文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月25日
What is mushroom herb and exactly what can I do with it? Mushroom herb (Rungia klossii) is a leafy green plant with a distinctive mushroom-like flavor, hence the name. Cooks love to incorporate mushroom herb plants into pasta sauces, soups, sandwiches or any food that benefits from its mild, mushroom like flavor. Has this piqued your interest about mushroom herb plant? Read on to learn more.
Mushroom Herb Info
An attractive plant with shiny, deep green leaves and blue-violet flowers in springtime, mushroom herb plants usually top out at about 24 inches (60 cm.) at maturity. However, regular pinching and frequent harvesting prevents legginess and keeps the plant bushy and compact.
Mushroom plant thrives in rich soil, so dig 2 or 3 inches (5-7 cm.) of compost into the soil at planting time. Find a location where the plant is in partial shade or light sunlight, as mushroom herb plants tend to be smaller when exposed to a lot of direct sunlight or intense heat. Although this plant is relatively drought tolerant, it grows faster with regular irrigation. Mushroom herb plant hales from tropical climates and won’t tolerate extreme cold. If you live north of USDA planting zone 9, growing mushroom herb plants in the garden won’t be feasible. Instead, plant mushroom herb in a container and bring it indoors when temperatures drop in autumn.
Mushroom Plant Uses
Mushroom plant is an amazingly healthy plant, providing nutrients such as calcium, protein, iron, beta-carotene and vitamins A and C. Mushroom herb plants are also rich in chlorophyll, which herbalists appreciate for its blood cleansing properties. Mushroom plant herbs are great for people who choose not to eat fungi for health reasons, or those who enjoy the flavor of mushrooms but not the texture. Cooking actually brings out the distinctive mushroom-like flavor. Add leaves to cooked dishes at the last minute to prevent loss of color and nutrients.
Mushroom Herb Info
An attractive plant with shiny, deep green leaves and blue-violet flowers in springtime, mushroom herb plants usually top out at about 24 inches (60 cm.) at maturity. However, regular pinching and frequent harvesting prevents legginess and keeps the plant bushy and compact.
Mushroom plant thrives in rich soil, so dig 2 or 3 inches (5-7 cm.) of compost into the soil at planting time. Find a location where the plant is in partial shade or light sunlight, as mushroom herb plants tend to be smaller when exposed to a lot of direct sunlight or intense heat. Although this plant is relatively drought tolerant, it grows faster with regular irrigation. Mushroom herb plant hales from tropical climates and won’t tolerate extreme cold. If you live north of USDA planting zone 9, growing mushroom herb plants in the garden won’t be feasible. Instead, plant mushroom herb in a container and bring it indoors when temperatures drop in autumn.
Mushroom Plant Uses
Mushroom plant is an amazingly healthy plant, providing nutrients such as calcium, protein, iron, beta-carotene and vitamins A and C. Mushroom herb plants are also rich in chlorophyll, which herbalists appreciate for its blood cleansing properties. Mushroom plant herbs are great for people who choose not to eat fungi for health reasons, or those who enjoy the flavor of mushrooms but not the texture. Cooking actually brings out the distinctive mushroom-like flavor. Add leaves to cooked dishes at the last minute to prevent loss of color and nutrients.
0
0
文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月25日
Marjoram is a wonderful plant to have around, whether it’s in your garden or a pot closer to the kitchen. It’s tasty, it’s attractive, and it’s very popular in salves and balms. But what do you do when you start getting marjoram blossoms? Do marjoram blooms affect harvest? Keep reading to learn about marjoram blossoms and harvesting marjoram herbs.
Harvesting Marjoram Herbs
You can start harvesting marjoram herbs when the plant is about 4 inches tall. This should be before the flowers start to form, when the leaves are at their best. Just pick the leaves as needed and use them fresh. You can brew them into tea, extract their oils for salves, or put them into your food just before you finish cooking to impart a pleasant, mild flavor.
Can You Use Marjoram Flowers?
Marjoram blossoms tend to appear in midsummer as beautiful delicate clusters in pink, white, and purple. Do marjoram flowers affect harvest? Not completely. You can still pick the leaves, though they won’t taste quite as good.
When you have marjoram buds, the best thing to do is to start picking sprigs for drying. Before the buds open, cut some of the stems from the plant (no more than one third of the total leaves) and hang them in a dark airy space. Once they’re dry, pull the leaves from the stems and either crush them or leave them whole to store. Once you have a marjoram plant blooming fully, the flavor of the leaves isn’t going to be as good. It’s still perfectly safe to eat them, though, along with the flowers, which taste like a milder version of the leaves. At this stage both the leaves and the flowers can be brewed into a very relaxing tea.
Of course, leaving a few plants to bloom in the garden will entice pollinators. You can also harvest seeds from the spent blooms for more of this delightful herb.
Harvesting Marjoram Herbs
You can start harvesting marjoram herbs when the plant is about 4 inches tall. This should be before the flowers start to form, when the leaves are at their best. Just pick the leaves as needed and use them fresh. You can brew them into tea, extract their oils for salves, or put them into your food just before you finish cooking to impart a pleasant, mild flavor.
Can You Use Marjoram Flowers?
Marjoram blossoms tend to appear in midsummer as beautiful delicate clusters in pink, white, and purple. Do marjoram flowers affect harvest? Not completely. You can still pick the leaves, though they won’t taste quite as good.
When you have marjoram buds, the best thing to do is to start picking sprigs for drying. Before the buds open, cut some of the stems from the plant (no more than one third of the total leaves) and hang them in a dark airy space. Once they’re dry, pull the leaves from the stems and either crush them or leave them whole to store. Once you have a marjoram plant blooming fully, the flavor of the leaves isn’t going to be as good. It’s still perfectly safe to eat them, though, along with the flowers, which taste like a milder version of the leaves. At this stage both the leaves and the flowers can be brewed into a very relaxing tea.
Of course, leaving a few plants to bloom in the garden will entice pollinators. You can also harvest seeds from the spent blooms for more of this delightful herb.
0
0
文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月25日
Lovage plants (Levisticum officinale) grow like weeds. Fortunately, all parts of the lovage herb are usable and delicious. The plant is used in any recipe that calls for parsley or celery. It has a high salt content, so a little will go a long way but the stalks and stems are best used in carbohydrate-based dishes such as pasta and potato recipes.
Lovage Herb Uses
All parts of the herb are useable. The leaves are added to salads; the root is dug up at the end of the season and used as a vegetable. Stems can replace celery and the flower yields an aromatic oil. Interestingly, the lovage herb is a commonly used flavoring for confectionaries. You can use seeds and stems in candy making. The seeds are a common ingredient in flavored oils and vinegars, which steep in the liquid, releasing their flavor over time. Lovage herb is most commonly used in Europe where it flavors foods in Germany and Italy.
