Herbs and Me

Herbal "Earl Grey"

2008-03-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe in a Reader Digest book. I think it tastes great on a cold rainy day:) I hope you like it too!

Herbal "Earl Grey"

1 tsp Black tea

3 tsp young fresh Bee Balm leaves

2 cups Boiling water

Place boiling water in teapot Infuse for 5 minutes. Strain before drinking.

You can substitue 1 tsp Hibiscus flower for the Bee Balm. (Yum!)

~Enjoy~

Using Herbs in your Home

2008-03-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is Friday all ready. This week has flown right by. I didn't get into the garden once this week it rained almost everyday. I have been reading many books about herbs which I really enjoy! I found a great article about keeping Herbal fragrance in your home. I have always been a big fan of sachets and Lavender bags. In the winter time it is nice to bring in Herbs that remind us of Spring or Summer. Since it has been raining I thought I would remind myself that Spring is right around the corner:)

Lavender Bags: These are small handmade bags made from scrap fabric, you can also use fancy lace this looks pretty. Cut out a shape and stitch leaving open a small hole to place your Herbs. (You should use dried herbs for this) You don't have to use only Lavender. You can use a mixture of herbs or just one Herb. Be creative! I have heard many people place them in their pillow cases for a dreamy sleep.

Herb Bundles: I love making Herb bundles:) You can use any herb wrapping your herbs together with string. ( you should use dried herbs for this) Lemon Balm works great! I place them dressers they make everything smell lemony fresh.

Potpourri: This is the most common way to use dried Herbs. I enjoy placing a handful of dried herbs in a beautiful bowl. Every once in a while you should crunch them up to keep there scent flowing.

~Happy Gardening~

House Keeping with Herbs

2008-03-27T08:11:00.001-07:00

I really don't enjoy cleaning as much as I enjoy working in the garden but when I do clean I try to use many of my herbs. I really don't like using chemical household cleaning products they really are not good for you. Here is one way to use herbs in your home to clean with and you just might enjoy cleaning even more:) I know I do!

Rosemary disinfectant: Simmer Rosemary leaves and small stems for about 30 minutes in water. *Remember* The less water that you use the more concentrated this disinfectant will be. Strain the leaves and small stems. I place mine in a spray bottle clearly labeled. You can use this to clean the bathroom sink, bath tub, kitchen sink, etc. this will keep in the refrigerator for about a week.

**I sometimes add a little dish washing liquid for a little bit more scrubbing power

***Always test on a small spot to prevent a staining to a surface.

You can use many Herbs to make cleaning sprays. You can use Lavender, Sage, and Thyme. You can use the flower, stem and leaves.

I hope you try this Household cleaning spray. Let me know what herbs you use and how use them to clean your home.

~Happy Gardening~

Using Herbs to control Pests

2008-03-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

There are so many ways to get rid of household pests. I personally use herbs as much as I can. Here are a few ways I control Pests.

Ants: Place sprigs of Pennyroyal, Rue or Tansy on shelves or in cupboards to deter ants. Crush the leaves occasionally to release more of their wonderful scent. Now this won't kill ants but encourages them to move along and not stay away.

Flies: There are many Herbs that deter flies such as Elder, Lavender, Mint, Mugwort, Peppermint, and Rue. Bundle them up and place or hang near windows.

Mice: Mint and Tansy will keep mice away. (Again no harm will come to them just deterring them away from your home)

Weevils: Placing a bay leaves in your flour bag or rice bin will prevent weevils.

I hope you try some of these idea's to prevent pests coming into your home. I try to find ways to use herbs in my home everyday. If you have any ideas I would love to hear them:)

~Happy Gardening~

Cooking with Herbs Part 1

2008-03-26T07:46:00.000-07:00

I have many people ask me how to use Herbs in cooking. I want to show you a few ways to use Herbs in your everyday meals.

Herbs for soup:

Potato soup: You can add bay leaves, caraway, or parsley.

Tomato: You can add basil, dill, marjoram, oregano, tarragon, and thyme.

