Herb Week: Basil

If Rosemary is Queen, then Basil is King of Herbs!

Roasted tomatoes with basil & mozzerella

Basil is the hallmark of summer in the South, begging to be plucked and tucked into a sandwich or blended with olive oil for a creamy pesto. Easy to grow and just as easy to root, Basil serves floral & culinary duties.








Placing long stems of Basil into floral arrangements one curious of the delightfully sweet aroma. Basil has many culinary powers, too. Pick fresh leaves/stems early in the morning or late evening for peak essential oil & flavor.

Fresh Basil on sandwiches & pasta, combined with heirloom tomatoes and fresh mozzarella---divine! You must try making your own pesto this year--read Pesto Presto! for a good starter recipe...


Plant your Basil soon & enjoy the King of Herbs all summer!
see you
ML

Spring Herb Planting

We are getting so close to planting time here in Augusta!  Veggies, herbs and flower plants are starting to make their way out of greenhouses and into the garden stores. 

While planning your purposeful garden this season, consider including a variety of herbs. I always tell people, particularly those with "brown thumbs", to grow herbs.

This week starts with a few hints about choosing and growing these delightful 
culinary treats. 









First, think of what herbs you enjoy in your food...
here are a few of my favorites:
   

•  Rosemary

• Basil
• Chives
• Oregano
• Lovage
• Bay
• Dill

This will give you a great start when shopping for herbs you'll really use from the garden.

Next we'll look at the 3 D's for growing herbs!


Blessings from the Garden. 
ML

Last Frost Date

If you are planning on starting seeds indoors for outdoor planting later, you
need to know the "last frost date" for you area. Plant Maps is a good resource for
those dates and for other helpful info based on your zip code.

Augusta's last frost date range is March 21st to March 31st.

So, if you are planting
basil indoors, for example,I would get started around Valentine's Day, February 14th!

Blessings from the Garden.
ML