Okay, let's make an herb wreath. I've included instructions here. There is also a helpful (I hope) slide show at the bottom of this post. If you missed part one (prep) you can visit it at: How to Make an Herb Wreath - Part 1We're going...
Selasa, 19 Oktober 2010
How to Make an Herb Wreath - Putting it All Together
READ MORE - How to Make an Herb Wreath - Putting it All Together
Minggu, 17 Oktober 2010
Chive and Cheddar Cheese Soup
When there's a chill in the air, nothing beats an old fashioned cream soup. The herbed chive and cheddar cheese soup recipe below has the rich goodness of potatoes and cheese without all the fat. Give it a try.Chive and Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe8...
Sabtu, 16 Oktober 2010
How to Make an Herb Wreath - Part 1
Learning how to make an herb wreath is one fall weekend activity you're sure to remember fondly. I grow lots of herbs, and over the years I've tried many herb wreath making methods. Most of them work, but like driving to Chicago, you can reach...
Minggu, 10 Oktober 2010
How to Dry Roses
The nice pink rose in the picture is one of my favorite wreath roses. I've tucked a bud or two into raffia, cloth and fabric wreath bows for years because these pinks aren't fussy and I can wait to cut them back in fall until the first part of November...
Sabtu, 25 September 2010
Making Orange Potpourri
Drying orange peel is a great way to make the most of your citrus, and with the prices we're all paying for a bag of oranges, it pays to get the most we can for the money we're spending.I've always liked orange peel. I've candied it and just tossed...
Kamis, 02 September 2010
How to Combat Bedbugs
Well, if you don't know about the bedbug explosion - uh, the explosion of bed bugs, you've probably been unconscious for the last year. These small, biting bugs are voracious, very hard to kill and, if you listen to the news reports, almost everywhere....
Rabu, 01 September 2010
Basic Basil Pesto Recipe
I've encouraged you to try a flavorful and wonderfully aromatic pesto, so here is my recipe entry. It's basic but delicious. You can find all the ingredients at your local market with the possible exception of the pine nuts. They're more popular than...
Selasa, 31 Agustus 2010
Harvesting Basil Seeds
A kind reader pointed out that I glossed over the seed part of basil harvesting, so I thought I'd give you an easy visual. The first photo is a basil spike after the flowers have dried up and the spike itself has turned brown. This will typically occur...
Senin, 30 Agustus 2010
Harvesting Parsley
Choosing a method for harvesting parsley is always a judgment call. Parsley is the little black dress of the herb patch. It can work with lots and lots of dishes, is a very green, bushy little plant that looks good in the garden and is relatively easy...
Minggu, 29 Agustus 2010
Harvesting Basil
Harvesting basil for winter access is fragrant fun. Your patch of fresh basil, catnip, parsley, oregano and rosemary can be bountiful contributors to your winter herb stash if you have a few hours to spare.Over the next few weeks, we'll cover...
Jumat, 27 Agustus 2010
Beating Bedbugs Naturally
The admonition ". . .and don’t let the bed bugs bite." was never truer than it is today when super pesticide resistant bedbugs are taking a bite out of a record number of unprotected sleepers. Barring a few super noxious and possibly illegal chemical...
Senin, 23 Agustus 2010
And Thanks for Your Support!
Over the weekend, I posted about the looming fall gardening season and my personal herb gardening journey. To be honest, every time I write something personal -- as in not dealing exclusively with how to grow and use herbs, I feel a little guilty. ...
Sabtu, 21 Agustus 2010
My Herb Walkabout (Journey)
Another summer will be winding down soon. A few mornings this week I could even smell fall in the air. Although every season has its rewards, I can't help but stop and think about time passing as I start rummaging around for envelopes to store seeds...
Sabtu, 07 Agustus 2010
How to Dry Citrus Peel
I particularly like the idea of drying citrus peel for use in recipes and in potpourri. I think of it as an eco-friendly way to make use of everything and that can be a uniquely satisfying approach to herbal gardening, cooking and crafting.This is really...