How to Grow Lovage
Lovage looks a bit like celery but is in the carrot family. The plants may grow up to 6 feet and bears lacy thick green foliage. The flowers are yellow and held in umbrella-shaped umbels. They grow 36 to 72 inches with a 32-inch spread. The base of the plant is comprised of thick, celery-like stems with glossy green leaves that decrease in number as you move up the stalk. The yellow flowers are arranged in umbel type clusters, which produce seeds 1/2 inch long. Sun and well-drained soils are the key to growing lovage. Growing lovage requires soil with a pH of 6.5 and sandy, loamy soils. Lovage plants are hardy to USDA plant hardiness zone 4. Determining when to plant lovage is the first step in growing the herb. Direct sow lovage seed indoors five to six weeks before the date of the last frost. Sow seed on the surface of soil and dust with sand. The seeds may also be sown outside in late spring when soil temperatures have warmed to 60 degrees F. (16 C.).
Seedlings require consistent moisture until they are several inches tall and then irrigation may diminish. Transplant lovage plants 8 inches apart in rows 18 inches away from each other. Lovage will bloom earlier when planted indoors. You can expect flowers on transplanted plants in early summer that last until late summer. Leaf miners seem to be the primary pest of the plant and will damage the leaves with their feeding activity. Harvest lovage leaves at any time and dig out the root in autumn. Seeds will arrive late in summer or early spring and the stems are best when eaten young. Lovage has a reputation as a good companion plant for potatoes and other tubers and root crops. Food crops should be arranged in the vegetable garden to form the best alliances and make their growth better and healthier.
Lovage Herb Uses
All parts of the herb are useable. The leaves are added to salads; the root is dug up at the end of the season and used as a vegetable. Stems can replace celery and the flower yields an aromatic oil. Interestingly, the lovage herb is a commonly used flavoring for confectionaries. You can use seeds and stems in candy making. The seeds are a common ingredient in flavored oils and vinegars, which steep in the liquid, releasing their flavor over time. Lovage herb is most commonly used in Europe where it flavors foods in Germany and Italy.
How to Grow Lovage
Lovage looks a bit like celery but is in the carrot family. The plants may grow up to 6 feet and bears lacy thick green foliage. The flowers are yellow and held in umbrella-shaped umbels. They grow 36 to 72 inches with a 32-inch spread. The base of the plant is comprised of thick, celery-like stems with glossy green leaves that decrease in number as you move up the stalk. The yellow flowers are arranged in umbel type clusters, which produce seeds 1/2 inch long. Sun and well-drained soils are the key to growing lovage. Growing lovage requires soil with a pH of 6.5 and sandy, loamy soils. Lovage plants are hardy to USDA plant hardiness zone 4. Determining when to plant lovage is the first step in growing the herb. Direct sow lovage seed indoors five to six weeks before the date of the last frost. Sow seed on the surface of soil and dust with sand. The seeds may also be sown outside in late spring when soil temperatures have warmed to 60 degrees F. (16 C.).
Seedlings require consistent moisture until they are several inches tall and then irrigation may diminish. Transplant lovage plants 8 inches apart in rows 18 inches away from each other. Lovage will bloom earlier when planted indoors. You can expect flowers on transplanted plants in early summer that last until late summer. Leaf miners seem to be the primary pest of the plant and will damage the leaves with their feeding activity. Harvest lovage leaves at any time and dig out the root in autumn. Seeds will arrive late in summer or early spring and the stems are best when eaten young. Lovage has a reputation as a good companion plant for potatoes and other tubers and root crops. Food crops should be arranged in the vegetable garden to form the best alliances and make their growth better and healthier.
0
0
文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月25日
Lemongrass is a tender perennial that is grown either as an ornamental grass or for its culinary uses. Given that the plant is native to regions with long, hot growing seasons, you may be wondering, “is lemongrass winter hardy?” Read on to learn more.
Is Lemongrass Winter Hardy?
The answer to this is that it really depends on what region you live in. As mentioned, the plant thrives during long, hot growing seasons and if you happen to live in an area with these conditions and very mild winters, you’ll undoubtedly continue growing lemongrass in winter months. Temperatures must remain consistently over 40 degrees F. (4 C). That said, most of us will have to take some precautions when preparing lemongrass for winter.
Overwintering Lemongrass Plants
Grown for its 2- to 3-foot spiky leaves aromatic with the scent of lemon, lemongrass needs lots of growing space. A single clump will easily increase to a 2 foot wide plant in a single growing season. Growing lemongrass in winter is only possible when those months are extremely mild with little temperature fluctuation. When overwintering lemongrass in cool climates, it may be wise to grow the plant in containers. These can then be easily moved into a sheltered area during winter months.
Otherwise, to protect plants grown directly in the garden, lemongrass winter care should include dividing them prior to the onset of cold temps. Pot them and bring them inside to overwinter until the next season, wherein they can be replanted outside. A delicate plant, lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is easily propagated via stem cuttings or as mentioned, divisions. In fact, lemongrass purchased from the produce section of the local grocery store can often be rooted. Container plants should be potted in containers with adequate drainage holes and filled with a good quality prepared soil mix. When growing outside, place in an area of full sun and water as needed but take care not to over water, which may lead to root rot. Fertilize lemongrass every two weeks with an all-purpose liquid food. Prior to the first frost, move the plants indoors to an area of bright light for lemongrass winter care. Continue to water as needed, but reduce fertilizer during these cool months until it’s time to take the plants outdoors again in the spring.
Harvest as much of the plant as possible for later use if you don’t have a suitable indoor space for growing lemongrass over winter. The leaves can be cut and used fresh or dried for future use while the most desirable tender white interior should be used fresh when its flavor is at its peak. The tough outer parts can be used to infuse lemon flavor to soups or teas, or can be dried to add aromatic scents to potpourri. Fresh lemongrass can be kept in the refrigerator for 10 to 14 days wrapped in a damp paper towel or you may decide to freeze it. To freeze lemongrass, wash it, trim it and chop it up. Then it can be frozen right away in a resealable plastic bag, or freeze it first with a small amount of water in ice cube trays and then transfer to resealable plastic bags. Frozen lemongrass will keep for at least four to six months and allow you a longer window in which to use this delightful, delicious lemony addition.
Is Lemongrass Winter Hardy?
The answer to this is that it really depends on what region you live in. As mentioned, the plant thrives during long, hot growing seasons and if you happen to live in an area with these conditions and very mild winters, you’ll undoubtedly continue growing lemongrass in winter months. Temperatures must remain consistently over 40 degrees F. (4 C). That said, most of us will have to take some precautions when preparing lemongrass for winter.
Overwintering Lemongrass Plants
Grown for its 2- to 3-foot spiky leaves aromatic with the scent of lemon, lemongrass needs lots of growing space. A single clump will easily increase to a 2 foot wide plant in a single growing season. Growing lemongrass in winter is only possible when those months are extremely mild with little temperature fluctuation. When overwintering lemongrass in cool climates, it may be wise to grow the plant in containers. These can then be easily moved into a sheltered area during winter months.
