Tea

Good morning, everyone! Happy Saturday.When you take a break from your busy schedule this afternoon, try making some relaxing lavender tea. Here's how: Lavender Tea RecipeLavender is a sedative and antispasmodic. A cup of hot lavender tea will relax...

READ MORE - Relaxing Lavender Tea

Thoughts on Economy - Preparing for a Frugal Christmas

If the economic news is getting you down and thinking ahead to the holidays is a nightmare, there's a bright spot on your gift-giving horizon. Start an herb garden! Many of the herbs you grow will make great, inexpensive gifts this fall. You can start...

READ MORE - Thoughts on Economy - Preparing for a Frugal Christmas

Make Baja Crema (Variation on Mexican Crema)

A creamy accompaniment to fish tacos, vegetable dishes, egg dishes, and hummus, Baja Crema is a delicious combination of tart and smooth. I've added some spice to the traditional Baja Crema, giving it some unexpected zip.Baja Crema Recipe with Herbs...

READ MORE - Make Baja Crema (Variation on Mexican Crema)

Chamomile Herb Profile (Anthemis nobilis)

Worshiped by the Egyptians, chamomile has been a favorite in the garden for centuries. Short and lacy, with miniature daisy-like flowers, this half-hardy perennial has many uses both in the garden and out.Growing Chamomile Be sure to give chamomile full...

READ MORE - Chamomile Herb Profile (Anthemis nobilis)

Herb Hummus With Dill

Hummus is one of life's great treats. Even before it became popular in the U.S., I was a fan of garbanzo beans (chickpeas), and used them in soups and salads. This easy hummus recipe spices things up a little. Give it a try on a hot summer day. It's...

READ MORE - Herb Hummus With Dill

Make a Great Tasting Herbal Tea for Indigestion

If you have occasional trouble with indigestion or gas, try a delicious tea brewed with ginger and cardamom. Both ingredients are time honored herbal remedies for stomach ailments, and they're delicious, too. Here's how:Ginger Tea with Cardamom RecipeCut...

READ MORE - Make a Great Tasting Herbal Tea for Indigestion

Make Your Own Lemon Balm Hair Rinse

Herbal hair rinse can have some substantial benefits. It gently deep cleans hair and helps control dandruff, and it increases your hair's natural shine and highlights. The addition of beer as part one of the rinse process also helps add body and volume...

READ MORE - Make Your Own Lemon Balm Hair Rinse

Herbs To Grow in Problem Areas

Herbs grow well along walls, sheds, and fences, adding color and texture to areas that can appear bald and unwelcoming. A little herbal green near posts, downspouts, faucets, and pet pens can camouflage unsightly areas and add a little whimsy and panache...

READ MORE - Herbs To Grow in Problem Areas

Lemon Balm, The Scent That Refreshes -Your Hair

If you're a busy woman with a schedule to keep, but want a pick-me-up in the middle of the day, or an effortless and natural way to make your hair smell wonderful after hours in a stale office, try lemon balm.Refresh With Lemon BalmLemon balm grows easily...

READ MORE - Lemon Balm, The Scent That Refreshes -Your Hair

Dill Vinegar

Dill lends itself well to herbal vinegar. Add it to fresh vegetables from the garden like carrots, cauliflower, or cucumbers. It also makes a nice low cal ingredient in salad dressing, sauces, and marinades. Make up a batch to instant-pickle your peppers,...

READ MORE - Dill Vinegar

The Facts About Dill

Dill is a popular pickling herb with an impressive historical pedigree. Its uses date back to the bible. That lanky, fernlike, yellow flowered plant you see in the produce department of your grocery store was once so valuable that it was kept under lock...

READ MORE - The Facts About Dill

Lavender Bubble Bath

You can use relaxing lavender aromatherapy oil to make an indulgent but inexpensive bubble bath. Here's how:Lavender Bubble Bath Recipe1½ cups of water¾ cup unscented shampoo (an inexpensive shampoo works fine)¾ teaspoon salt15 to 20 drops of lavender...

