Growing, Harvesting and Storing Herbs

Some say all herbs should have their own particular space in the garden or landscape (Henry Beston, Herbs and the Earth). I appreciate the beauty and symmetry of a formal herb garden or the informal. However, just as there are herbs for helping humans, there are herbs that also help other plants. This is called companion planting. For instance, basil, which is used primarily as a culinary herb, should be planted near tomato plants. Rue is grown near the fig. Experimental work is inconclusive. Nevertheless, many a gardener knows which herbs keep away harmful insects, improve other plants' flavors or cause a neighboring plant to die.

Most herbs will grow well in soil that is a humus loam with added composted manure. In full sun or partial shade, herbs are easier to grow than most any other plant. An ideal pH is 6.5 to 7.0 which is slightly acidic. Tolerant to cold, herbs still need protection from frost and freezing in northern climates. Most are also invasive -spread easily- and can be separated and transplanted successfully or given to neighbors and friends for their gardens. Raised garden beds which provide good drainage are also good areas for growing herbs. Container gardening for herbs is also a good idea, although you need to watch out for drying of the soil. Lemon balm, for instance, is definitely a potable herb as it spreads quickly and easily throughout the garden.

Harvest your herbs prior to blooms opening, preferably around noontime when the plant's sap is rising and strength and aroma are the strongest. Drying: tie the herbs in bunches using a rubber band around the stems. As the herbs dry the rubber band tightens to hold the bunch together. Then hang the herb bunches, stems up, to allow the oils the drain toward the leaves. Hang in a cool, dry, dust free area, preferably away from light. Placing the herb bunch in a brown paper bag is a great idea. Close top of bag around the stem ends, tying with a string and hang to dry. It's a good idea to write the name of the herb on the outside of the bag. Once dried, herbs are sometimes difficult to identify. Store in darkly colored labeled jars or in dark cabinets.


Source from:
Magick Garden - www.amagickgarden.com