Enough ranting! Lets talk Herbs!

I started out on happy note, posting pictures of  ”My NJ”, a few crochet creations as well as photos of the start of this years garden. Then I began my “Monsanto Rant!” I’m sorry, they just make me crazy!!!

Now lets talk herbs! I love my herb garden!  I decided to put a lot of my herbs in containers this year because I don’t have that much of a yard and with a new puppy romping around it just eases my mind to know that my little Boston Terrier “Frankie” is not eating, stomping or peepin’ on them!

I dry herbs, freeze herbs, like to use fresh herbs when I cook,  and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to flavor water with herbs and fresh fruit! There are so many combinations you can try! Get crazy and creative!!

Ice water flavored with Lemon and Fresh Orange Citrus Mint

Currently I have Rosemary, Sage, flat leaf parsley, tarragon, chives, oregano, sweet marjoram, chocolate mint, orange mint, basil and my new favorite boxwood basil in my garden.

Boxwood Basil

Rosemary

Two of my favorite, and most used herbs,  basil and rosemary, are kept in my window box. This year I bought a little boxwood basil and I LOVE it! Tiny leaves but bushy and very strong smelling!

I have both of these plants outdoors but also enjoy just reaching in the window to take a pinch of each to add to a meal!

Drying Herbs

I like to dry and preserve herbs for winter recipes, to use as gifts & crafts.  I go out with a scissor, cut a big bunch, tie the end with a rubber band and hang them in a nice dry area.

I have read that some people have difficulties drying so they use an oven, microwave or dehydrator. I live in NJ, and it does get humid, but I have never had any issues drying herbs.

I also let the plant flower at the end of the season to collect seeds! When I dry a plant that has flowered, I put a paper towel or newspaper underneath to catch all of the falling seeds. After your plant is completely dry, give it a good shake and you will have more fall out!

If you want to save your seeds for the following year they also must be dry! You don’t want to package your seeds if they are the least bit moist otherwise you will just wind up with a nice moldy lump! One old trick my mother taught me was to add a little dry milk to you seeds. I store my seeds in jars drop a little powdered milk in the jar and it will absorb any moisture that may be left in the seed.

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