Otherwise, to protect plants grown directly in the garden, lemongrass winter care should include dividing them prior to the onset of cold temps. Pot them and bring them inside to overwinter until the next season, wherein they can be replanted outside. A delicate plant, lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is easily propagated via stem cuttings or as mentioned, divisions. In fact, lemongrass purchased from the produce section of the local grocery store can often be rooted. Container plants should be potted in containers with adequate drainage holes and filled with a good quality prepared soil mix. When growing outside, place in an area of full sun and water as needed but take care not to over water, which may lead to root rot. Fertilize lemongrass every two weeks with an all-purpose liquid food. Prior to the first frost, move the plants indoors to an area of bright light for lemongrass winter care. Continue to water as needed, but reduce fertilizer during these cool months until it’s time to take the plants outdoors again in the spring.
Harvest as much of the plant as possible for later use if you don’t have a suitable indoor space for growing lemongrass over winter. The leaves can be cut and used fresh or dried for future use while the most desirable tender white interior should be used fresh when its flavor is at its peak. The tough outer parts can be used to infuse lemon flavor to soups or teas, or can be dried to add aromatic scents to potpourri. Fresh lemongrass can be kept in the refrigerator for 10 to 14 days wrapped in a damp paper towel or you may decide to freeze it. To freeze lemongrass, wash it, trim it and chop it up. Then it can be frozen right away in a resealable plastic bag, or freeze it first with a small amount of water in ice cube trays and then transfer to resealable plastic bags. Frozen lemongrass will keep for at least four to six months and allow you a longer window in which to use this delightful, delicious lemony addition.
0
0
文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月25日
Popular in Asian cuisine, lemongrass is a very low maintenance plant that can be grown outdoors in USDA zone 9 and above, and in an indoor/outdoor container in colder zones. It’s fast growing though, and can get a little unruly if not pruned back regularly. Keep reading to learn more about how to cut back lemongrass.
How to Cut Back Lemongrass Plants
If given plenty of sun, water, and fertilizer, lemongrass can grow to as big as 6 feet (1.8 m.) high and 4 feet (1.2 m.) wide. Pruning lemongrass plants is a good idea for keeping them a manageable size as well as encouraging new growth.
Cutting lemongrass stalks for cooking will keep the plant somewhat in check, but lemongrass grows so quickly that extra pruning is often necessary. The best time for trimming lemongrass is early spring, when the plant is still dormant. If your lemongrass has been left untended for a while, it has probably accumulated some dead material. The first thing to do is get rid of that.
Rake away anything that’s unattached underneath, then pull out any dead stalks that are still in the ground. These are probably mostly around the outside of the plant. Once all that remains of your plant is green, you can cut down the tops of the stalks to make it a more manageable size. Lemongrass is very forgiving and can be cut back quite drastically. Cut it down to as little as 3 feet (.9 m.) high and prune it regularly to keep it that size if you so desire.
Pruning Lemongrass in Colder Climates
If you live in a colder climate, your lemongrass may go dormant over the winter, with all of its leaves turning brown. If this is the case, wait until early spring for lemongrass pruning and cut all the leaves away, right down to the tender white part of the stalk. This may look extreme when you do it, but before long, fresh growth should come in to replace all that lost material.
How to Cut Back Lemongrass Plants
If given plenty of sun, water, and fertilizer, lemongrass can grow to as big as 6 feet (1.8 m.) high and 4 feet (1.2 m.) wide. Pruning lemongrass plants is a good idea for keeping them a manageable size as well as encouraging new growth.
Cutting lemongrass stalks for cooking will keep the plant somewhat in check, but lemongrass grows so quickly that extra pruning is often necessary. The best time for trimming lemongrass is early spring, when the plant is still dormant. If your lemongrass has been left untended for a while, it has probably accumulated some dead material. The first thing to do is get rid of that.
Rake away anything that’s unattached underneath, then pull out any dead stalks that are still in the ground. These are probably mostly around the outside of the plant. Once all that remains of your plant is green, you can cut down the tops of the stalks to make it a more manageable size. Lemongrass is very forgiving and can be cut back quite drastically. Cut it down to as little as 3 feet (.9 m.) high and prune it regularly to keep it that size if you so desire.
Pruning Lemongrass in Colder Climates
If you live in a colder climate, your lemongrass may go dormant over the winter, with all of its leaves turning brown. If this is the case, wait until early spring for lemongrass pruning and cut all the leaves away, right down to the tender white part of the stalk. This may look extreme when you do it, but before long, fresh growth should come in to replace all that lost material.
0
0
文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月25日
Lemongrass is a popular plant to grow for its culinary possibilities. A common ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine, it’s very easy to grow at home. And what’s more, you don’t even have to grow it from seed or buy plants at a nursery. Lemongrass propagates with a very high success rate from the cuttings you can buy at the grocery store. Keep reading to learn more about propagating a lemongrass plant and regrowing lemongrass plants in water.
Lemongrass Propagation in Water
Propagating a lemongrass plant is as easy as placing the stalks in a glass of water and hoping for the best. Lemongrass can be found in most Asian grocery stores as well as some larger supermarkets. When buying lemongrass for propagation, pick stalks that have as much of the bottom bulb still intact. There’s a chance there may be some roots still attached – and this is even better.
Rooting Lemongrass in Water
To encourage your lemongrass stalks to grow new roots, place them bulb down in a jar with an inch of water in the bottom. Rooting lemongrass in water may take as long as three weeks. Over the course of that time, the tops of the stalks should start to grow new leaves, and the bottoms of the bulbs should start to sprout new roots.
To prevent the growth of fungus, change the water in the jar every day or two. After two or three weeks, your lemongrass roots should be an inch or two long. Now you can transplant them to your garden or a container of rich, loamy soil. Lemongrass prefers full sun. It can’t tolerate frost, so if you experience cold winters, you’ll either have to grow it in a container or treat it as an outdoor annual.
Lemongrass Propagation in Water
Propagating a lemongrass plant is as easy as placing the stalks in a glass of water and hoping for the best. Lemongrass can be found in most Asian grocery stores as well as some larger supermarkets. When buying lemongrass for propagation, pick stalks that have as much of the bottom bulb still intact. There’s a chance there may be some roots still attached – and this is even better.
Rooting Lemongrass in Water
To encourage your lemongrass stalks to grow new roots, place them bulb down in a jar with an inch of water in the bottom. Rooting lemongrass in water may take as long as three weeks. Over the course of that time, the tops of the stalks should start to grow new leaves, and the bottoms of the bulbs should start to sprout new roots.
To prevent the growth of fungus, change the water in the jar every day or two. After two or three weeks, your lemongrass roots should be an inch or two long. Now you can transplant them to your garden or a container of rich, loamy soil. Lemongrass prefers full sun. It can’t tolerate frost, so if you experience cold winters, you’ll either have to grow it in a container or treat it as an outdoor annual.
1
0
文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月25日
Lemongrass is a sweet pungent, citrusy plant often used in Asian cooking. It is a sun-loving plant, so companion planting with lemongrass should include other plants that like to bask in plenty of heat and light. Not only is lemongrass a culinary seasoning, but it makes a soothing tea said to aid in sleep. This is an easy plant to grow with light frost tolerance in either the ground or containers. Pair it with plants that have the same growing conditions or make a fun culinary garden with flavors and textures that benefit from its unique sweet tanginess.