Pea: You can add basil, borage, dill, marjoram, mint(my favorite) , parsley, rosemary, savory, thyme.

Minestrone: You can add basil, rosemary, thyme.

**********************************************************************************
Herbs for Vegetables:

Artichokes: bay leaves, savory, tarragon

Carrots: chervil, parsley

Brussels sprouts: dill, sage, savory

Cabbage: borage, caraway, dill seed, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, sage, savory, sweet cicely, thyme.

Cauilflower: chives, dill leaf and seed, fennel, rosemary.

Green beans: dill (yum) marjoram, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, savory, tarragon, thyme.

Lentils: garlic, mint, parsley, savory, sorrel.

Mushrooms: basil, dill, lemon balm, marjoram, parsley, rosemary, salad burnet, savory, tarragon, thyme.

Here is a small list of soups and vegetables that you can add herbs to make a wonderful meal. You can mix and match when it comes to cooking with Herbs. Don't be afraid to try something new.

~Happy Gardening~

More Herbs and a Recipe

2008-03-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

Today is going to be a rather warm day. It is suppose to be in the 60's. I am hoping to cut back all the dead leaves off my herbs. I am also going to try to get my new beds ready for planting hopefully in a few weeks? Our frost date is usually mid-May. I want to get a few new things planted. I often get too excited and then many things get killed off by a hard freeze. I am still learning patience:)

More Herbs for *2008 *

I grew Parsley last year and boy did it get big. I would love to grow more of it. I really enjoy cooking fish and adding fresh parsley. (Yum)

We have our garlic already planted it is looking great! We have used all that we dried for the winter. I am looking forward to fresh Garlic again.

Lemon Balm one of my very favorite herbs. I have a little that grew last year but it didn't seem to grow as well as I wanted. I am hoping to have a lot more of it this year. (Look for recipe below)

Dill I have never grown this wonderful herb. I am hoping to have a place for some this year. I have had dill on Salmon this is so good!

I have a wonderful recipe for Lemon Balm Cheesecake

Pastry

1 cup all purpose flour

pinch a salt

4 Tbsp margarine cut into small pieces

Filling (YUM)

4 Tbsp margarine

2 Tbsp Honey

12 oz cream cheese

2 eggs beaten

6 Tbsp very finely chopped Lemon Balm

Preheat Oven 400 F

For Pastry: Sift flour and salt into a bowl. Rub in the margarine until the mixture resembles fine bread crumbs. Add enough water to make a soft dough. Roll out to line a 7-inch quiche (or baking pan). Bake unfilled for 15 minutes

For Filling: beat the margarine, honey and cream cheese together in a bowl until soft and creamy. Beat eggs and fold in the Lemon Balm. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 F

Pour the filling into the pastry shell. Bake 45 minutes until the filling is golden and set (keep an eye on this) Serve with fresh whipped cream. Yum!!

I really hope you try this recipe:)

I am so excited about this years Herb Garden. I really enjoy sharing mine with all of you. I hope you all are getting excited too! I would love to hear about what you all are growing.

~Happy Gardening~

I am Back...... Plans for 2008 and a recipe

2008-03-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

Well I am back. The weather here in Ky is finally warming up a bit and I am thinking about Spring! I have many plans for my herb garden this year. We are also going to build a chicken coop which is very exciting. I am sorry about not replying to all the comments. I have been busy through the winter months. I am hoping to be able to comment on "new" comments. Thank you for all that comments and questions. I did read every one of them:)

I am hoping some of the herbs I grew last year will come back up this year. We will have to wait and see. We had really dry weather last summer I am not real sure what survived.

2008 plans for my Herb Garden

Basil (Italian) Did you know if you place a pot on your windowsill it help help deter deer flies.

Tarragon ( this one should be fun)

I would like to try Lavender (I will have to see if I can grow it by seed) or find some healthy plants. I have never grown Lavender so I am very excited to grow it!

I have Mint (Spearmint)growing and I am sure it will come back you can hardly ever kill mint:)

I did have Lemon Balm I will have to see how it comes back?

I hope my Cinnamon Basil made it. I just love this herb Yum! If you don't have this in your herb bed you should.

