Add spice to your garden's scenery. With a
myriad of colors and textures, herbs are always good ornamental company for
flowers and vegetables.
Among the most care-free plants, herbs
just need a little attention to keep them growing vigorously and looking their
best.
·
Give
herbs a soil customized to their needs. Condition the soil with compost and
manure before planting to give a solid foundation. A non-acidic soil rich in
lime grows the best herbs. You can add lime or crushed shells as well as wood
ash or small doses of bone meal to boost alkalinity. For thin or poorly drained
soils, use raised beds.
·
Herbs
for shady northern exposures with moist soil and strong indirect light include
cilantro, dill, fennel, mint and parsley. Shrubby aromatic perennial herbs like
sage, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, winter savory and thyme demand sunlight.
Basil, chives, horseradish, tarragon, sorrel and lovage need only a few hours
of sun.
·
Decorative
herbs mingle well in the moderately rich soil of a flower garden. Plant purple
leaf basil, sages, chives, tarragon, lemon balm and mints to fill in the
foreground. Invite tall, statuesque fennel and lovage to dance in the breeze
alongside delphiniums, peonies, poppies and roses.
·
Herbs
such as cilantro and sweet marjoram rely on rich, organic soil and plenty of
moisture — conditions compatible with vegetable gardening. The right herb
paired with vegetables can ward off pests or provide soil nutrients. Perfect
partners include basil and tomatoes; summer savory and beans; garlic, leeks or
onions and dill.
For
more gardening tips, call Val Ogletree at (209) 559-5725 or email at valo@valogletree.com
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