What to Plant with Lemongrass
Lemongrass contains citronella, a plant oil with pest repelling properties, especially mosquitoes. Using lemongrass among your patio plantings is an excellent way to enjoy your outdoors in summer without worrying about those disease transmitting insects.
Planting next to lemongrass provides a rich contrast for the golden leaves while the pungent oil helps prevent other pests. You can readily snap off the leaves and cover your skin with the natural oil to protect you and your family from dangerous mosquitoes and your plants from pests, like whiteflies. If you are new to gardening with this plant, you may wonder what to plant with lemongrass. While many traditional companion planting schemes exist, there is little information on lemongrass companion plants. That doesn’t mean it isn’t beneficial to other species in the garden, but it hasn’t been shown to accent other plant growth. Nonetheless, planting next to lemongrass can develop a quick pick dinner area that is easy to browse during meal preparation. Many fruits, vegetables and herbs that tend to be part of a recipe using lemongrass also flourish in the same growing conditions. East Indian and West Indian lemongrass are the two species most commonly used in cooking. The plants need rich, loose soil with good drainage and plenty of moisture to thrive.
Lemongrass Companion Plants
Herb containers on the back porch or patio provide convenient, fresh seasoning choices just off the kitchen. Some great ways of companion planting with lemongrass are by using herbs, which appreciate full sun and well-drained soil. Possible options include:
Cilantro
Basil
Thyme
Mint
Lemon verbena
Echinacea
Marigolds
All of these have culinary and medicinal properties and can be part of seasoning blends for many recipes. Container gardening also allows you to bring the pot indoors if a severe freeze threatens. Remember, lemongrass can get 3 to 6 feet tall, so use other herbs at the edges of the pots so they are not shaded by the lemongrass.
Lemongrass is grown in Guatemala, India, Paraguay, England, Sri Lanka, China, and other parts of Indochina, Africa, Central America, and South America. If possible, choose lemongrass companions from the same region such as galangal, ginger, and turmeric, which do well when planted nearby. Traditional crops include mangos, cucumbers, fennel and onions. Be careful about intercropping, as the roots can spread out and eventually take over an area. In areas under fruit trees, like citrus, lemongrass makes an attractive ground cover, reducing weeds and keeping moisture in the soil. It is also useful when planted with tomatoes, peppers, and tomatillos, who prefer the same growing conditions. As an added bonus, lemongrass goes well in dishes that use these fruits. Many lemongrass companions might be edible but its lime-toned, grassy leaves make a perfect backdrop for geraniums, hardy hibiscus, and many more summer blooming plants.
What to Plant with Lemongrass
Lemongrass contains citronella, a plant oil with pest repelling properties, especially mosquitoes. Using lemongrass among your patio plantings is an excellent way to enjoy your outdoors in summer without worrying about those disease transmitting insects.
Planting next to lemongrass provides a rich contrast for the golden leaves while the pungent oil helps prevent other pests. You can readily snap off the leaves and cover your skin with the natural oil to protect you and your family from dangerous mosquitoes and your plants from pests, like whiteflies. If you are new to gardening with this plant, you may wonder what to plant with lemongrass. While many traditional companion planting schemes exist, there is little information on lemongrass companion plants. That doesn’t mean it isn’t beneficial to other species in the garden, but it hasn’t been shown to accent other plant growth. Nonetheless, planting next to lemongrass can develop a quick pick dinner area that is easy to browse during meal preparation. Many fruits, vegetables and herbs that tend to be part of a recipe using lemongrass also flourish in the same growing conditions. East Indian and West Indian lemongrass are the two species most commonly used in cooking. The plants need rich, loose soil with good drainage and plenty of moisture to thrive.
Lemongrass Companion Plants
Herb containers on the back porch or patio provide convenient, fresh seasoning choices just off the kitchen. Some great ways of companion planting with lemongrass are by using herbs, which appreciate full sun and well-drained soil. Possible options include:
Cilantro
Basil
Thyme
Mint
Lemon verbena
Echinacea
Marigolds
All of these have culinary and medicinal properties and can be part of seasoning blends for many recipes. Container gardening also allows you to bring the pot indoors if a severe freeze threatens. Remember, lemongrass can get 3 to 6 feet tall, so use other herbs at the edges of the pots so they are not shaded by the lemongrass.
Lemongrass is grown in Guatemala, India, Paraguay, England, Sri Lanka, China, and other parts of Indochina, Africa, Central America, and South America. If possible, choose lemongrass companions from the same region such as galangal, ginger, and turmeric, which do well when planted nearby. Traditional crops include mangos, cucumbers, fennel and onions. Be careful about intercropping, as the roots can spread out and eventually take over an area. In areas under fruit trees, like citrus, lemongrass makes an attractive ground cover, reducing weeds and keeping moisture in the soil. It is also useful when planted with tomatoes, peppers, and tomatillos, who prefer the same growing conditions. As an added bonus, lemongrass goes well in dishes that use these fruits. Many lemongrass companions might be edible but its lime-toned, grassy leaves make a perfect backdrop for geraniums, hardy hibiscus, and many more summer blooming plants.
0
1
文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月25日
Lemongrassis an exotic plant native to Southeast Asia. It has become popular in a host of international cuisines, has a lovely citrusy scent and medicinal applications. Add to that its ability to repel some insect pests and its elegant 6-foot-tall arching stems and this is a plant you will love to grow. Caring for the plant is easy, but one thing it is fussy about is water. Knowing when to water lemongrass and how much the plant requires is helpful.
Watering Lemongrass
As a native of Southeastern Asia, lemongrass prefers hot, humid weather. It will thrive in many soil levels but can be killed when temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 C.). During the growing season, it is important to keep the plant hydrated regularly. How often should I water lemongrass? The answer is as easy as sticking your finger in the soil. If you have never grown lemongrass before, you may wonder about its care. Lemongrass plant watering is one of the most important aspects to growing healthy plants. These herbaceous grass-like plants can grow fast in hot weather and that rapid growth needs fuel. Lemongrass water requirements will vary dependent upon the type of soil you have. Sandy, loose soils will require more frequent watering, but those that are silty loam can retain moisture better and won’t need to be irrigated as frequently. Additionally, the use of a layer of organic mulch can enhance soil water retention while also adding nutrients slowly to the soil.
When to Water Lemongrass
The best time to water any plant is early morning or late afternoon, and watering lemongrass is no different. These plants should never be allowed to dry out completely. Their native soils are rich, moist and fertile, which means you should mimic these conditions in the garden. Lemongrass watering should take into consideration that the plant prefers regular rainfall and humid conditions. In arid regions, water at least every other day and provide mist. In temperate regions where rainfall is plentiful, insert a finger into soil around the plant’s roots up to the first knuckle. If soil is dry, it is time to water. Irrigate deeply to get to the roots when watering lemongrass.
How to Water Lemongrass in Containers
Lemongrass water requirements in pots is a bit different. Containers need good potting mix with plenty or organic compost mixed in. They should also have big enough drainage holes to prevent boggy soil. You may need to water daily to keep moisture levels up, as evaporation from the sides of the container will occur. Again, using some mulch over the top of the soil will help conserve moisture. Growing in containers is a great option for gardeners in cold climates since the container can be moved indoors for winter. Both in ground and container plants will stop growing in winter. Plants that aren’t actively growing need about half the water they did in summer. Always provide good circulation if overwintering the plant indoors to deter mildew problems.
