Today I have some tips on a few popular herbs that should be in everyone's garden!

BASIL TIDBITS
A reminder about growing basil: Like many other herbs it needs full sun, and good drainage, but the soil should be fertile, and not overly dry. Keep it watered well after sowing the seeds, and all through the growing season. Don't soak it or keep it wet, but don't let it dry out either. Also, remember to pinch off ALL blooms as they form to keep the basil going throughout the summer. Basil will benefit from an organic fertilizer, especially if it's grown in containers. You can start harvesting about 6 weeks after planting.

MINT TIDBITS
I've mentioned before that mint can be very invasive. I have had good luck with it and bad luck. The best thing to do is bury a pot that the mint has been planted in. If it's done correctly the roots will be contained. Cover the drainage holes with shade cloth, a piece of birdnetting or something that will stop the roots, but not the water. Plant the mint in the pot, then bury the pot. You will still have to watch for the mint to spread on top of the soil, but that's easier to handle if you watch it.

THE HERB LADY'S THYME TIPS
All the thymes make wonderful ground-cover options to a lawn. Landscaping with thyme couldn't be easier. Just choose a location and plant at the proper time. Shades of green, fragrant, trailing and fun, edible, attractive to the wildlife when in bloom, you should really find a place for one of these lovely stand-bys. Try common or English Thyme, Lavender Thyme, or Lime Thyme (some of my favorites). Landscape with thyme under beloved shrubs like roses. For a tea garden try the lime or lemon thymes or Pennsylvania Dutch tea (I just got this one recently and have been using it in my sun teas as a flavoring). Thyme, especially as a ground cover, is an easy-care plant. Initially, as with all young plants, you may need to water more, but these low-water use herbs require less care once established. As with all Mediterranean-type herbs they thrive in hot, dry, well-drained soil, with proper watering--as with most herbs water deeply and allow to dry out some before watering again. ~Catherine http://www.herbs2u.net/

MORE: Recipes and growing tips on thyme:
http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/thyme.html
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Enjoy your day. ~Brenda

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