READ MORE - Lavender Bubble Bath

Sterilize Garden Soil

If you have a bad patch of soil, one that's been giving you problems that chemical solutions just don't completely fix, try a more natural solution. Cook your soil clean. I've created a post on my gardening blog that explains the steps. Take a look:...

READ MORE - Sterilize Garden Soil

Periwinkle, A Shade Loving Herb

One of the lovelier flowering herbs, periwinkle (Vinca major) is a popular shade plant that isn't picky about soil as long as it drains well.Propagating Periwinkle In spring, it can be divided or propagated from cuttings. Take five-inch lengths of stem...

READ MORE - Periwinkle, A Shade Loving Herb

Herbal Flea Control and Your Dog

Don't let fleas get out of hand this summer. Natural herbal flea control can help you get a handle on fleas. Eucalyptus is a natural enemy of fleas, and eucalyptus oil is used in many flea control preparations.To foil the nasty little pests in your...

READ MORE - Herbal Flea Control and Your Dog

The Spider in my Garden

Spring is here, and boy am I ready. One of my favorite memories of last season was a friendship I developed with a spider that lived in my garden. She'd built her web along the deck railing and could be seen in her spot at its center each morning. I...

READ MORE - The Spider in my Garden

Start Your Seeds Between the Sheets

If you save your garden seeds from year to year and wait expectantly to see if they'll germinate in their peat pots, there's a way to make the process easier, faster, and less expensive.Start Seeds Between Sheets of Paper TowelsFor the last two years,...

READ MORE - Start Your Seeds Between the Sheets

Herbal Astringent Skin Treatment With Sage

Sage is a natural antibacterial and makes a good oily skin astringent that helps deep clean and tone.Sage Astringent1 Heaping tablespoon fresh sage chopped fine¼ Cup white vinegar¼ Cup boiling waterSteep fresh sage in boiling water until the liquid cools...

READ MORE - Herbal Astringent Skin Treatment With Sage

May Wine, May Punch

In order to make traditional May wine, you need to infuse dry white wine, often Rhine wine, with dried woodruff.Recipe for May Wine with WoodruffAdd a half cup of dried woodruff to a bottle of dry white wine, seal, and store in a dark place (like a...

READ MORE - May Wine, May Punch

Thoughts on Lemon Balm (Melissa)

Lemon balm is one of my favorite herbs. It has a light, sweet, lemony fragrance that can be used in many ways in your cooking and crafts. It is also easy to grow.Lemon Balm PotpourriOne of its traditional uses is in potpourri, where it works well with...

READ MORE - Thoughts on Lemon Balm (Melissa)

Sage Tips and Facts

Sage is a very handy herb. When used as a seasoning for game, it evens out the strong 'wild' flavors. It adds depth to sausage and other fatty meats, and minced fresh, enhances the flavor of creamy cheeses. Sage will usually compliment most foods that...

READ MORE - Sage Tips and Facts

Growing Rosemary

Growing rosemary can be a breeze in warm climates. Since it does well as a houseplant, it can also be grown easily in colder climates if brought indoors in winter. Check out my article on rosemary for more details: Growing Rosemary. There are now...

READ MORE - Growing Rosemary

Laying out Your Herb Garden

Preparing the soil and selecting the plants or seeds is only part of the adventure, now comes the layout. Let's recap for a moment.You have prepared your soil by amending it and working it to a depth of at least six inches. The site you have selected...

READ MORE - Laying out Your Herb Garden

Easter Thoughts

With Easter coming up, I thought I would make some recommendations about how to celebrate this holiday in a way that will help make your family more ecologically aware. Please visit my holiday blog for thoughts on how gardening can educate a new generation...