Watering Lemongrass
As a native of Southeastern Asia, lemongrass prefers hot, humid weather. It will thrive in many soil levels but can be killed when temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 C.). During the growing season, it is important to keep the plant hydrated regularly. How often should I water lemongrass? The answer is as easy as sticking your finger in the soil. If you have never grown lemongrass before, you may wonder about its care. Lemongrass plant watering is one of the most important aspects to growing healthy plants. These herbaceous grass-like plants can grow fast in hot weather and that rapid growth needs fuel. Lemongrass water requirements will vary dependent upon the type of soil you have. Sandy, loose soils will require more frequent watering, but those that are silty loam can retain moisture better and won’t need to be irrigated as frequently. Additionally, the use of a layer of organic mulch can enhance soil water retention while also adding nutrients slowly to the soil.
When to Water Lemongrass
The best time to water any plant is early morning or late afternoon, and watering lemongrass is no different. These plants should never be allowed to dry out completely. Their native soils are rich, moist and fertile, which means you should mimic these conditions in the garden. Lemongrass watering should take into consideration that the plant prefers regular rainfall and humid conditions. In arid regions, water at least every other day and provide mist. In temperate regions where rainfall is plentiful, insert a finger into soil around the plant’s roots up to the first knuckle. If soil is dry, it is time to water. Irrigate deeply to get to the roots when watering lemongrass.
How to Water Lemongrass in Containers
Lemongrass water requirements in pots is a bit different. Containers need good potting mix with plenty or organic compost mixed in. They should also have big enough drainage holes to prevent boggy soil. You may need to water daily to keep moisture levels up, as evaporation from the sides of the container will occur. Again, using some mulch over the top of the soil will help conserve moisture. Growing in containers is a great option for gardeners in cold climates since the container can be moved indoors for winter. Both in ground and container plants will stop growing in winter. Plants that aren’t actively growing need about half the water they did in summer. Always provide good circulation if overwintering the plant indoors to deter mildew problems.
0
0
文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月25日
Lemon balm is easy to grow and provides a pleasant, lemony flavor and aroma for hot dishes, tea or cold drinks. It’s hard to imagine that such a lovely plant could cause so many problems, but this member of the mint family is super-prolific and can wear out its welcome in a hurry.
How to Prevent Lemon Balm Weeds
A weed is defined as any plant that grows where you don’t want it, and lemon balm proves the point. This dainty little plant that looks so innocent when you buy it at the garden center can reach a height of 2 feet and a spread of 3 feet by the end of the first growing season. Worse yet, the plant self-seeds itself like a champ and before you know it, you have a garden full of more lemon balm than you ever wanted — or needed. The most effective way to keep lemon balm in bounds is to prevent the plant from going to seed. One way to accomplish this is to shear the plant two or three times every year so it doesn’t bloom. Don’t worry; cutting the plant back won’t hurt it. If the plant blooms, snip off the flowers before they have a chance to go to seed. Even one bloom can contain a tremendous number of seeds.
Getting Rid of Lemon Balm
If the plant has already gone to seed and taken over your garden, removing the plant by hand is usually the best recourse. Be sure the ground is slightly damp so you can pull entire plants, along with the roots and runners (stolons). If you leave roots or stolons in the ground, the plants will return with a vengeance. You may want to loosen the soil with a garden fork to make weeding easier if the ground is hard. One weeding may not be enough for complete lemon balm control. Keep an eye on problem areas and pull the small shoots as soon as they appear. Controlling lemon balm plants requires persistence.
How to Prevent Lemon Balm Weeds
A weed is defined as any plant that grows where you don’t want it, and lemon balm proves the point. This dainty little plant that looks so innocent when you buy it at the garden center can reach a height of 2 feet and a spread of 3 feet by the end of the first growing season. Worse yet, the plant self-seeds itself like a champ and before you know it, you have a garden full of more lemon balm than you ever wanted — or needed. The most effective way to keep lemon balm in bounds is to prevent the plant from going to seed. One way to accomplish this is to shear the plant two or three times every year so it doesn’t bloom. Don’t worry; cutting the plant back won’t hurt it. If the plant blooms, snip off the flowers before they have a chance to go to seed. Even one bloom can contain a tremendous number of seeds.
Getting Rid of Lemon Balm
If the plant has already gone to seed and taken over your garden, removing the plant by hand is usually the best recourse. Be sure the ground is slightly damp so you can pull entire plants, along with the roots and runners (stolons). If you leave roots or stolons in the ground, the plants will return with a vengeance. You may want to loosen the soil with a garden fork to make weeding easier if the ground is hard. One weeding may not be enough for complete lemon balm control. Keep an eye on problem areas and pull the small shoots as soon as they appear. Controlling lemon balm plants requires persistence.
0
0
文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月25日
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a rambunctious plant with attractive, heart-shaped leaves and a delicate lemony aroma. A member of the mint family, lemon balm is easy to grow, even for newbie gardeners. If you’re wondering what to plant with lemon balm, read on for a few suggestions to get you started.
Lemon Balm Companion Planting
Lemon balm companion planting is a real boon in the garden, as this perennial herb attracts bees and other beneficial pollinators, while the strong, citrusy odor deters several unwelcome pests, including gnats and mosquitoes. Some gardeners even claim that lemon balm helps keep weeds in check. Finding companion plants for lemon balm is easy, because there are really no bad lemon balm companions! However, companions for lemon balm should be plants that thrive in the same growing conditions – rich, moist, well-drained soil and full sun or light shade.
What to Plant with Lemon Balm
Most herbs, fruits and vegetables make great lemon balm companions, including the following:
Winter and summer squash
Melons
Tomatoes
All members of the cabbage family (kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc.)
Apples
Kiwi
Onions
Fennel
Basil
Rosemary
Sage
Nearly any blooming plant pairs well with lemon balm, but if you’re hoping to attract pollinators, good lemon balm companions include other nectar-rich plants such as:
Cosmos
Zinnias
Lupine
Poppies
Allium
Four o’clock
Rudbeckia
Echinacea
Sweet peas
Bee balm
Chamomile
Hyssop
Borage
If your goal is to deter pests, worthy companions for lemon balm are:
Marigolds
Geraniums
Daisies
Asters
Sunflowers
Nasturtiums
Petunias
Lavender
Dill
Mint
Chives
Parsley
Lemon Balm Companion Planting
Lemon balm companion planting is a real boon in the garden, as this perennial herb attracts bees and other beneficial pollinators, while the strong, citrusy odor deters several unwelcome pests, including gnats and mosquitoes. Some gardeners even claim that lemon balm helps keep weeds in check. Finding companion plants for lemon balm is easy, because there are really no bad lemon balm companions! However, companions for lemon balm should be plants that thrive in the same growing conditions – rich, moist, well-drained soil and full sun or light shade.
