OK, there I said it. I really do love magazines, especially when they have herbs, gardening or counted x-stitch in them.
Organic Gardening magazine came in the mail last week. New look, new editor (and a favorite garden writer of mine, Ethne Clark, she has written a great book on
Herb Garden Design, among others), but I think same great information only better looking. It is all about what entices a reader to pick up that magazine on the newsstand and read it. Organic Gardening has had its ups and downs, but I really think it is going in the right direction! One of my favorite articles is called Butter Up! about making herbal butters! Wonder why? Let me know what you think about
Organic Gardening or any thing else that's on your mind!
7 comments:
I haven't done any herbs yet but I plan to this year. I've never been one for the fresh herbs but I've never had the opportunity to use them. With Food Network there is exposure to using the fresh stuff. I don't know that you would consider my gardens organic. I use absolutely no pesticides and I use triple 8. What else could I do?
I love magazines!! My garden is organic,,,,,except the fruit trees. Last year I had to save them with a light unorganic spray.
Hi Becca, I think you start small if you have never had an herb garden. I would get the soil tested at your local extension office, if you have one, you can get a soil test kit. Herbs like a little below neutral 6.5-7.0 or a little above. I would make sure you have organic matter at the very least if you aren't going to do a soil test like your own compost or there are very good bagged versions, but that can get expensive. You need at least 6 hours of sun and more if possible. Because you are in the south, shade may be necessary for some herbs. If you search The Herb Companion magazine website for herbs for the south, you may find some helpful information. You don't need much fertilizer, just lots of sun and good soil. Do start with your favorite herbs that you may have used dried and you will see what a difference fresh herbs give you. Herbs for you may not have many pests. To be organic, I really think it means in some cases, you live with the damage rather than spraying to kill the insects. The problem with spraying is that you may kill some of the beneficial insects. One of the great benefits of having an herb garden is that it attracts so many beneficial insects. Even if you start with three or four containers on your patio, you will love being able to use fresh herbs over dried. If you have any questions on this or some other questions, please let me know. Thanks as always for stopping by Becca!
Hi Desiree,
Last year we had to spray our tomatoes to keep them going. I don't spray or take action unless it is absolutely necessary. Thanks for coming by. Glad to know you love magazines as well!
Here in the extreme heat about the only herbs that really need shade are comfrey and thyme looks better. Then of course the temperature keeps us from enjoying dill or cilantro too much after summer starts.
I have too many magazines: gardening, home and garden, and food.
Thanks for the southern exposure, Cindy. It helps to have friends who know herbs in southern places! I also have too many magazines! May have to move out soon!
I share your addiction for the magazines. Especially the green and herby ones... I have the one pictured above in my reading room (aka throne room - the only place I get privacy room?)
Sometimes that is my only privacy as well, Jules! Thanks as always for stopping by!
Post a Comment