Tips and advice on how to grow herbs.
Wild Marjoram and Chives Bring Bees, Birds and Butterflies Bees, birds and butterflies are of course very welcome visitors to the organic garden, where they help to pollinate fruit and vegetable crops and to control pests. So it is well worth the effort of planting a selection of these wildlife-friendly herbs in order to encourage […]
Healthy, Environmentally Friendly Garden Butterflies hopping from one flower to another, feeding on the nectar available, indicates a healthy, environmentally friendly garden. To increase their population you have to provide food for caterpillars, somewhere out of sight where you don’t mind them chomping on the leaves. Plant some cabbages and nasturtiums as sacrificial plants and […]
Do you have to have a separate vegetable patch? Not if we have a say! Interplanting vegetables, herbs, ornamental shrubs and indigenous flora creates a bio-diverse habitat that attracts predators, butterflies, birds and all other creatures to make your garden a haven for all. A dynamic garden is alive with sound, smell and movement, providing […]
Butterfly Garden Butterflies prefer plants with strong smells, bright colours and flowers that provide easy landing sites. Planting groups of flowers rather than single plants will attract more butterflies. Herbs that will attract butterflies include Bulbinella, Cleveland Sage, Pineapple Sage, Russian Sage, Catmint, Lavender, Rosemary and Borage. Acres of land are not necessary for a […]
Pruning of Lavender, Rosemary and perennial Basil Lavender, rosemary, perennial basil and other woody herbal shrubs will stay compact and produce more flowers when you prune them at least twice a year, once just before spring and the second time during mid-summer. This week, with the moon waning, is the ideal time to do some […]
Herbs after Full Moon – Immune Support The 7 day period after Full Moon is ideal to take herbs that will balance and improve the function of the immune system. The waning period resembles the closing down period, protecting and strengthening the body as it enters the resting period. Beneficial herbs to take include Echinacea, […]
Gardening by the Moon As the Moon moves across the sky it travels through the different zodiac signs that represent the four elements: earth (roots), water (leaves), air (flowers) and fire (fruit and seed). The Moon Calendar will give you the ideal days for doing activities relating to specific parts of the plant. If you […]
The waxing phase of the Moon The period from New moon to Full Moon is known as the waxing phase and is beneficial for sowing and planting of new crops. To optimize this potential, select a day according to the part of the plant that is going to be used: • Fire days: seed & […]
Companion Planting for Pest Control Lacewings are insects with large, lace-like wings and it is mainly the larvae (which look like little alligators) that destroys most of the pests. They are sometimes called aphid lions for their habit of dining on aphids. Other pests they feed on include mites, other small insects and insect eggs. […]
Companion Plants for Asparagus Companion planting increases yield and minimizes the potential for fungal and insecticidal problems. Asparagus grows well with: basil, tomato, nasturtium and parsley. It doesn’t grow well with: onion, garlic and potatoes. Remember to allow enough space between plants to ensure proper air circulation, this will reduce the development of fungal diseases […]