I would also like to try some Catnip. Did you know people can enjoy this herb too. Catnip contains vitamin C it is great to relieve colds and fevers. It can also be used to help with headaches and up-set stomachs. Let me know if you grow this wonderful herb:)

I also grew Oregano not sure if this one will come back but I hope so. I Love this on Pizza Yum!

Well I have a few more herbs to add but that will have to wait until next time. I wanted to give you a really great recipe that I enjoyed over the winter.

Rosemary Cheese Fingers:

4 tbsp butter

2 cups rolled oats

1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese grated (Buy the good stuff)

1 egg, beaten

1 tbsp chopped Rosemary (fresh is best)

pinch of cayenne

salt

Preheat oven 350

Melt butter in saucepan. Place remaining ingredients in a bowl and mix in the butter.

Press mixture into greased 8 inch square baking pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes. Cut into fingers or squares. This makes 12 slices. Just writing this recipe makes me want to make some YUM!!

I hope you enjoy this recipe. It is so good to be back blogging. I can't wait to write more about my garden and I can't wait to see what this year brings in my Herb Garden. Please send me your comments. I would love to know what kinds of herbs your growing and how you use them in your daily life.

~Happy Gardening

Extend the Season? Moving Herbs Indoors

2007-08-20T15:29:00.000-07:00

It is still so hot and dry here in Kentucky that I am already thinking about the summers end to many of my annual herbs, such as basil.

I am hoping to protect them from the temperatures that will dip below freezing.You can do this by digging carefully around your plant to avoid damaging them and prepare them for transplanting and moving your plant indoors where it should continue growing through the winter season.

Transfering your plant: Place your Herbs root ball into a accommodating container. Fill around the root ball with "fresh potting soil". Give your Herb plant a good drink making sure to chase away any unwanted pests off the plant. I place my Herbs under a plant light so that they will get enough light during the day. Herbs need to get at least 6 hours of sun or light daily.

I hope you start thinking about your Herbs now so you can be ready to protect,cover- up or bring them in during the winter seasons.

Happy Gardening!

New Potatoes with Fresh Mint Dressing

2007-08-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

It is a hot day here in Ky so I made a big pot of New Potatoes with Fresh Mint Dressing. Why don't you give it a try tonight.

New Potatoes with Fresh Mint Dressing

Cut 1 1/2 lbs small potatoes in half length wise; cook them in a hot frying pan for about 6 minutes on each side. (I spray my pan with a little olive oil)

Dressing: meanwhile mix a finely grated rind and juice of 2 limes with 8 tablespoons olive oil.

Toss warm potatoes in the dressing, season to taste; then add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint stir together and Enjoy!

Happy Gardening!

Herb Pizza

2007-08-14T17:28:00.000-07:00

I hope you are not too tired of my recipes but during these last few dog days of summer. I have been cooking up a storm. Here is a great way to use a few of your favorite herbs Italian style.

Herb Pizza

Make or buy a pizza crust (I have done both) (This will make enough for two pizza's)

Brush crust with olive oil, then add fresh crushed tomatoes (YUM)

1 Tablespoon chopped basil (Again Yum!)

2 teaspoons fresh oregano

6 oz sliced mozzarella cheese or your cheese of choice

4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Bake this in a 425 preheated oven for 15 minutes then reduce heat to 350 for the last 5 minutes.

This so good with a nice toss salad. I hope you too are enjoying your dog days of summer.

Happy Gardening,

Green bean and Tomato Salad (with herbs)

2007-08-12T05:08:00.000-07:00

I love summer time because of all the fresh produce. We have been getting so many tomatoes that I wanted to find a recipe to use them and a few of my favorite herbs. So... Here is a great but unusual recipe using my favorite vegetables green beans and tomatoes. I hope you enjoy it! (This would be great to take to a picnic)

Green bean and Tomato Salad

Cook 8 oz green beans (fresh is always best)

Mix red and yellow tomatoes (cut into bite size pieces)

After green beans cooled a bit put green beans and tomatoes in a bowl and mix with a handful chopped mint, 1 chopped garlic clove and 4 tablespoons olive oil. Then add 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar. Mix well and season to taste. This could be served warm or cold.

