Back to Richard's Page ∙
Back to Island Voices
 |
Richard is delighted to answer questions
about herbs and gardening.
Submit your question to seniors101@shaw.ca |
Archived Q&A Topics:
Basil ∙ Chives ∙ Lavender ∙ Lemon Balm ∙ Lovage ∙ Tarragon
Q. I recently moved in to a new home that has an herb garden. The previous owners told me the names of the plants and one of them was Tarragon. My books tell me that it has a strong anise taste but mine has no flavour at all. What could it be?
A. There are two types of Tarragon, French Tarragon (Artemesia dracunculus) and Russian Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculoides). When herbs first became popular again in the early eighties the seed grown Russian variety was sold in many garden centres. It has little flavour but was easy to grow. French Tarragon has no seed and must be propagated by cuttings or division. It will thrive in our climate as long as it is grown in well drained soil in full sun.
Up
Q. Chives are one of my favourite summer herbs and I am always sad when they die back in the fall.Is there any way that I can grow them during the winter?
A. Absolutely. In late October when the plant has finished growing take a spade and dig up a clump. Put the whole plant, soil as well in to a plastic bag and put in the freezer for six to eight weeks. Remove and allow to thaw then pot it up and place somewhere warm. The plant will think that winter is over and start to grow again. By Christmas you should be able to serve fresh chives at the festive table.
Up
Q. Each year I buy my Basil plants but never seem to have much success. Are there any tricks to get more growth out of them?
A. Basil is a plant that originates from tropical climates. It thrives in rich soil, full sun and high humidity. Cold nights and rain will weaken the plants to the point where they stop being productive. June through September are the best months to grow them in our climate. Consider making a plastic tent to cover them at night and during adverse weather. Fertilise with a high nitrogen product such as fish fertiliser every two weeks.
Up
Q. My parents are originally from Europe and mum always used a herb called Lovage in her cooking. Is it easy to grow and where can I grow it?
A. Lovage or Maggi Kraut as it is affectionately called is a very hardy perennial plant. It can be grown in large pots but prefers a sunny location outdoors. It has a very spicy celery type flavour. After three years the plant can become very large reaching heights of six feet and several feet across. It dies back each winter and comes up in early spring.
Up
Q. I decided to grow some Lemon Balm in my garden several years ago and now it is popping up in my garden all over the place. I am considering getting rid of the plant as it is so invasive but I love using it to make fresh herb tea. Any ideas?
A. Make more tea! Seriously if you use the plant a lot it will prevent it from flowering and setting seed. If you only use it every now and again it is important to cut off any flower stalks-this will also produce fresh new growth.
Up
Q. Lavender plants that I put in my garden several years ago have grown very large but are woody at the bottom with no leaves. Is there anything that I can do to make them look better?
A. Lavender requires regular pruning to prevent the situation you describe. For many years I also struggled with this problem until I came across a book that showed before and after pictures of a lavender bush being pruned. They need to be pruned back very hard when collecting the flower stalks in July. We prune most of our varieties back to a height of twelve inches-they look pretty sad for a few weeks but will eventually grow nice new foliage. I have also had about 75% success cutting whole shrubs right to the ground in March. After several weeks new shoots come up from underground and a new plant is formed.
Up
Submit your question for Richard to seniors101@shaw.ca
Richard White
Hazelwood Herb Farm
13576 Adshead Road
Ladysmith, B.C. V9G 1H6
Canada
250-245-8007
info@hazelwoodherbfarm.com
www.hazelwoodherbfarm.com
Back to Richard's Page ∙
Back to Island Voices
Top
