"Growing Herbs - Part 2"

When growing herbs, very few insects or diseases attack them.

Pests can come in many sizes, and may require different strategies for controlling them. If you are troubled by large animals, such as rabbits that are eating your foliage, you may want to consider a fencing strategy, placing a protective barrier between your herbs in these animals.

Generally, the aromatic herbs are not bothered as much by pests as other herbs are. The first task you are facing is to identify what kind of pest it is.

Here are some ways you can eliminate pests from your garden when growing herbs.

One strategy is to plant additional 'companion' plans that function to keep your garden pest-free.

For example, garlic is a useful herb that provides protection from Japanese beetles and aphids. Plant garlic near the plants, but, additionally, mix some garlic with water to spray directly on the plants themselves.

Another herb that deters troublesome pests, both above and below the ground is calendula. It is a wonderful herb for controlling insects, so plant extra to ensure the success of your garden.

Mint also has a deterrent effect. It is effective against insects such as aphids and flea beetles. You should be able to find a variety of mints at most garden nurseries, all of them equally effective. Lavender is a useful herb for repelling moths.

Plan to check your garden daily for the presence of pests and, if found, either pick them off by hand, or treat the area before it grows into a much larger problem.

A soapy spray is good for treating sucking insects. Dissolve some soap in water, and spray directly on any affected plant.

Depending on the herb, different plant parts may be harvested.

Often, you will harvest the leaves, but you may also pick off flowers or roots.

Once dried, most herbs lose their potency in two or three years. Discard them if not used them in that time.

You may cut leaves from each particular plant as needed. You can also harvest blossoms at the same time you harvest the leaves.

Usually, you should cut stems for harvesting when the flower buds are just starting to open.

For some herbs, you can cut the leaves off of the stems before drying them. This includes the herbs basil, dill, lemon balm, mint, sage and tarragon.

Herbs that have smaller leaves can be dried directly on the stem. Herbs in this group include: marjoram, oregano, thyme, rosemary and winter and summer savory.

After harvesting your herbs, you should immediately wash them in cool water, subsequently spreading them out on towels, patting them until dry. A dark, well ventilated room, with the temperature ranging between 70° and 90° best.

The herbs should be completely dried within three or four days.

If the weather is humid, you can place them on a cookie sheet in the oven at a temperature of 125° for several minutes before storing them in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place.

Echinacea - Echinacea is a popular medicinal herb that can grow in most types of soil and most types of conditions. It is a hardy, easy to grow plant, with beautiful flowers and long stems. It blooms from early to late summer.

Basil - Basil is an annual plant that will grow to a height of around 18 inches with small, white, moderately broad leaves. It is best started from seed planted directly in the ground after danger of all frost has passed. Its leaves can be picked approximately 6 weeks after planting. Basil is a popular cooking herb, commonly added to tomato dishes.

Catnip - Catnip is a hardy perennial that grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet. Its heart shaped leaves are green on top and gray on bottom. When young, they are quite attractive. However, as they become older, they become scraggly and are best planted as a background plant. Catnip leaves are often used to make tea.

Coriander - Coriander is an annual plant that grows to a height of about 2 feet tall. It's finely divided leaves have a strong smell and an unpleasant taste. Its seeds, however, have a delicious taste and odor and are often used to add flavor to confections.

Dill - Dill is an annual plant that has bluish-green stems with yellow-green leaves and yellow flowers. When fully grown, it is 2 to 3 feet in height These plants should be sown in full sun, each row spaced some 3 feet apart. The seeds are frequently used as a condiment, to add extra flavor to foods. They may be used for cheese spreads and for vegetable dishes.

Lavender - Lavender is one of the most popular herbs because of the fragrance of its flowers. It is frequently used for many perfumes. It has many branches, and will grow to a height of 1 to 3 feet tall. It grows best in rocky, dry, sunny areas with limey soil.

Rosemary - Rosemary is an excellent perennial herb for beginning gardeners. It is a hardy evergreen shrub that grows best in areas where the temperature stays above 5°F. It is a beautiful ornamental plant as well as a useful seasoning for foods.

If you are new to growing herbs, pick the herbs you enjoy using the most. If you've never grown herbs before, relax; they're easy to grow, even for beginning gardeners.

If you're willing to do a little work, you can reap a bountiful harvest of herbs for cooking, medicinal or other purposes.

Perhaps you would like some fresh mint for your tea, or some echinacea to help fend off colds. Regardless of which herbs you choose, I hope that growing herbs is a rewarding experience for you.

*References:
Rothenberger, Ray. R. "Growing Herbs at Home." The Savvygardener. 7/30/09. Available http://www.savvygardener.com/Features/herbs.html

West Virginia University Extension Service. "Growing Herbs in the Home Garden." 7/30/09. Available http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/hortcult/herbs/ne208hrb.htm

Trinklein, David H. "Growing Herbs at Home." University of Missouri Extension. 7/30/09. Available http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=g6470

Jeanroy., Amy. "Why Do I Need Garden Pest Control?." About.com. 7/30/09. Available http://herbgardens.about.com/od/pests/a/RepelPests.htm

"HERBS." Ohio State University Extension. 7/30/09. Available http://www.hcs.ohio-state.edu/mg/manual/herb.htm

"INDOOR HERB GROWING TIPS." Chow.com. 7/30/09. Available http://www.chow.com/stories/11580/2

"Tips for Growing Medicinal Herbs." Seeds of Change. 7/30/09. Available http://www.seedsofchange.com/enewsletter/issue_36/herb_garden_tips.aspx