I hope you make this recipe and WOW your friends.

Happy Gardening!

Basil Lemonade

2007-08-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

It sure has been Hot here in Kentucky.I have been trying to water my herbs daily. Although it has been hot My herb gardens look pretty good. The other day I made this wonderful lemonade and I would like to share it with you.

Basil Lemonade

Combine 1/2 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves and 3 tablespoons sugar.

Place in bowl and with wooden spoon crush leaves with the sugar until the leaves are throughly bruised. Then add 4 cups water and 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice. Stir until sugar is dissolved 1-2 minutes.

Taste and add more sugar if desired. Pour this through a fine strainer. Place lemonade into a nice glass pitcher and fill glasses with ice and Enjoy!

All Basils add fragrance to lemonade but colored and scented varieties contribute extra personality to your glass of lemonade.

Dark Purple Basil will give your lemonade a pretty pink tint but will add only a milder taste.

Lemon Basil adds that extra lemon flavor.

Cinnamon and Thai Basil (Which is my favorite) gives your lemonade a spicy flavor.

Happy Gardening!

Edible Flowers

2007-07-30T06:15:00.000-07:00

Our main garden and my herb garden is giving us many good things to eat. Did you know that many common herbs have edible flowers such as: borage, chives, marigolds and nasturtiums. These look great in a summer salad or just along your plate during a summer meal.

Nasturtiums are one of my favorite edible flowers. The nasturtium resembles a pansy in that they have flat faces and grow in many bright colors such as orange, scarlet red, bright pink and apricot. Their leaves are dark green an have a shape like parasol.(It is such a pretty Herb)

The whole herb is edible the leaves, stem, flowers, and its seeds. The flowers have a peppery flavor.

Nasturtiums are annuals so you will have to replant them every year. You can plant them by seed sown directly into the garden bed. We have started them by seed in-doors in flats about six weeks before we could plant them outdoors. This Herb enjoys full sun and good drainage. You can also plant this herb in container boxes and hanging baskets.

Don't forget the hummingbirds really like this herb so make sure you plant it near a window. So you can enjoy them enjoying the herb you planted.

I really hope you grow the herb nasturtium you will Wow you guests when you say "Yes you can eat the flower".

Happy Gardening

Creamy Herb Salad Dressing

2007-07-24T06:05:00.001-07:00

Our main garden is exploding with so many good things to eat. I found this wonderful salad dressing that adds a few of my favorite herbs. I hope you enjoy it.

Creamy Herb Salad Dressing

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

5 tablespoons plain yogurt

1 tablespoon vinger (cider works well)

2 tablespoons olive oil (vegetable works well)

1 tablespoon miced onion (garlic or chives work well)

1 teaspoon lime juice

1/2 teaspoon mustard (you could omit this)

4 tablespoons dill

1-2 tablespoons basil and tarragon

salt to taste

Mix well

If this dressing is too tart sweeten it with a little honey and warm water. I have also added some sugar for more sweeter taste. This is so good on a large salad with all the fixings.

Roasted Garlic Paste

2007-07-23T05:48:00.001-07:00

I have been reading many Organic Garden books lately trying to find ways to keep the slugs off my herbs. I found this great recipe for garlic paste. I myself love Garlic and this is a great way to use more of that wonderful garlic.

Roasted Garlic Paste

Make this versatile pesto from fresh garlic bulbs in mid-summer or dried bulbs in fall or winter.Garlic paste may be spread on toasted bread and topped with diced tomatoes to make bruschetta. Can you say Yum! How about spreading this over some thick slabs of tomatoes before broiling. Yum again! Place this paste on warm mashed potatoes (I can't stand it lets make some!)

you will need:

5 whole garlic bulbs

1/4 cup olive oil

3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil or parsley

salt to taste

Peel away the loose papery skin from garlic bulbs, leaving the whole bulb or head, intact. Oil a roasting dish small enough to hold garlic heads in one layer. Cover bottom of the dish with water. Roast garlic in 350 degree oven until soft, about 45 minutes, adding a bit more water if needed. Remove garlic and allow to cool. Separate and peel cloves, then squeeze out the garlic. Mash garlic with oil, salt and herbs until blended and creamy.