READ MORE - Easter Thoughts

Soil Considerations for Your Herb Garden

Although herbs can tolerate poor soil, the addition of organic material and good drainage are important for the growth of healthy plants. Stressed plants are more susceptible to disease and insect attack. The preparation of good soil will go a long way...

READ MORE - Soil Considerations for Your Herb Garden

Herb Locations

Like real estate, important considerations for plants are: location, location, location. Areas that are exposed to high winds, brutal heat, constant heavy shade, abundant shallow tree roots, and standing water are not good choices for most plants, and...

READ MORE - Herb Locations

Plant Terms Defined

Before we start discussing plans for an herb garden, let's define some terms. Herbs and vegetables fall into three broad growing categories that will help you understand what type of future you can expect from them.Annual Herbs DefinedPlants that complete...

READ MORE - Plant Terms Defined

What's the Difference Between an Herb and a Vegetable?

Herbs differ from vegetables in that they are primarily used as an accompaniment and not served alone. Vegetables can be eaten alone, cooked or raw. Many herbs can be raised with vegetables, and they can make good pairings to promote a pest free growing...

READ MORE - What's the Difference Between an Herb and a Vegetable?

What's the Difference Between Herbs and Spices?

There is some overlap, but the basic difference between an herb and a spice is that spices are considered tropical or semi-tropical in origin. They can be composed of leaves, bark, roots, dried fruits, seeds, or nuts. Almost all spices are imported,...

READ MORE - What's the Difference Between Herbs and Spices?

Growing and Harvesting Ginger

Ginger grows from a spreading, tuberous rhizome. It does well in moist fertile soil in warm winter areas. If you have seen ginger in the grocery store, the root looks like a flattened, beige, segmented bulb. The foliage is tall and dark green in color,...

READ MORE - Growing and Harvesting Ginger

Starting Garlic From Cloves

You can start garlic from the bulbs you buy at your local grocery store. This is true of regular and elephant garlic. Here's how.Starting Garlic from ClovesSeparate the cloves and let them dry on your counter for a few days, but don't peel the paper...

READ MORE - Starting Garlic From Cloves

Produce Department Herb Plants

The next time you head off to your local produce department, take another look at the fresh herb plants. Usually tucked in an out of the way corner, often by the sacks of peanuts and dried fruits, the culinary herb plants will usually be sitting in...

READ MORE - Produce Department Herb Plants

Plant Tea This Spring

There are many herbal teas that are made from ingredients that you can grow in your garden easily: sage, ginger, apple mint, saffron, chamomile flowers, peppermint, dandelion, lemon balm, fennel, and lemon thyme among others, all make good teas that...

READ MORE - Plant Tea This Spring

Dried Herb Ideas – Useful Decoration

When I bring in my chili pepper crop, I always dry a batch on the dehydrator (after blanching them in boiling water for about five seconds), and string them on heavy twine with an upholstery needle. This long garland of bright red peppers decorates my...

READ MORE - Dried Herb Ideas – Useful Decoration

Growing Herbs - A Natural Way to Go Green

Going green is the latest trend, and thank heavens, but herb gardeners have been doing it for ages. What better way to stay healthy, season your food, decorate your home, deal with pests, and treat your minor ailments than with home grown herbs.Growing...

READ MORE - Growing Herbs - A Natural Way to Go Green

Headache Remedy - Accupressure, Aromatherapy, and a Foot Bath

If you suffer from headaches and are reluctant to take conventional painkillers, there's a fast and easy way to get relief. Take a footbath.Soaking your feet and applying gentle acupressure to the base of your toes while you're doing it will be as effective...

READ MORE - Headache Remedy - Accupressure, Aromatherapy, and a Foot Bath

Making Lavender Scented Candles

Candle making is inexpensive, and once you've done it a few times, it's easy too. Whether you are going in for the more expensive beeswax candles, are opting for parafin, or are thinking about recycling old candles that are lying around the house, combining...

