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22
April 2017
Shellie Rosen, DOM
Herb Doc
Shellie Rosen is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine. She can be reached via her website at Bodyvolve. com
Planting a garden is a perfect way to kick off spring. Basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary and mint are easy herbs to grow and are useful in the kitchen. Choose one or all of these as starter plants from the nursery, or if you feel more adventurous, seed them yourself.
New Mexico soil needs a bit of prepping if you are looking to plant directly into the ground, but for those of you seeking an easier way, container gardening may be a good option. Whatever way you go about it, don’ t be afraid to fail; every gardener does. You don’ t have to grow everything you eat( although you could) to create a deeper connection between you and the nourishing earth.
The
Growing Herbs For Simple Folks
Planting Herbs New Mexico soil can be a bit alkaline and low in organic matter, so it’ s best to amend your soil. Emily Hobson of Jericho Nursery in Albuquerque recommends blending Back to Earth, a compost nutrient base, with your preexisting soil in a 50 / 50 mix to prepare the ground. Make sure your soil drains well, isn’ t exposed to too much direct sunlight and does not contain toxic contamination since you will be growing culinary herbs.
Container gardening allows you to better control for conditions such as sun, shade, acidity, pests and toxins. You will need an eight-inch diameter space between each herb you choose to grow, so choose well-draining pots that allow plenty of space, or a pot with an 8-inch to 18-inch circumference to grow herbs individually. Basil will need a large pot of its own( or a large area within a garden) since it may outgrow the others fairly quickly. Plus, basil likes more water than
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Soil quality affects everything- water retention, growth and quality of plant material. Hobson recommends a potting soil called Ocean Forest by Fox Farm, along with Blue Max fertilizer made in Placitas. Blue Max can be used for both potted and in-ground herbs to provide organic matter and prevent them from flowering, which slows their production.
But do not use Blue Max on basil. Here again, basil needs to be treated a bit differently. Since its flowering contributes to its production of useful herb parts, use of Blue Max would cause it to stop producing. This is another good reason to keep basil separate from the other herbs.
Most fertilizers are easy to apply and require adding a bit to your watering can once a month. To plant, fill your pots( or earth) with soil, dig a deep hole, anchor your starter plant, and then lightly and and gently compress the top to secure it. Water graciously, and let the pot drain completely. Herbs do not like to sit in soggy soil.
About four hours of sun per day is recommended for herbs to maintain their health, so pick a window or garden location that best allows for this. Container pots heat up quickly since they don’ t have the cooler underground soil to assist in regulating heat.
Regularly stick your finger into the pot an inch deep to determine the need for water and to make sure your pots are draining well. The soil should be a bit dry between watering. If the soil is dry both morning and afternoon, it needs more water( perhaps two times a day). The idea isn’ t to keep your herbs damp but to prevent them from completely drying out. Herbs are not quite as forgiving as houseplants. If you are planning on an indoor garden, try to keep herbs away from cooler spots; they prefer temperatures around 70 degrees F( basil especially).
PRIME TIME
Culinary Trimming
Once your herbs begin to grow, they benefit from consistent trimming and pruning( removing the seeding flowers). You can trim your plant when it reaches six inches in height. Clip the herbs just above a collection of leaves, at the intersection.( Basil needs this to grow a wider plant with V-shaped leaves instead of a plant that becomes unstable with too much height).
After you have your trimmings, you can use them immediately in cooking, preserve them for several days in the refrigerator, or you can hang them to dry. Do this by wrapping a string around the base of the stem and tying the bundle to a second hanging string in a dry location. Once dry, store herbs in a clean, dry glass jar or in a plastic container in the freezer.
I owe much of my garden success to the“ ollas” watering system. I use the curvy bottleshaped terra-cotta ollas( pots) as well as garden spikes that stick into the ground, allowing for filled water bottles to be placed upsidedown on top. Bury the water-filled ollas with the round base beneath the soil and the lip( or water bottle) just above the surface. Surround it with plants so they may leech water as needed, wrapping roots around the base. Regular watering is still required, as the ollas will empty regularly, but as the heat climaxes, this method will help take the stress off your herbs. Plus, if you plan to take a vacation, the ollas or“ plant nanny” stakes can maintain your herbs for a few days.
There is something magical about trimming a homegrown herb for a meal. At the very least, pinch off a bit of mint and toss it into water for a refreshing infusion.
Abundant Blessings! Dr. Shellie L. Rosen, DOM, L. Ac.