This is so good I really hope you all try it!

This will keep for up to two days, tightly covered, in the refrigerator.

Recipe provided by: Patrick Lima (The Organic Home Garden is his book)

Oregano

2007-07-20T07:55:00.000-07:00

Oregano is a perennial and it can be grown by seed or you can grow it using a cutting. It enjoys sunny locations and well drained soil. Some Oregano's grow up to 2 feet tall.

Oregano leaves have a plungent flavor (fresh or dried) It is wonderful in Italian dishes. I have read that Greek oregano grown from cuttings have the best flavor.

Oregano is very easy to grow from a cutting just take a new shoot about 3 inches long in late spring, when the young leaves have firmed enough not to wilt then place it into a pot of coarse sand. (it may take a few weeks) When well rooted you can then plant them out of the pot and put straight into the ground. Always leave at least 12 inches between them.

Oregano is a woody plant so you will have to cut the old wood at the end of winter before the new spring growth appears. This will promote new spring growth and that will give you a healthly plant. After about 4 years the plant will probably be too woody and you should just replace the plant with a new healthy plant.

Oregano should be harvested just as the plants are in full flower in the summer or early autumn. Cut the long stems, together with any flowerheads and hang them in bunches in a cool dry place. The leaves will start dropping when they dry so I place the bunches in a paper bag. When the leaves are crispy just run your fingers down the stems to collect all that wonderful dry oregano. Store in pretty airtight containers they should remain fresh for many many monthes. You can also freeze your oregano by chopping and adding a little water in a freezer bag or place in ice cube trays.

I love using fresh Oregano on Pizza, in soups, and tomato dishes.

Companion planting: Oregano has a strong attraction to honey bees.

I love growing Oregano in my herb garden I hope you give this herb a try!

Slugs and Snails

2007-07-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

I have been having a problem keeping the slugs off my herbs. Here are a few helpful hints that I have found that do work. ( Organic solutions )

I have found that Slugs tend to attack my herbs the same as caterpillars. Their favorites are young bergamot shoots and parsley. Slugs hide during the day and feed at night. Snails also hide during the day they usually hide in cool, moist and dark places.

You might have to go on a nocturnal hunt armed with a flashlight and a bucket of soapy water. I try to pick them as they come out. That does seem to help but I have read that you can use grapefruit peelings or a melon rind left on the ground. They will come to hang out there until morning.( you can then pick up peel or rind and throw them away peelings and all) You can also use crushed egg shells at the base of your plants. They don't like crawling on anything jagged.

If you have any other ideas I would love to hear from you:)

Peppermint Foot Soak

2007-07-14T05:25:00.001-07:00

When I come inside from a long day of gardening I really enjoy this Herbal Footbath.

~I hope you also enjoy it~

Peppermint Foot Soak

1/2 gallon water

8 cups fresh peppermint (I know that sounds like alot but it is worth it)

Bring water to a boil in a large pot; turn off the heat. Add fresh peppermint (I can already smell it Yum!) Cover with a tight lid and steep for 15 minutes. Transfer the brew to a basin. Add warm or cool water to make a comfortable soak. Sit outside or inside. Soak for atleast 10 minutes and relax!

Alternative Footbath:

Place marbles (Pebbles work too) in the bottom of a small tub. Add warm water and a handful of fresh rosemary or lavender sprigs. Massage your feet on the marbles or pebbles while the warm water releases the fresh scent of the herbs you have chosen.

Recipes provided by:Better Homes and Garden Herb Guide

Herbal First Aid

2007-07-14T05:01:00.000-07:00

It seems like in the summer I am always looking for more ways to use my herbs. I have found that many herbs in your garden can be used as first aid "Always use caution when using herbs for any treatment"

Sunburns: Many of us use Aloe Vera gel but you can also use lavender or mint in your bath to aid in soothing.

