The quality of the soil can usually be improved, but light and heat depend on the geographical location. However, when planning the herb garden always choose a warm, sunny and sheltered place, so the plants are provided with conditions at least somewhat like those of their native habitat. They will reward you by growing well and developing flavour and aroma.
If you have an excessive secretion of gastric juices you should not use herbs that stimulate their flow. Similarly it is nolt advised to drink strong coffee or tea before going to bed for they stimulate the activity of the cerebral cortex, the heart, the vascular system and respiration. Wise and moderate use of herbs, however, acts, as a medicine rather than a poison. Why just take a look into the past: at one time no difference was made between culinary and medicinal herbs and predecessor of our present-day herb garden is the medieval chortus sanitatis', or garden of health.
The plants can be sown in trays in early spring, and kept in a frame or greenhouse to protect the tender seedlings from night frosts. These are then planted out in their permanent positions when all danger of frost is over. Such plants grow more rapidly and are ready for use at least a month earlier.
On the contrary, it is recommended to prepare cheese spreads, herb butter, salad dressings, cold sauces and the like at least an hour before serving so that the ingredients will blend thoroughly and the flavour will be at its peak.
As the growing season draws to a close with the onset of autumn it must be kept in mind that practically all perennial herbs are natives of warm regions where frost is unknown (thyme, hyssop, sage, oregano, etc.). For this reason they should be cut back to about 10 cm (4 in) above the ground and in areas where frosts regularly occur, covered with a protective layer of dry leaves, straw or evergreen twigs for the winter. This should be carefully removed in spring when growth starts so that the plants are not attacked by fungus diseases which would flourish in the warm moist environment.
The ideal soil is well drained but at the same time retains the necessary nutrients, well aerated and will neither pack down in wet weather nor form a crust when conditions are dry. The soil must also be deep enough to accommodate deep-rooting plants. - 16035
If you have an excessive secretion of gastric juices you should not use herbs that stimulate their flow. Similarly it is nolt advised to drink strong coffee or tea before going to bed for they stimulate the activity of the cerebral cortex, the heart, the vascular system and respiration. Wise and moderate use of herbs, however, acts, as a medicine rather than a poison. Why just take a look into the past: at one time no difference was made between culinary and medicinal herbs and predecessor of our present-day herb garden is the medieval chortus sanitatis', or garden of health.
The plants can be sown in trays in early spring, and kept in a frame or greenhouse to protect the tender seedlings from night frosts. These are then planted out in their permanent positions when all danger of frost is over. Such plants grow more rapidly and are ready for use at least a month earlier.
On the contrary, it is recommended to prepare cheese spreads, herb butter, salad dressings, cold sauces and the like at least an hour before serving so that the ingredients will blend thoroughly and the flavour will be at its peak.
As the growing season draws to a close with the onset of autumn it must be kept in mind that practically all perennial herbs are natives of warm regions where frost is unknown (thyme, hyssop, sage, oregano, etc.). For this reason they should be cut back to about 10 cm (4 in) above the ground and in areas where frosts regularly occur, covered with a protective layer of dry leaves, straw or evergreen twigs for the winter. This should be carefully removed in spring when growth starts so that the plants are not attacked by fungus diseases which would flourish in the warm moist environment.
The ideal soil is well drained but at the same time retains the necessary nutrients, well aerated and will neither pack down in wet weather nor form a crust when conditions are dry. The soil must also be deep enough to accommodate deep-rooting plants. - 16035
