Gardening

Whenever possible, organically grown herbs should be eaten fresh from the garden, with minimum processing. This helps to ensure that beneficial nutrients get delivered to the body without degradation or unnecessary contamination. The basic rule for storing and preserving herbs is to start with the finest quality seasonal produce available. By establishing healthy soils and promoting a natural diversity of species, the experienced organic gardener has a significant capacity to influence the quality of their herbal produce. When purchasing herbs for storage, try to obtain them directly from certified organic growers or local wholesalers who support the organic food industry. Preference vendors who replenish their stocks regularly, and avoid those...

The term herb is used to describe those plants which are commonly selected for their culinary, therapeutic, cleansing, and devotional properties. Throughout history, herbs have been associated with the cultural and religious practices of many influential civilisations. In ancient Greece, bay leaves were fashioned into garlands and presented as praise offerings to triumphant athletes of the original Olympiad events. In a similar manner, fresh and dried leaves were included as part of the ritual and sacred offerings to the ancient deities. Aside from these ceremonial applications, the Greeks appreciated the therapeutic and culinary aspects of this richly aromatic plant. For example, fresh bay leaves were steeped in jars of olive oil which were...

A collection of pots, plant boxes, small barrels, and other portable containers will provide a degree of control and versatility that is not often possible when herbs are planted directly to the garden. Most herbs are reasonably adaptable to a range of soil and climatic conditions. However, like any species there is usually a preferred range that will promote healthy, vigorous growth along with increased flavour, nutrient profiles, and therapeutic potencies. For example, basil flourishes in rich, moist soils with a slight acidity, whereas oregano, thyme, and sage all prefer soils which are lean, with a neutral or alkaline pH. In each instance, organic growers must exploit the preferred range to reduce the risk of their plants developing the...

Basic plant breeding should be mastered by everyone interested in organic gardening. On account of being raised from hybrid stock, many of the commonly available fruit and vegetable varieties are too challenging for beginners to engage with. Alternatively, herbs are the easiest of plants to propagate using time established techniques which provide an excellent learning foundation. Herbs can be propagated by seed, cutting, or by division.  Once mastered, these techniques will provide the dedicated organic gardener with increased control over the quality and essential characteristics of their favourite herb varieties. It also encourages sharing of plants between friends, neighbours, and fellow gardening enthusiasts. Consider giving a beautiful...

The majority of herbs are easy to grow organically, requiring only a modest amount of maintenance to keep them healthy and disease free. Much of the effort associated with common herbs is expended to ensure they remain confined within a reasonable space and do not spread uncontrolled like weeds. Mint, nettle, nasturtium and others will quickly dominate the garden, choking out rival plants when unattended. Containment strategies must address the method of reproduction. Herbs like nasturtium and nettle multiply rapidly through seed scattering unless the heads are removed early enough to prevent this. A single specimen of Vietnamese mint is capable of releasing multiple root runners every season. Once these runners extend past the plants designated...