READ MORE - Making Lavender Scented Candles

Planting Spring Seeds Indoors

I wrote an article a few days ago and have posted a link to it at the bottom of this page. It will give you some good tips and tricks for starting seeds indoors in February or March. I have thought of an additional tip that can be fun.I've started seeds...

READ MORE - Planting Spring Seeds Indoors

Herb Gardening in the Desert

Keeping herbs in the desert can be challenging, but they provide so much value to your home and garden that they are worth some extra effort.Herbs and Desert SoilHerbs are often native to poor soils, but desert dirt has special problems when it comes...

READ MORE - Herb Gardening in the Desert

Make Lavender Water

Lavender water is a good way to add the fragrance of lavender to your linens, general cleaning, and crafts.Lavender Water Recipe4 Cups Distilled Water5 Tablespoons of Vodka (Cheap Vodka is okay)30 Drops of Essential Oil of LavenderMix thoroughly and...

READ MORE - Make Lavender Water

Snuggle up With Lavender in Your Bed Pillow

Put your dried lavender flowers to good use in helping you get a restful night's sleep. Just tuck a muslin bag filled with a tablespoon or two of dried lavender flowers into your pillow or under your sheets near the top of the mattress. The essential...

READ MORE - Snuggle up With Lavender in Your Bed Pillow

Make Lavender Facial Scrub

Lavender facial scrub uses the antibacterial properties of lavender and the soothing qualities of almonds to exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin. It smells wonderful, and can be a great overall relaxing agent if you apply the scrub while you are still...

READ MORE - Make Lavender Facial Scrub

History of the Wild Mustard Plant and the Conquistadors

One of my favorite stories about herbs involves the Conquistadors. The mustard plant was introduced to the Americas by the conquistadors or their attendant Padres (depending on who you're listening to), who planted the fast sprouting seeds to mark their...

READ MORE - History of the Wild Mustard Plant and the Conquistadors

Make Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gayo is a refreshing summer salsa made from fresh ingredients. An uncooked chow-chow, pico de gayo is easy to make and is full of vitamins and minerals. Use it as a dip, condiment, or as an ingredient in more complex dishes like chimichangas,...

READ MORE - Make Pico de Gallo

No Tears Onions

If you think that onions are the spice of life, you'll be pleased to learn that scientists in New Zealand have perfected a no tears onion. Using the wonders of biotechnology, they were able to switch off the gene controlling the enzyme that causes us...

READ MORE - No Tears Onions

Herb Notes for February

The following are a few thoughts on the herbs I keep around the house.Peppermint Grow peppermint in a glass of water. A kitchen window is great for this. It will root readily and be available for garnishes all winter long. Fresh peppermint is a flavorful...

READ MORE - Herb Notes for February

Making Peel and Eat Shrimp

If you've eaten peel-and-eat shrimp at the local buffet, you know what tasteless shrimp is like. Not only that, those poor crustaceans also have the consistency of rubber balls. The key to delicious, juicy, tender, homemade, peel-and-eat shrimp is in...

READ MORE - Making Peel and Eat Shrimp

The History of Tussie-Mussie

Have you heard of the infamous and misunderstood tussie-mussie? Currently thought of as a nosegay, or compact bouquet of flowers and herbs, it has a colorful, if obscure, past with hilarious connotations. In light of its modern bridal and festive associations,...

READ MORE - The History of Tussie-Mussie

Growing Your Own Saffron

Saffron is an expensive spice that has a very distinct flavor and aroma. It is prized throughout the world, but often only used for special-occasion dishes because it is so expensive. Where Does Saffron Come From, Anyway?Saffron comes from the three...

READ MORE - Growing Your Own Saffron

Using Herbs for Dental Care

Because commercial toothpastes and other tooth cleaners and whiteners contain harsh abrasives, detergents, and bleaches, you can give your teeth a break by buying herbal toothpastes, or making your own. Here are some tips for quick, effective tooth...

READ MORE - Using Herbs for Dental Care

Do Poppy Seeds Contain Drugs?