What to Plant with Lemon Balm
Most herbs, fruits and vegetables make great lemon balm companions, including the following:
Winter and summer squash
Melons
Tomatoes
All members of the cabbage family (kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc.)
Apples
Kiwi
Onions
Fennel
Basil
Rosemary
Sage
Nearly any blooming plant pairs well with lemon balm, but if you’re hoping to attract pollinators, good lemon balm companions include other nectar-rich plants such as:
Cosmos
Zinnias
Lupine
Poppies
Allium
Four o’clock
Rudbeckia
Echinacea
Sweet peas
Bee balm
Chamomile
Hyssop
Borage
If your goal is to deter pests, worthy companions for lemon balm are:
Marigolds
Geraniums
Daisies
Asters
Sunflowers
Nasturtiums
Petunias
Lavender
Dill
Mint
Chives
Parsley
0
0
文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月25日
Lemon balm plants tend to be pass-along plants that a gardener ends up with from plant swaps or as gifts from other gardeners. This can leave a gardener wondering what to do with lemon balm and what is lemon balm used for exactly. While not as popular as other herbs, lemon balm is nevertheless a wonderful herb to have in your garden. Keep reading to learn more about how to grow lemon balm.
What is Lemon Balm?
The lemon balm plant (Melissa officinalis) is actually a member of the mint family and is a perennial herb. It grows as a bushy, leafy herb with a pleasant lemon smell and small white flowers. If not carefully controlled, lemon balm can quickly become invasive in the garden. Often, people mistakenly think that lemon balm is invasive due to its roots, like its cousins peppermint and spearmint, but in fact it is the seeds of the lemon balm plant that cause this herb to suddenly take over a garden. Removing the flowers of the plant as soon as they appear will make your lemon balm far less invasive.
How to Grow Lemon Balm Plants
Growing lemon balm is very easy. The plants aren’t picky about where they grow and will grow in almost any soil, but they prefer rich, well drained soil. Lemon balm plants will grow in part shade to full sun, but flourish best in full sun. It isn’t recommended that you fertilize lemon balm, as this can cause the strength of its scent to be reduced. Lemon balm is easily propagated from seeds, cuttings or plant divisions.
What is Lemon Balm Used For?
Once established, lemon balm can produce large amounts of its sweet, lemon smelling leaves. These leaves can be used for a variety of things. Most commonly, lemon balm leaves are used in teas and potpourris. You can also use lemon balm in cooking, in making essential oils and as an insect repellent.
What is Lemon Balm?
The lemon balm plant (Melissa officinalis) is actually a member of the mint family and is a perennial herb. It grows as a bushy, leafy herb with a pleasant lemon smell and small white flowers. If not carefully controlled, lemon balm can quickly become invasive in the garden. Often, people mistakenly think that lemon balm is invasive due to its roots, like its cousins peppermint and spearmint, but in fact it is the seeds of the lemon balm plant that cause this herb to suddenly take over a garden. Removing the flowers of the plant as soon as they appear will make your lemon balm far less invasive.
How to Grow Lemon Balm Plants
Growing lemon balm is very easy. The plants aren’t picky about where they grow and will grow in almost any soil, but they prefer rich, well drained soil. Lemon balm plants will grow in part shade to full sun, but flourish best in full sun. It isn’t recommended that you fertilize lemon balm, as this can cause the strength of its scent to be reduced. Lemon balm is easily propagated from seeds, cuttings or plant divisions.
What is Lemon Balm Used For?
Once established, lemon balm can produce large amounts of its sweet, lemon smelling leaves. These leaves can be used for a variety of things. Most commonly, lemon balm leaves are used in teas and potpourris. You can also use lemon balm in cooking, in making essential oils and as an insect repellent.
1
0
文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月25日
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) may not be favored by all, but to some this plant is treasured. Horsetail herb uses are plentiful and caring for horsetail plants in the herb garden is easy, provided you keep it from jumping ship and overtaking other areas of the garden. Keep reading to learn how to grow horsetail herbs.
Horsetail Plant Info
To some people it is a nuisance; to others it is an interesting and ancient herb that has earned its rightful place in history, the medicine closet and beauty products. Growing where other plants dare not, horsetail plant is a member of the Equisetum family and is closely related to ferns. Like ferns, horsetail plants reproduce via spores and they have a very deep rhizome system that can tunnel up to 3 feet under the soil.
Within the Equisetum family, there are two large groups: horsetails and scouring rushes. Horsetails have branches and a bushy appearance and scouring rushes have no branches. Both plants are without true leaves and use chlorophyll in their stems for photosynthesis. Horsetail is also known by a number of other names, including mare’s tail, horse pipes, snake grass and joint grass. Horsetail plant info suggests that it has earned its name for its jointed or segmented appearance and bristle-like texture, which is similar to a horse’s tail.
Horsetail Herb Uses
Horsetail is a very valuable herb due to its high content of silicon used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Horsetail has also been used to lower blood pressure, as a diuretic, to strengthen brittle nails, stop bleeding gums, relieve sore throats and as a topical treatment of burns and wounds. As with any herb, it is always best to consult a professional first. It can also be used as a substitute for a scouring pad in the kitchen by bundling several stems together and taking advantage of the tough and rough texture on the stems.
How to Grow Horsetail
Horsetail herb growing isn’t difficult if you provide the right conditions. Horsetail is fond of wet or boggy areas and thrives in poor soil, making it a perfect choice for areas in the landscape where other plants fail to thrive. Because it tends to spread rapidly, it’s best to give horsetail plenty of room to spread. The plants can also be kept in bounds by sinking them in bottomless containers. In fact, if you have limited space, you can grow horsetail in a container. Plants prefer a half day of sun and high heat and humidity. If you live in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 – 10, horsetail is easy to grow. It’s best to start plants from seed six weeks before the last frost and transplant outside in early spring. Caring for horsetail is easy once planted. Soil should remain wet at all times. If you are growing in a container, keep an eye on moisture levels and water accordingly. Keep old stems pruned for best performance.
Harvesting Horsetail Herbs
Horsetail herb harvesting is done in the summer. Pick stems, discarding any discolored ones, and let them dry in a cool, dark place. Once dry, the stem can be ground into a powder and stored in an airtight container for up to one year, or use for ornamental purposes. Young shoots can also be eaten like asparagus.
Horsetail Plant Info
To some people it is a nuisance; to others it is an interesting and ancient herb that has earned its rightful place in history, the medicine closet and beauty products. Growing where other plants dare not, horsetail plant is a member of the Equisetum family and is closely related to ferns. Like ferns, horsetail plants reproduce via spores and they have a very deep rhizome system that can tunnel up to 3 feet under the soil.
Within the Equisetum family, there are two large groups: horsetails and scouring rushes. Horsetails have branches and a bushy appearance and scouring rushes have no branches. Both plants are without true leaves and use chlorophyll in their stems for photosynthesis. Horsetail is also known by a number of other names, including mare’s tail, horse pipes, snake grass and joint grass. Horsetail plant info suggests that it has earned its name for its jointed or segmented appearance and bristle-like texture, which is similar to a horse’s tail.
