When the garden is dormant and the weather grim, using herbs you’ve harvested and preserved is a good way to keep the memory of summer alive. There are a number of ways to store herbs for the winter, and a few things to keep in mind as you do it. Harvest herbs when they’re in their prime and on dry days. Ideally, pick them in the morning after the dew has dried but before … [Read more...] about How to preserve herbs
basil
Microgreens give taste of summer all winter
Now that the season of cold and wet has roared in, we need to say a sad farewell to fresh herbs like basil and crisp, fresh salad greens . . . or do we? While it’s possible to keep some herbs and greens going outdoors in most climates — especially in cold frames — the ultimate luxury is growing microgreens indoors, ready for any meal, anytime. Think of it: You wouldn’t … [Read more...] about Microgreens give taste of summer all winter
6 secrets to abundance in the edible garden
Barbecues, salads and impromptu snacking are among the many joys of summer — and what’s better than grabbing what you need from your very own garden? But in the hot, hazy heat of July and August, do we really want to work hard at it? I think not. Given the choice of choosing something tough to grow or super simple, I’ll recommend the lazier route every time. Here are some … [Read more...] about 6 secrets to abundance in the edible garden
‘Italian Cameo’ basil
Inspired with the success of last summer’s dwarf tomato plants (grown in deck containers), I’ve decided to branch out into dwarf basil, a natural complement to the tomatoes in the kitchen and also ornamental on the deck. I’ve selected ‘Italian Cameo’ basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Italian Cameo’, from reneesgarden.com), for its large leaves on dwarf plants. The cultivar was bred in … [Read more...] about ‘Italian Cameo’ basil
My small basil farm
I always include a basket (or three!) of basil on the deck, where three hours of sun seem to be enough for leafy herbs like basil, dwarf dill and parsley to make a good showing. Anything that makes a fruit, such as tomato and eggplant, goes near the front steps where sunlight lasts longer. Last year I grew an Italian basil and ruffled ‘Lettuce Leaf’ basil in containers, … [Read more...] about My small basil farm
