Category: Growing Herbs
- Written by: Norman
- Category: Growing Herbs
- Published: December 25, 2018
Spicing up your life with allspice
Allspice
It is believed that the allspice tree was first discovered in 1509, the allspice tree is said to be a native of Central America, The Greater Antilles and Southern Mexico. Allspice is also known as Jamaica Pepper and the scientific name for this spice is Pimenta Dioica. During historical times allspice was used to preserve meats. The fruits of this spice tree are picked when green and dried in the sun.
In the Caribbean, allspice is used in many dishes, the leaves can be used to make tea and are also used for medical purposes. As a child, my parents would often cook with this spice adding it mostly to our famous chicken souse that was loved and prepared by the natives. To this day this spice is still used to prepare chicken, pig feet, lambchop, turkey, rib and mutton souse that is enjoyed by many of the Islanders.
- Written by: Norman
- Category: Growing Herbs
- Published: November 4, 2018
Planting and caring for winter savory
Winter Savory
Winter savory is a herb that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. There is another savory which is known as the summer savory. It is believed that both these herbs were around from ancient Rome that’s all the way back before our time so these herbs have been around for a while.
It is also believed that the ancient Romans introduced these herbs to northern Europe and Egland.
The winter savory is a perennial whereas the summer savory is an annual. The winter savory makes a great repellent and has been known to keep both bean weevils and aphids at bay an also reduce mildew. So if you have a problem with these insects, planting winter savory among your garden plants will help to make life a lot easier.
The aroma of summer savory is spicy while the winter savory has aromas of pine and sage.
- Written by: Norman
- Category: Growing Herbs
- Published: November 4, 2018
A garden herb that’s worth growing
Cilantro
A garden herb that is worth our attention is cilantro, this is an annual which is fast growing and has a pleasant aroma. But how do we grow cilantro? before we discuss this let’s have a closer look at this herb.
Cilantro’s history
There is not much that is know about cilantro but it is believed that this herb has been around from 5,000 BC and is said to be a native of southwest Europe and the Mediterranean. History has also recorded that the seeds of cilantro have been found in Egyptian tombs so we have some insights about this herb.
Cooking with cilantro
Cilantro has been used as a garnish, in sauce, on tacos, in cooked salsa and so on. Cilantro is very popular in Thai and Chinese kitchens.
- Written by: Norman
- Category: Growing Herbs
- Published: August 27, 2018
Learn how to plant, grow and care for artichokes
Artichokes
Artichokes is a wild perennial which is a favorite of millions worldwide, that contributes to our health in great ways. Artichokes contain many vitamins. This vegetable is a good source of antioxidants that help our bodies to get rid of free radicals which can work against our health.
Make your bathroom trip easier by including artichokes in your diet. Artichokes are rich in fibre so become a friend of artichokes and load up on those fibres.
Promote your liver health by adding artichokes to your dinner plate. Our liver is an important organ that helps to filter our bodies keeping it clean so keep your liver healthy and functioning with the help of artichokes.
- Written by: Norman
- Category: Growing Herbs
- Published: August 21, 2018
Simple steps on growing lavender
Lavender plants
Lavender originated in the Mediterranean this perennial plant has such a strong scent and produces nice purple flowers. Lavender is grown worldwide and belongs to the mint family. This herb can be harvested to flavor foods, for medical purposes, it has a lovely aroma and can be used as a fragrance or decoration.
But what does it takes to successfully grow lavender? Following this guide will ensure that your efforts are paid off when seeking to grow this plant.
Growing lavender
1. Lavender requires six to eight hours of sunlight to perform at its best.
2. The soil type for this plant is a well-drain soil. The PH range for lavender is 6.5
3. Plants should be spaced twelve to fifteen inches apart to allow for growth and proper air circulation.
4. Water moderately. Do not over water because lavender hates wet feet.
5. Lavender can be feed with small amounts of a slow release fertilizer.