Horsetail Herb Uses
Horsetail is a very valuable herb due to its high content of silicon used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Horsetail has also been used to lower blood pressure, as a diuretic, to strengthen brittle nails, stop bleeding gums, relieve sore throats and as a topical treatment of burns and wounds. As with any herb, it is always best to consult a professional first. It can also be used as a substitute for a scouring pad in the kitchen by bundling several stems together and taking advantage of the tough and rough texture on the stems.
How to Grow Horsetail
Horsetail herb growing isn’t difficult if you provide the right conditions. Horsetail is fond of wet or boggy areas and thrives in poor soil, making it a perfect choice for areas in the landscape where other plants fail to thrive. Because it tends to spread rapidly, it’s best to give horsetail plenty of room to spread. The plants can also be kept in bounds by sinking them in bottomless containers. In fact, if you have limited space, you can grow horsetail in a container. Plants prefer a half day of sun and high heat and humidity. If you live in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 – 10, horsetail is easy to grow. It’s best to start plants from seed six weeks before the last frost and transplant outside in early spring. Caring for horsetail is easy once planted. Soil should remain wet at all times. If you are growing in a container, keep an eye on moisture levels and water accordingly. Keep old stems pruned for best performance.
Harvesting Horsetail Herbs
Horsetail herb harvesting is done in the summer. Pick stems, discarding any discolored ones, and let them dry in a cool, dark place. Once dry, the stem can be ground into a powder and stored in an airtight container for up to one year, or use for ornamental purposes. Young shoots can also be eaten like asparagus.
0
0
文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月25日
The horehound herb plant is a member of the mint family and looks quite a bit like the popular herb. Crinkled, slightly hairy leaves are characteristic of the horehound plant. The plant is the source of the flavoring for old fashioned horehound candy. The plant is easy to grow in even poor soils and is a hardy perennial over chilly winters down to USDA Zone 4.
What is Horehound?
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is a woody stemmed herb that can grow 2 to 2 ½ feet tall. It is a wild herb commonly found in disturbed soils, roadsides and dry scrublands. The slightly serrated leaves are arranged alternately on the stem and small clustered white, purple or pink flowers form at the axils in summer. The horehound herb plant is packed with nutritional benefits including high amounts of Vitamins A, B, C, and E. Horehound plants have an interesting history of medicinal uses. The leaves can be dried and used to make tea and the leaves can be stored for up to a year in a jar. The oil can be expressed and used in perfumes and potpourri. The strong flavor is used in cough drops, candy and liqueurs. Stems can be steeped for tea or as a tincture.
How to Plant Horehound
The horehound herb plant can be planted from seed, cuttings and division. Plant the seed three weeks before your last expected frost date. The seeds are surface sown and covered with a dusting of soil to prevent the wind from taking them. When planning how to plant horehound remember the germination difficulties of the seed. Even moisture is important to encourage sprouting which is erratic. Seedlings are thinned to 10 inches apart and you can harvest the leaves after the plant flowers.
Tips for Growing Horehound
Horehound is grown in full sun and well drained soil. The plant’s other requirements are minimal as it can spring up naturally in nutrient deficient areas and sandy soils. Horehound produces a burr-like seed pod which contains tiny seeds. The seeds are slow to germinate and do not need to be sown deeply. Prior to seeding the horehound plant cultivate the soil and rake it to remove roots, rocks and debris. Once established horehound needs little supplemental irrigation and can actually diminish the plant’s health. The herb is adapted to low fertility areas but an all-purpose fertilizer can be applied in spring to encourage foliage growth. Horehound has no significant pest or disease problems.
Horehound Plant Cautions
Horehound is an invasive plant much like the mints. It’s a good idea to plant it in an area with plenty of room or to confine it to a pot. Cut off the flowers to minimize the spread of the plant as horehound seeds itself. The home gardener needs only two or three plants for personal use.
What is Horehound?
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is a woody stemmed herb that can grow 2 to 2 ½ feet tall. It is a wild herb commonly found in disturbed soils, roadsides and dry scrublands. The slightly serrated leaves are arranged alternately on the stem and small clustered white, purple or pink flowers form at the axils in summer. The horehound herb plant is packed with nutritional benefits including high amounts of Vitamins A, B, C, and E. Horehound plants have an interesting history of medicinal uses. The leaves can be dried and used to make tea and the leaves can be stored for up to a year in a jar. The oil can be expressed and used in perfumes and potpourri. The strong flavor is used in cough drops, candy and liqueurs. Stems can be steeped for tea or as a tincture.
How to Plant Horehound
The horehound herb plant can be planted from seed, cuttings and division. Plant the seed three weeks before your last expected frost date. The seeds are surface sown and covered with a dusting of soil to prevent the wind from taking them. When planning how to plant horehound remember the germination difficulties of the seed. Even moisture is important to encourage sprouting which is erratic. Seedlings are thinned to 10 inches apart and you can harvest the leaves after the plant flowers.
Tips for Growing Horehound
Horehound is grown in full sun and well drained soil. The plant’s other requirements are minimal as it can spring up naturally in nutrient deficient areas and sandy soils. Horehound produces a burr-like seed pod which contains tiny seeds. The seeds are slow to germinate and do not need to be sown deeply. Prior to seeding the horehound plant cultivate the soil and rake it to remove roots, rocks and debris. Once established horehound needs little supplemental irrigation and can actually diminish the plant’s health. The herb is adapted to low fertility areas but an all-purpose fertilizer can be applied in spring to encourage foliage growth. Horehound has no significant pest or disease problems.
Horehound Plant Cautions
Horehound is an invasive plant much like the mints. It’s a good idea to plant it in an area with plenty of room or to confine it to a pot. Cut off the flowers to minimize the spread of the plant as horehound seeds itself. The home gardener needs only two or three plants for personal use.
0
0
文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月25日
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), native to much of the Eastern United States, is valued for its many useful properties. Unfortunately, wild ginseng has been over harvested in its natural environment and is on the threatened plant list in several states. If you have an ideal growing environment and plenty of patience, you may be able to grow your own ginseng. Plants require at least three to five years before reaching maturity.
What is Ginseng?
Ginseng is an attractive perennial herb that attains a height of only 1 to 2 inches the first year. The leaf drops in autumn and a new leaf and stem appear in spring. This growth pattern continues until the plant reaches a mature height of 12 to 24 inches. Mature plants have at least three leaves, each with five oval, serrated leaflets. Clusters of greenish-yellow blooms appear in midsummer, followed by bright red, winkled berries.
Ginseng Plant Uses
The fleshy roots are used in herbal medicines and natural remedies. Various studies indicate that ginseng may boost the immune system, lower blood sugar and cholesterol and provide temporary memory improvements. While the effects haven’t been widely studied, some people believe ginseng may treat a number of conditions, including fatigue, heart disease, menopausal symptoms and high blood pressure. Ginseng is also used in soaps and lotions. In Asia, ginseng is incorporated into toothpaste, gum, candy and soft drinks.