Selasa, 03 Agustus 2010
Using and Growing Lemon Eucalyptus
Lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) has a scent similar to that of lemon verbena, lemon balm and even lemon thyme, but the fragrance is stronger and more pungent. It isn't a typical herb, though. It's really a tree in the eucalyptus family that...
Senin, 26 Juli 2010
Ginger Shampoo Recipe
If you love the scent of ginger, this simple shampoo recipe is for you. Ginger stimulates circulation because it increases blood flow to the scalp, so using ginger shampoo regularly may help to promote healthier hair that will grow faster and resist...
Sabtu, 24 Juli 2010
10 Reasons to Grow Herbs
10. They're easy to grow -- so easy that in some places they're considered weeds.9. Many herbs can attract good insects to the garden (because they have a strong aroma/scent) and repel undesirable ones.8. From appetizers to desserts, they make inspired...
Senin, 12 Juli 2010
Advice About Japanese Beetles (and a Ray of Hope)
During the summer months I get hundreds of visitors a day looking for a way to get rid of Japanese beetles without resorting to hash chemicals. Japanese beetles are a frustrating pest, and there are few easy answers to getting rid of them. If you have...
Watering Plants on Hot Summer Days
Giving your plants enough water during the hottest part of a summer day can be a challenge. Make a Plant Water ReservoirIf I'm going on holiday or temperatures are soaring, I have a quick trick that will help you keep your patio and deck plants hydrated.Fill...
Kamis, 08 Juli 2010
Homemade Sloppy Joe Seasoning Recipe
I like to make sloppy Joes in fall and winter. This recipe is the result of quite a bit of trial and error over the years. I like it because it's spicy and has something for everyone in the family.Sloppy Joe Seasoning Recipe2 T Onion powder2 T Paprika1...
Morning Snippets from the Heart of a Summer Garden
I'm watching a bumblebee headed out looking for his next big score.He has a stumbling pace and a dogged persistence the way he harries the geraniums, making his lumbering approach like a helicopter. . .one pass . . . two. . .and then touchdown and a...
Rabu, 07 Juli 2010
How to Make Cocktail Sauce
When you're ready to boil up some peel and eat shrimp, the last thing you want is to discover you're low on cocktail sauce. This simple cheat will make great sauce in seconds and save you money too. Money Saving Tip: Just pick up store brand ketchup...
Selasa, 06 Juli 2010
Sweet and Sassy Summer Snacks
Sassy Sun TeaIf you read my sun tea post, you'll know how to make a tasty tea from your favorite fresh herbs using a little time and sunlight. One way to sweeten things up and create tea a party favorite is by adding equal parts apple juice to your...
Senin, 05 Juli 2010
Herbal Sun Tea Recipes and Instructions
Now that high summer has arrived, it's time to brew up some refreshing herbal sun tea. Let nature do all the work and harvest a refreshing and healthy glass of tea for your late afternoon or evening meal. Here's how:How to Brew Herbal Sun TeaGrab your...
Jumat, 25 Juni 2010
Tidbits From Around the Web
If you're growing basil in your herb patch (and we hope you are), there have been problems the last couple of years with basil blight, and this invasive threat is on the move. The East and Midwest have been affected so far, and the airborne spores of...
Selasa, 22 Juni 2010
Hyssop Tea Recipe
Have a sinus headache? Allergies have you sniffling and miserable? Got a cold you just can't shake? Feel better with a steaming cup of hyssop tea. Hyssop has been the herb of choice in treating upper respiratory problems for centuries. It can clear...
How to Grow Hyssop
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a hearty perennial shrub in the mint family that has a spiky, upright habit and narrow tongue-like leaves. It's a dark, vibrant green when it gets enough nourishment, and sports small, vibrant blue flowers (some variations...
Minggu, 13 Juni 2010
How to Grow Pineapple Sage
Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) is an underrated herb in the garden. It doesn't need much attention, but has a lot to offer. It will grow up to five feet tall, and its bright leaves are a delicate shade of green all summer long. It produces long,...
Sabtu, 05 Juni 2010
A Late Spring Saturday in the Garden
This late spring Saturday is pretty hectic around the old homestead. What with putting up floating row covers to foil squash beetles and keeping a keen eye out for Japanese beetles, not to mention the hordes of other insects that persist in behaving...
