It seems like bad timing that just as salad season reaches its peak, the heat makes lettuce bolt. One way of getting round that is to grow the loose leaf or multi-leaf lettuce varieties, from which individual leaves can be harvested. They are less likely to bolt if planted in a cooler part of the […]
The category of ‘savoury’ herbs covers a huge range of flavours. These herbs each have their own, strong, identifiable taste and in many cases stand up to long, slow cooking which releases a flavour that cannot be replicated or mimicked. The secret of using herbs in cooking is that herbs should add to the overall […]
Preparing your winter herb garden Pull up summer annuals like basil, dill, borage, to make space for winter herbs or veggies. Add borage plants to the compost heap; the leaves are full of minerals and also act as a compost activator Replenish the soil with compost, adding it to beds where summer annuals have grown […]
Herb garden for happy pets – July Herbs are just as beneficial for animals as they are for people. There are herbs that act as tonics, keep the skin healthy, repel fleas, aid digestion, get rid of worms and even give them a ‘high’, like catnip and cat mint! Cats and dogs not only share […]
Thyme to clean the home Use fresh thyme from your garden and follow this easy recipe to have an effective herbal cleanser. Using lemon thyme will add a fresh, clean fragrance. • 2 1/2 cups water • 1 handful thyme (fresh or dried) • Vinegar • Liquid soap Boil water, add thyme. Simmer for an […]
Get your kids involved in the garden! Summer holiday is just around the corner and a good time to get the kids involved in their own veggie patch with sweetcorn, beans, peas and cherry tomatoes. Do a chess board pattern with blocks 30cm x 30cm and plant one plant in every “white” square, using the […]
Life lessons in the garden Gardening teaches people the art of being patient. Unlike other activities, gardening does not produce instantaneous results. As such, a person who takes up gardening must wait for their rewards. The garden should be planned to a certain degree. Once a basic plan has been developed, the soil needs to […]
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 […]
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 […]