Ginseng Growing Information
How to grow ginseng is fairly easy but locating plants may be difficult. Ginseng is usually planted by seed, which must be stratified for two years. However, you may be able to find small rootlets in greenhouses or nurseries. You can plant rhizomes from wild plants if you can find them, but check first; harvesting wild ginseng is illegal in some states. Ginseng requires nearly total shade and no direct afternoon sunlight. A location near mature deciduous trees is ideal. The goal is to mimic the plant’s natural woodland environment as much as possible. The plant thrives in deep, loose soil with a high organic content and a pH of about 5.5.
Ginseng Harvesting
Dig ginseng carefully to protect the roots. Wash off excess dirt and spread the roots in a single layer on a screen. Place the roots in a warm, well ventilated room and turn them every day. Small roots may dry in a day, but large roots can take as long as six weeks. Dried ginseng is most often used for teas.
What is Ginseng?
Ginseng is an attractive perennial herb that attains a height of only 1 to 2 inches the first year. The leaf drops in autumn and a new leaf and stem appear in spring. This growth pattern continues until the plant reaches a mature height of 12 to 24 inches. Mature plants have at least three leaves, each with five oval, serrated leaflets. Clusters of greenish-yellow blooms appear in midsummer, followed by bright red, winkled berries.
Ginseng Plant Uses
The fleshy roots are used in herbal medicines and natural remedies. Various studies indicate that ginseng may boost the immune system, lower blood sugar and cholesterol and provide temporary memory improvements. While the effects haven’t been widely studied, some people believe ginseng may treat a number of conditions, including fatigue, heart disease, menopausal symptoms and high blood pressure. Ginseng is also used in soaps and lotions. In Asia, ginseng is incorporated into toothpaste, gum, candy and soft drinks.
Ginseng Growing Information
How to grow ginseng is fairly easy but locating plants may be difficult. Ginseng is usually planted by seed, which must be stratified for two years. However, you may be able to find small rootlets in greenhouses or nurseries. You can plant rhizomes from wild plants if you can find them, but check first; harvesting wild ginseng is illegal in some states. Ginseng requires nearly total shade and no direct afternoon sunlight. A location near mature deciduous trees is ideal. The goal is to mimic the plant’s natural woodland environment as much as possible. The plant thrives in deep, loose soil with a high organic content and a pH of about 5.5.
Ginseng Harvesting
Dig ginseng carefully to protect the roots. Wash off excess dirt and spread the roots in a single layer on a screen. Place the roots in a warm, well ventilated room and turn them every day. Small roots may dry in a day, but large roots can take as long as six weeks. Dried ginseng is most often used for teas.
0
0
文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月25日
It looks like an onion chive but tastes more like garlic. Garlic chives in the garden are also often referred to as Chinese chives plant and as such were first recorded between 4,000-5,000 years ago in China. So, what are garlic chives and how do they differ from ordinary garden chives?
What are Garlic Chives?
Its scientific name of Allium tuberosum is indicative of its oniony roots and falls among the family Liliaceae. Unlike onions or other types of garlic, however, the fibrous bulb is not edible but is grown rather for its flowers and stems. It is easy to differentiate between onion chives and garlic chives. Garlic chives have a flat, grass-like leaf, not a hollow one as do onion chives. They grow between 12 to 15 inches tall.
Garlic chives make a lovely flower in a border or container plant, and work well in the herb garden. They can be planted along a path or as a dense ground cover too. The small, star-shaped flowers are usually cream colored and born on sturdy stems in June. The flowers can be eaten or dried and made into floral arrangements. The seed heads are also often used in everlasting arrangements or can be allowed to remain and drop seeds for continual reseeding. Growing garlic chives are usually cultivated for culinary uses such as in herbal vinegars, salads, soups, soft cheeses, compound butters, and grilled meat. Of course, its ornamental properties are nothing to sneeze at, and, it attracts butterflies.
How to Grow Wild Garlic Chives
I’m betting that everyone will want to know how to grow wild garlic chives in the herb garden, that is if you haven’t already. These little perennials can be planted up to USDA zone 3 in full sun exposure and rich, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0. Transplant or thin to 6 inches. Plant your garlic chives among carrots, grapes, roses and tomatoes. They will supposedly deter pests such as Japanese beetles, black spot on roses, scab on apples, and mildew on cucurbits. Propagate either from seed or division. Divide the plants in the spring every three years. Propagation from seed may result in an invasion of garlic chives, so you may want to either eat the flowers before they dry and drop seeds or remove them and discard.
Care of Garlic Chives
The care of garlic chives is pretty straightforward. Water as needed; although the plants are drought tolerant, they do enjoy moist soil. Other care of garlic chives instructs fertilizing them at the start of the growing season with a slow release fertilizer. After a long term freeze, garlic chives will often die back only to return again come springtime. Garlic chives not only have a multitude of culinary uses, but are said to be beneficial to the digestive system, stimulate appetite, promote blood circulation, and have diuretic properties. Clip the stems either all the way to the ground or with 2 inches remaining to allow the herb to grow anew.
What are Garlic Chives?
Its scientific name of Allium tuberosum is indicative of its oniony roots and falls among the family Liliaceae. Unlike onions or other types of garlic, however, the fibrous bulb is not edible but is grown rather for its flowers and stems. It is easy to differentiate between onion chives and garlic chives. Garlic chives have a flat, grass-like leaf, not a hollow one as do onion chives. They grow between 12 to 15 inches tall.
Garlic chives make a lovely flower in a border or container plant, and work well in the herb garden. They can be planted along a path or as a dense ground cover too. The small, star-shaped flowers are usually cream colored and born on sturdy stems in June. The flowers can be eaten or dried and made into floral arrangements. The seed heads are also often used in everlasting arrangements or can be allowed to remain and drop seeds for continual reseeding. Growing garlic chives are usually cultivated for culinary uses such as in herbal vinegars, salads, soups, soft cheeses, compound butters, and grilled meat. Of course, its ornamental properties are nothing to sneeze at, and, it attracts butterflies.
How to Grow Wild Garlic Chives
I’m betting that everyone will want to know how to grow wild garlic chives in the herb garden, that is if you haven’t already. These little perennials can be planted up to USDA zone 3 in full sun exposure and rich, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0. Transplant or thin to 6 inches. Plant your garlic chives among carrots, grapes, roses and tomatoes. They will supposedly deter pests such as Japanese beetles, black spot on roses, scab on apples, and mildew on cucurbits. Propagate either from seed or division. Divide the plants in the spring every three years. Propagation from seed may result in an invasion of garlic chives, so you may want to either eat the flowers before they dry and drop seeds or remove them and discard.
Care of Garlic Chives
The care of garlic chives is pretty straightforward. Water as needed; although the plants are drought tolerant, they do enjoy moist soil. Other care of garlic chives instructs fertilizing them at the start of the growing season with a slow release fertilizer. After a long term freeze, garlic chives will often die back only to return again come springtime. Garlic chives not only have a multitude of culinary uses, but are said to be beneficial to the digestive system, stimulate appetite, promote blood circulation, and have diuretic properties. Clip the stems either all the way to the ground or with 2 inches remaining to allow the herb to grow anew.
0
1