Kamis, 03 Juni 2010
Herb Fun From Around the Web
Just so you have all the information you need to make the best medicinal use of your herbs and spices, I have a few web pages for you to look at. Tape copies of these to your fridge. They'll be useful year round:Surprising Healing Benefits of Spices10...
Kamis, 27 Mei 2010
Super Homemade Herbal Insect Spray
If you've got lots of bugs and want a super bug killing solution without resorting to dangerous chemicals, let a few herbs help. I put this herbal bug spray together last year and certainly helped with whitefly, mosquitoes and aphids.Bugs hate it. ...
Selasa, 25 Mei 2010
Marigold Bug Spray
Marigold bug spray, and organic bug spray made with French marigold flowers(Tagetes patula) discourages asparagus beetles, whitefly, tomato hornworms, mosquitoes, and lots of other crawling and flying bugs.It's a nice alternative to stinkier sprays like...
Sabtu, 22 Mei 2010
Make Herbal Mosquito Repellent
You can make yourself, and your yard, less sweet-smelling to mosquitoes by employing four traditional herbs: ParsleyGarlicCatnipMarigoldYou can use them as a spray with either a vinegar or water base. A garlic and pepper spray follows, but in a pinch...
Jumat, 21 Mei 2010
Companion Planting Herbs
If you've been playing around with the idea of companion planting herbs, I have a few ideas for you.Herbs Make Amazing Companion PlantsHere's why:They're easy to grow, and most varieties will adapt to the soil that's available.Many herbs are fragrant...
Senin, 10 Mei 2010
What Caught My Eye
From bees that build nests out of flower petals to some truly fine tips on taking better photos, there's a lot of spring activity in the cyber-garden.I spent my weekend feeding peonies, thinning out oregano and weeding around my lavender bushes. It...
Sabtu, 08 Mei 2010
Herb Markers
It's remarkable how many folks end up visiting my blog because they're stumped for an easy (or more attractive) way to identify their herb plants.Well, actually not so remarkable if you think about it. Many immature herbs lack a distinctive fragrance,...
Rabu, 05 Mei 2010
Growing Marijuana (Grow Cannabis)
I'm not advocating growing illegal substances, but it's always nice to see folks so passionate about their herbs. Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) is a greedy crop that needs plenty of nutrients and lots of light. It doesn't like acidic soil.Growing marijuana...
Selasa, 04 Mei 2010
How to Keep Plants from Bolting
One bane of fast growing herbs is that they bolt quickly when the weather starts to warm up. Bolting is the process of rapid growth (sometimes looking leggy and spindly), flowering and setting seeds. When most plants enter this phase, they stop producing...
Jumat, 30 April 2010
The Magnificent Mint Mojito
I'm waxing a bit poetic, but if you like mint, rum and lime, this Cuban cocktail was made for you. It's refreshing on a hot day with just the hint of a citrus bite to keep it interesting. On Kentucky Derby day, this wonderful little drink makes a...
Selasa, 27 April 2010
Garden Tips and News From Around the Web
It's time for a little more link love and I have some goodies for you.Here's a great garden seed planting chart (mostly for veggies) that will help you know how much space you'll need for the yields you have in mind: Seed Planting ChartTake a moment...
Senin, 26 April 2010
5 More Herb Recommendations for Your Garden This Year
I have a few more suggestions for your herb patch this season. Some of them are a little unexpected, but they're part of what makes herb gardening such a special gardening pursuit. Most of these offerings are pretty easy to grow once you get them started,...
Minggu, 25 April 2010
Herbs Can Save You Money in the Kitchen
Herbs can save you money in the kitchen. They'll help you eat healthier too. A few simple tricks can make keeping an herb garden a boon for your family and your pocketbook. An average American family spends about 10% of its annual income on food. Saving...
Sabtu, 24 April 2010
Thoughts on a Sunday Garden
If you garden, or just like garden plants, Sundays have a particular appeal. After the paper, church, the cartoons, or your favorite hangover treatment, the greenery starts to beckon you outdoors. It's a special, dreamy time that's part chores and...