Bee, Wasp Sting or Mosquito Bite: Remove stinger then apply lavender oil

Heat Rash: Use Sage, Lavender and Lemon Balm in a bath. I always follow up with a little corn starch.

Minor cut: A little mashed up plantain or mashed up comfrey leaf.(Always use fresh)

Scrapes: Apply mashed up plantain or mashed up yarrow. I have read you can use rose geranium essential oil. Also thyme, calendula, and rosemary in a bath can be very soothing.

Thorn puncture: Apply mashed up plantain or comfrey.

When you are outside in your garden always wear gloves, shoes and a hat. Don't forget sunsceen and insect repellant.

*Do not use herbs to treat major or long-standing conditions.

*If you are taking prescription medicine, consult a doctor before using any herbal preparation.

Bath Salts

2007-07-12T06:52:00.000-07:00

Well I am now back from a nice long vacation from blogging. I have been weeding my garden and trying new herb recipes. I hope everyone is ready to learn more about some wonderful herbs.

Bath Salts

1/4 cup borax

1/2 cup Epsom salts

1/3 cup sea salt crystals

1 tablespoon orange peel (lemon works too)

2 tablespoons rose petals (dried)

1 tablespoon rosemary (dried)

5 drops rosemary oil

3 drops rose oil

Combine all ingredients; store in pretty jar or bottle. Add to your bath as desired.

Recipe provided by: Martha Paul

Garlic

2007-06-28T05:55:00.000-07:00

Garlic is a wonderful herb but many think it is a vegetable. This Herb is a perennial, it enjoys full sun and grows about 3 feet tall. It has long flat leaves measuring about 1 inch across and 12 inches long. The flower appears being a compact collection of mauve tinted white petals. These blossoms can be used fresh or dried in floral arrangements.

Spring is the best time for growing garlic. Separate the bulblets and keep them upright with the root end downward,press them into the soil 2 inches deep.This would be a good time to add organic matter if the soil is poor. Plant every 6 inches and water well. After awhile spear-like gray green leaves appear and then will come flower stalkes, each with a long swelling bud at the end. As the stalks lengthen and the buds will grow plumper, they eventually burst into flower.

Harvesting Garlic: It usually takes about 6 monthes after planting the clove before the flowers start fading and the leaves are yellowed and shrieveled. After this happens. Dig the bulbs, shake them free off soil and braid several of them together with remaining leaves. Hang braided garlic in a dry place where there is plenty of air circulating. If the bulbs are exposed to a moist atmosphere THEY WILL MILDEW. When the bulbs have hardened, any remnants of foliage can be cut away and the knobs stored in a dry and airy container, such as an open-weave basket.

Garlic is a wonderful herb to use for cooking. It has a very unique aroma that will add flavor to any dish. Before using the bulb or cloves you will have to peel the transparent skin away from the bulb. If you feel that a whole bulb or piece of garlic is too strong for you a great way to use garlic is just to rub a cut piece of garlic in a saucepan,casserole dish or in a salad bowl. This will help add just a hint of flavor to your dish.

Companion planting: Garlic and roses benefit each other in the garden. The garlic will help repel aphids. You can also use garlic near pea's and beans to inhibit their growth.

I hope you plant some garlic in your herb gardens. I know I enjoy growing and eating it!

Some of my information was provided by: John and Rosemary Hemphill's book "What Herb Is That"

Garlic Garden Pest Spray

2007-06-28T05:25:00.002-07:00

This is a wonderful Organic Pest Spray for all your Herbs. This works against aphids, snails, cabbage moth, caterpillars and mosquitoes. You will get considerable success, especially when carried out at two weekly intervals.

Garlic Garden Pest Spray

3 big knobs of Garlic unpeeled

6 tablespoons paraffin oil

1 tablespoon oil-based soap grated

1 pint hot water

Chop Garlic, put into blender with paraffin oil and pulverize. Scrape resulting pulp into a bowl, cover and leave for 48 hours. Stir grated soap into hot water until melted. Stir soap and water into garlic mixture. When cool strain into screw-top jars and store in refrigerator. For spraying in the garden use 2 Tablespoons of garlic solution to 4 pints water.

