Thymely Information
~ Submitted by Fran Hedeman,
Herb Society of Dubuque
insect invasions. Hard to believe now, but we will eventually be
As I sit writing, a cold winter wind is
trimming our herbs. Instead of tossing those trimmings on the
blowing and the temperature is in
the single digits. This type of January compost pile, toss them in a gallon bucket of water and let the
mixture sit in the sun for a week. Add two tablespoons of pure
day makes all gardeners long for a
March wind with a hint of spring. As castile soap to the strained brew and decant into a spray bottle.
Label and keep in a cool,
the March thaws begin and we ease
dark storage area. Use
into true spring, it is time to think about “I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,
on aphids, cucumber
garden tasks that will yield healthy and
Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows;
beetles and other
abundant crops of herbs.
pests. Strongly scented
If you have the space, time, and talent, Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine
herbs such as lavender,
March and April are prime seed-starting
With sweet musk-roses, and with eglantine.” rosemary, tansy,
times. None of these adjectives apply
southernwood, rue,
to me or my space which is why I am so —William Shakespeare, Midsummer Night’s Dream, II,1
mint, basil or sage work
thankful for the DABG Green Team! In
best in this herbal brew.
addition to all the seedlings they start for the annual beds, many
Herbs are generally not as susceptible to the fungal, viral, and
of our annual herbs come into being under the care of these
bacterial diseases that can plague your other garden plants,
talented ladies. Should you want to try starting seeds yourself,
but they are useful in treating infected plants. Here is a simple
be sure to read the package directions carefully to discover the
“Garlic Soup” recipe for your garden. Puree two peeled cloves
light and heat requirements for germination. Consult a good
of garlic or two handfuls of garlic leaves in a blender for about a
gardening book for step by step directions for seeding.
minute. Gradually add one quart of water and blend for about
Perennial herbs begin to come into their own in April. The
six minutes. Strain and add 1/8 tsp. liquid soap (Dr. Bronner’s,
Elizabethans, whose winter stores would have been running
Fels Naphtha, or any pure castile). Pour into a storage container,
thin by March, must have been delighted to find wild violets
cover tightly and label. When the need arises, mix one part of
and the first sprigs of thyme, chives, and mint. Although fresh
Garlic Soup with 10 parts of water in a spray bottle and spray
herbs and greens are now available to us year around, they will
the infected plants. Another garlic mixture can also help with
never replace those grown in our own gardens. To prepare for
powdery mildew. For a garlic spray, mix one gallon water with
the coming season, remove debris that have blown into your
20 tablespoons (1-1/4 cups) of garlic powder. Pour into a spray
perennial herb beds. Rake carefully to avoid damaging new
bottle and apply to plants early in the morning. You might also
young shoots. Dead stems need to be cut back on vigorous herbs
try a cinnamon spray. Mix 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon in one quart
such as bergamot, mint, rue, tansy, tarragon, and yarrow. Lightly
of warm water and pour into a spray bottle. Drench both sides of
trim upright thyme, lavender, and southernwood but don’t
the leaves early in the day.
cut back sage or tarragon. They may look dead but a few April
Even common tea (an herb!) can be helpful in keeping your plants
showers and warm days will yield new growth and then you can
remove dead branches. Plant division is another spring chore. If healthy. We most often associate chamomile tea with Peter
Rabbit (for his tummy) or as a soothing sleep aid for humans,
more than four years old, mint, thyme, sage, hyssop, oregano,
chives, lemon balm, and tarragon can be root-divided and moved but it can also be good for your plants. It is antibacterial and
fungicidal and will help plants suffering from fungus and mildew.
to new locations. A new location and fresh soil will invigorate
Use the tea to spray the foliage of infected plants. The tea is also
these herbs.
useful to prevent the damping-off that frequently plagues tender
Everyone loves a “free” plant, and spring is a great time to
seedlings. Gardenias, azaleas, camellias and other acid-loving
propagate woody herbs. Choose a healthy outside stem and
plants will also enjoy a sprinkle of leftover black or green tea.
bend it toward soil that has been mixed with compost. “Wound”
It’s hard to imagine now, but hopefully when you are reading this
the part touching the soil by gently rubbing off some of the
under-bark with a dull knife. Anchor stem in place with a wire or March issue of the Ground Cover, we will be experiencing a spring
thaw and will be enjoying sunny days to prepare for the coming
forked twig and cover the section with good soil and a brick or
stone. Leave six inches of the branch exposed to the air and sun. gardening season.
By late summer you should have several new plants that can be
References:
cut from the mother plant. Use these “free” plants in your own
The Pleasure of Herbs by Phyllis Shaudys
garden or share them with gardening friends.
Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, Claire Kowalchik & William H. Hylton,
Editors
Trowel & Error by Sharon Lovejoy
Although herb harvesting is months away it’s never too early
to think about ways to protect your plants from disease and
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