The poppy is a red flower with a thick seed pods that carry the popular poppy seeds used in cooking. Although there's been a great deal of misinformation about the ability of poppy seeds to create false positives in drug testing, more modern testing...

READ MORE - Do Poppy Seeds Contain Drugs?

Make Lavender Sugar

For an unexpected and rich taste, try making your own lavender sugar. This is a unique treat that's easy to make and fun to use.Uses for Lavender SugarLavender sugar is a great alternative to vanilla sugar as a topping for candies, cakes, and other...

READ MORE - Make Lavender Sugar

Herbs for Oral Health

If you've had concerns about the use of strong mouthwashes and toothpastes, consider their safer and gentler alternatives. Herbal oral products provide antibacterial protection without the fillers and stabilizers associated with major manufacturer's...

READ MORE - Herbs for Oral Health

It's Not Too Late to Protect Your Plants from the Cold Weather

The cold weather is upon us, and if you live where there's a freeze, be kind to your plants. Check to make sure that plants that are borderline for your growing zone are well mulched and protected from the wind chill and freezing temperatures. A Calla...

READ MORE - It's Not Too Late to Protect Your Plants from the Cold Weather

Make Lavender Bath Salts

Reduce stress by bathing with lavender. Lavender aromatherapy can help you relax and regroup. Use your bath to get the aromatherapy benefits of lavender while enjoying the natural muscle relaxers in Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate). Magnesium sulfate has...

READ MORE - Make Lavender Bath Salts

Homemade Ginger Beer

Ginger beer is a light, refreshing ale that you can easily make at home. Brewed with yeast, it is a unique beverage that will become a summer tradition at your house. It's great to make with the kids, and there's something magical about waiting for...

READ MORE - Homemade Ginger Beer

Free Herb Catalogs

Below is a listing of free herb catalogs; some are snail mail and some are PDF files. Happy Shopping! Click on the name to go to their request pages.Mountain Valley GrowersMountain Rose HerbsNichols Garden Nursery (PDF Download)RichtersPrairieland Herbs...

READ MORE - Free Herb Catalogs

Using Herbs for Breast Enlargement

I am asked this question frequently, and there is no easy answer. Although I do recommend herbs to relieve the symptoms of menopause, my feeling about using bulk herbs for this purpose is pretty negative. The idea of increasing breast size without surgery...

READ MORE - Using Herbs for Breast Enlargement

Four Thieves Vinegar

In my explorations of the history and uses of lavender, I came across some interesting information about Four Thieves Vinegar. I'd heard of it before, but didn't know what it meant:The Legend of Four Thieves VinegarOne version goes that in the 1630's,...

READ MORE - Four Thieves Vinegar

Make Your Own Herbs de Provence

Herbs de Provence is a robust mixture of herbs made popular in the southeastern region of France. It is often used in the preparation of grilled meats, fish and vegetable stews, and is usually added before or during cooking.Changes in Herbs de Provence...

READ MORE - Make Your Own Herbs de Provence

Hops - More than Just an Ingredient in Beer

The history of hops can be traced back to first century (A.D.) Rome, where it was used as a vegetable and decorative plant. Several hundred years later it had spread throughout Europe and was in widespread use in brewing.Healthful Benefits of HopsThe...

READ MORE - Hops - More than Just an Ingredient in Beer

Herbs and Foods that Can be Toxic To Your Pets

For many of us, our pets are members of the family, and there are unpublicized hazards that can impact their health.Household Dangers to Your PetYou may not know it, but using high heat with your non-stick pans can be toxic to your birds, that aspirin...

READ MORE - Herbs and Foods that Can be Toxic To Your Pets

Lavender in Literature (Quotes about Lavender)

Lavender has a long literary past. With a fine fragrance, medicinal and culinary value, and a history of favor at court, lavender waxes poetic in these memorable quotes and passages:Lavender and Culpeper(The Complete Herbal, 1652)Being an inhabitant...