I hope this pest spray keeps pests out of your Herb garden.

Recipe Provided by John and Rosemary Hemphill's book "What Herb Is That"

More and More Mint

2007-06-27T06:16:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy Mint and there are all kinds. I wanted to tell you about a few of my favorites.

Applemint: this mint has a strong scent of apples. It grows around 12 inches high and has oval, wrinkled soft leaves and small white flowers which appear in the autumn. Some people also call this pineapple mint which I am not sure why.

Catnip: Yes this is a mint and has a wonderful musky scent. Catnip has serrated gray green leaves that look rather limp. They get white flowers along either side of their long stem during the summer and early autumn. This bushy plant grows around 3 feet tall. Yes cats do love this herb they love to roll, an sniff and well just play in it.

Pennyroyal: is another wonderful herb from the mint family. It has small shiny green leaves and a strong peppermint scent. It does have a creeping habit and really never grows much more than an inch off the ground. Which makes this a wonderful ground cover in a shady part of your garden. In the spring this herb gets wonderful mauve flowers that appear in little circlets. After the herb has finished flowering it can be mowed down with the mower. You will then have a lawn that needs no other attention except watering in dry weather.

Peppermint: is one of the most useful mints and I just love it! This herb grows around 2 feet tall. It has small pointed green leaves with a purple tint. It has a wonderful Peppermint scent.

Spearmint: this herb has enlongated smooth bright green leaves or sometimes oval shaped crinkly dark green leaves according to the variety. Both varieties have the wonderful mint scent. I have heard the smooth leaved variety called English spearmint is a little more difficult to grow. (I myself have the regular crinkled leaf kind and I like it just the same)

Always remember mints are very aggressive. Plant them were you can let them run or plant them in a container. If let alone they could take up your whole garden.

Baked Tomatoes with Mint

2007-06-27T06:08:00.000-07:00

I just love tomatoes and mint together I hope you enjoy this recipe.

Baked Tomatoes and Mint

2 medium size tomatoes

1 shallot finely chopped

2 teaspoons finely chopped mint (Use your favorite)(I like Spearmint)

salt and pepper (I use a dash of each)

pinch of sugar

2 cups breadcrumbs

a small dab of butter

Cut tomatoes in halves and scoop out pulp into a bowl. To the tomato pulp add shallot, mint, salt, pepper and sugar. Stir, then spoon mixture into tomato cases. Top with breadcrumbs and butter. Bake in an greased ovenproof dish. 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until top is golden brown.

Dill

2007-06-26T07:37:00.000-07:00

Dill looks a lot like fennel in appearance, although it is a smaller plant. It has plumes of dark green leaves and pale yellow flowerheads which form oval flat fruit or seeds in abundance in late summer and early autumn.

The slender central stems are easily flattened by strong winds so plant near a fence or near a sheltered area. Dill enjoys full sun and light well drained soil. It grows around 3 feet tall.

The seeds ripen in autumn and can be collected as soon as the first few fall. Snip off the heads and spread them out on a tray in the sun for several days. When they are COMPLETELY dry the seeds should shake out easily from their heads. Store in airtight containers. When drying the foliage start cutting the leafy stalks before the flowerheads appear. Spread the foliage leaves on a wire rack in a cool dry place.When the leaves are COMPLETELY dry the leaves should easily rub off their stalkes.

You can freeze dill by chopping the fresh leaves finely and mix with a little water and put into ice cube trays. When frozen place in freezer bags until later use.

Dill seed is used in coleslaw, sauerkraut, mixed with cucumbers, onions, and so many other vegetables and dishes.

Dill leaves are found in omelets, potato salads, lamb, veil, fish, and soups.

I have heard that dill oil can be used to strengthen fingernails.

Companion planting: Dill grows well with Cabbage, corn, lettuce, and cucumbers.

I hope you grow Dill in your herb garden!

Much of my information was provided by John and Rosemary Hemphill's book "What Herb Is That"