Blog Archives

Best Way to Choose Herbs for Flower Arrangements

Many herbs are obvious candidates for flower arrangements. Fragrant roses growing in the garden beg to be cut and brought indoors. The sunny, round flowers of calendula come in varied shades of yellow and orange. Feverfew’s abundant, dainty white daisies make excellent filler flowers. The tousled mops of bee balm… Continue Reading…

Best Way to Treat Different Kinds of Respiratory Tract Problems with Herbs

Colds, mild flu, and sinus congestion

While in the past sorrel and yellow dock were used to relieve congestion of the nasal passages arising from infection, today the most popular herbs for tackling colds and flu are echinacea and garlic. Echinacea has been approved by Commission E for both boosting… Continue Reading…

Best Way to Use Herbs as Ground Cover

Many low-growing herbs can be effective in the ornamental garden as ground cover. Creeping thyme, for example, makes a flat green mat of foliage, and in summer offers its small mauve blooms for extra show. In a border it hugs the ground at the feet of taller plants, suppressing weeds… Continue Reading…

Best Way to Understand the Growing Conditions for Herbs

Success with growing herbs in the garden improves when you plant them in the growing conditions they prefer – that is, the soil and site of their natural habitat. Many herbs prefer well-drained or very well-drained soil. Those such as lavender that are at home in the wild on rocky… Continue Reading…

Best Way to Treat Different Kinds of Skin Problems with Herbs

Rashes and other skin irritations

Various soothing herbs may provide some relief for irritated or itchy skin. Witch hazel is recommended to soothe rashes and other skin irritations: use the bark for tinctures and ointments, and the bark and leaves for an infusion that you can apply as a… Continue Reading…

Best Way to Propagate Herbs

How you propagate a herb will be determined by the type or plant it is. It may be an annual, which completes its life cycle in one growing season; a biennial, which flowers and dies in the second growing season after germination; a perennial, which lives for at least three… Continue Reading…

Best Way to Prevent Different Kinds of Diseases When Growing Herbs

Damping Off

Stems of seedlings rot at soil level. To prevent, water seedling trays from the bottom and maintain good air circulation and soil drainage. Cover seeds sown indoors or directly in the garden with a thin layer of finely milled sphagnum moss (available at garden centres).

Downy Mildew Continue Reading…

Best Way to Learn the Basics of Growing Herbs

Any gardener can enjoy home-grown herbs and their abundant ornamental and useful qualities. When planted in the conditions they prefer, herbs are easy to grow, and they are simple to harvest and preserve for home use. Whether you have a large plot devoted to herbs, a medium-sized garden in which… Continue Reading…

Best Way to Improve Your Health with Herbs

Why do we use herbs in food? In the past, some herbs – such as garlic – acted as preservatives as well as giving flavour. This double duty was useful in the days before refrigeration. Today the main reason for using herbs is to provide flavour that enhances food. Herbs… Continue Reading…

Best Way to Enhance Your Working Environment with Herbs

Although they may seem out of place in an office, herbs can do much to enhance your working environment. Particular varieties of herb have been shown to invigorate and uplift the mind, aiding concentration and inspiration. Keep a pot of fresh herbs on your desk or near your work area,… Continue Reading…