Through the Grapevine Snippets of Herbal Insight..

To enjoy fresh herbs throughout the coming season, you may want to consider growing herbs such as basil, parsley and cilantro, much the way you would lettuce in the garden. Sow a new row every two weeks and remember to pinch back for optimum fullness. You can continue to start seeds right into the first of July and any remaining plants can always be lifted and brought indoors at the end of the season. You will be amazed at the speed in which your herbs will grow once the soil is heated up and the days are at their longest.

Of course a large patch of leafy vegetation is sure to attract some unwanted diners, so keep reading... One of the best slug deterrents is a mixture of crushed egg shells and left-over coffee grounds. Spread the mixture around the base of your plants.

One of my all-time favourite spring herbs has to be Sweet Cicely Myrrhis odorata. The licorice flavoured stems make a lovely treat that the kids enjoy chewing. The taste is very much like that of the "black balls" that I used to enjoy. Despite any relapse in cooler weather, the Cicely, once it has received its spring cue, will continue to sprout up from the ground in huge thick stalks with anise-scented leaves that will perfume the garden until the snow returns.

Sweet Cicely grows well in some shade along the edge of a forested ridge in my garden. You know spring has arrived when you see the green of this robust perennial pushing its way through the blanket of leaves.

Until next time
Submitted By Janette

Janette will be celebrating ten years of herbs this summer.

Topics:

Natural & Herbal Remedies

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