READ MORE - Lavender in Literature (Quotes about Lavender)

The History of Lavender

If you are a lover of lavender, then its associations with luck from the early St. John's Day festivals, and its reputation as an anti-plague herb are tidbits you'll enjoy with your morning coffee.Books like "The Book of Herb Lore" by Lady Rosalind...

READ MORE - The History of Lavender

Keep Lavender Indoors

Lavender makes an attractive and useful indoor plant. When kept in a sunny window, it brings its unique fresh fragrance to your living space. A lavender plant requires little care, preferring to dry out between waterings, although it needs good air...

READ MORE - Keep Lavender Indoors

Propagating Lavender

Lavender can be propagated from cuttings, seed, or division.Propagating Lavender from CuttingsLavender is easy to grow from cuttings in spring or fall. Take young stems with a heel attached and dip them in rooting compound. Plant the stem cuttings in...

READ MORE - Propagating Lavender

Understand the Different Types of Lavender

Lavender is enormously popular, but not all lavender is created equal. Using different varieties of lavender will yield different results, and knowing the right lavender for your garden or intended use will help your project be more successful. Lavender...

READ MORE - Understand the Different Types of Lavender

Remove Mineral Deposits and Sterilize Your Plant Pots

When I can't work in the garden, most of the houseplants are dormant, and the new season's seed catalogs haven't arrived yet, I turn to cleaning.One of my regular winter chores is to remove scale and mineral deposits from my plant pots and trays. I used...

READ MORE - Remove Mineral Deposits and Sterilize Your Plant Pots

The Healthful Benefits of Cranberries

You may not be growing them in your garden, and they may technically be a fruit, but cranberries are proving to be very beneficial to your health.I didn't design this blog to discuss current medical research, but time to time some things just jump out...

READ MORE - The Healthful Benefits of Cranberries

Growing Lavender

Lavender is one of the most easily distinguished, popular, and restful of fragrances. It is attractive to both men and women, and is the main fragrance in a wide range of beauty and home products.Lavender Planting TipsLavender likes a well drained, sunny...

READ MORE - Growing Lavender

Log Under Interesting Gadgets - The Neti Pot

If you are one of the few people who hasn't heard of the neti pot (also referred to as the salt lamp or nose bidet), it is an ingenious Indian device used to irrigate nasal passages. A "do it yourself" appliance, the neti pot can give you relief from...

READ MORE - Log Under Interesting Gadgets - The Neti Pot

Can We do it All?

I just received my first seed catalog in the mail and watched a useful cable how-to on composting. My original plan for the day included writing notes about both these topics, as well as making a batch of scented bath salts. Well, I made the bath salts,...

READ MORE - Can We do it All?

Victory Vegetable Garden

During the Second World War, and during other wars before and since, people were encouraged to grow their own produce. These were "necessary" gardens that insured that there would be food on the table in uncertain times. We can learn something from...

READ MORE - Victory Vegetable Garden

Garlic as a Pest Deterrent

I have a garlic update since I blogged about keeping rue and garlic together near your roses.Japanese Beetle DeterrentI've mentioned that you can grow garlic and rue with roses to keep pests like the Japanese beetle away. In a past garlic post, I admitted...

READ MORE - Garlic as a Pest Deterrent

Propagate Aloe Vera

I get lots of requests for information on propagating Aloe Vera, so here is my take on the subject.Watch For Aloe Vera Plant PupsAs a succulent, Aloe is easy to keep and grow. It requires well-drained, loose, sandy soil that is low in nutrients. It...

READ MORE - Propagate Aloe Vera

Natural Hangover Remedies

If you're feeling a little the worse for wear after your New Year's Eve celebration, try taking some honey. Naturally high in fructose, honey will help your body metabolize any residual alcohol. Staying hydrated by drinking lots of water will help too.Other...

READ MORE - Natural Hangover Remedies