Rabu, 21 April 2010
Save Money in the Laundry with Herbs and Household Solutions
It's time for another herb focused money saving tip.A few years ago my family started getting soap related rashes, so I began cutting back on the amount of laundry soap I use per load. This turned out to be an economical move that doesn't have a down...
Selasa, 20 April 2010
Herb Potting Tips
Before you get your herbs up and going this spring, you may want to do some pot maintenance and get your supplies together. I like keeping herbs in pots as well as in their own dedicated patch (and almost anywhere else I can find). One advantage of...
Minggu, 18 April 2010
Herb Fun From Around the Web
I occasionally find some amazing recipes, herb lore and fun stuff in my travels. I'd like to share some link love with you. It may help get you through a tough week or give you some added enthusiasm for working in the garden this weekend:Dandelion...
Sabtu, 17 April 2010
Growing Corsican Mint
Mints are easy to grow, fragrant and useful in the kitchen. They're also pretty to look at if you're into lush greenery with "benefits".Although old favorites like spearmint, peppermint and chocolate mint get everyone excited, especially around mojito...
Minggu, 11 April 2010
Inexpensive Gardening Strategies
When you love to garden it's easy to get carried away with the latest gadget, lust after those adorable prefab greenhouses or just want a set of shiny new tools every year. Although new toys are fun, gardening can be less expensive than you think. ...
Selasa, 06 April 2010
10 Herbs for Your Spring Garden
Try these herbs for spring planting. Spring herbs can be some of the most satisfying plants in the garden. They typically germinate quickly or leaf out fast from their winter dormancy. They are also some of the signature flavors of our favorite warm...
Senin, 29 Maret 2010
How to Make Organic Soap Using Soapwort
There are a number of great concoctions for using soapwort (Saponaria officinalis), and you can find many recipes on the web. When I was in college, my Godmother shared her recipe with me. She lived in California and kept lots of herbs on her property....
Minggu, 28 Maret 2010
Growing Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis)
Growing soapwort may be a very nice way for you to incorporate some eco-friendly cleaning practices into your household chores while inviting an attractive and low-maintenance plant to your herb patch. When you press this useful herb into service as...
Senin, 22 Maret 2010
Top 10 Most Overlooked Herbs
Every season I take an inventory of the herb plants I want to try cultivating. This usually involves a walk around the garden to see which plants managed to overwintered well, and also an inventory of indoor refugees from last year that managed to survive...
Selasa, 16 Maret 2010
What Soil Do I Need for Herbs?
This is one question that comes up again and again with beginning herb gardeners. It's a great question too. There's nothing like getting started on the right foot -- and with gardening, soil is important.The great thing about most herbs is that poor...
Minggu, 14 Maret 2010
Using Herbs in Your Flower Arrangements
When you grow herbs, it's easy to find ways to use them around the house. Besides cooking, crafting and the occasional home remedy, herbs make great décor items.One of my favorite ways to use and display herbs is in decorative vases with whatever flowers...
Minggu, 07 Maret 2010
Make Lavender Liquid Hand Soap
This season I'd like to add occasional tips about using herbs to make common household chores and activities more pleasant, eco-friendly or inexpensive. Over the years, I've tried lots of ways to incorporate herbs into my daily life. Some have worked...
Kamis, 04 Maret 2010
How to Make a Rain Barrel for Your Herb Garden
Making a rain barrel can help you spare the environment and provide a refreshing drink for the plants in your herb garden without it costing you an arm and a leg. Harvesting rainwater is like getting free water. All you have to do is come up with a...
Selasa, 02 Maret 2010
Straw Bale Gardening With Herbs
If you want a nice raised bed but don't have the time, resources or energy to invest in cultivating it, there may be a fast, fun solution that can help. If you're having back problems that are keeping you from enjoying your garden plot, then getting...
Kamis, 11 Februari 2010
Free Herb Seed Catalogs and Spring Seed Advise
While so many of us are dealing with the harsh winter weather, it's nice to consider that spring really is just around the corner. Grab those seed catalogs and hold the good thought.If you have some seeds left over in packets from previous years, don't...
