FEBRUARY-- WINTER-SPRING 2011
DEAR GARDENERS: ZEST UP YOUR RECIPES WITH HOME GROWN HERBS
[Photo of parsley planted in a clay pot]
Dear Gardeners:
“This has been a long winter in my book.” In these cold frigid days it's for most of us a "chill " without getting our hands in growing nature’s bounties. So.. we have to substitute other things we can grow!
The frost bite has caused our warmth to take away some blooming flowers and vegetables as they take privilege to a winter’s vacation.. They are hibernating until warmer days of weather arrive. I trust you’ll looking forward to seeing them bloom once more relatively soon. Since some of us live in colder places of the country than others we especially are numbed with icy fingers and not dirty ones. The anticipation to seeing that cold snap go has plaqued us to wanting to feel warmer days to the next season of Spring. In the meantime, Old Man Winter has to run chilled days if only in course of fairness.
While you’re waiting don’t let the cold leave you without the joy of growing. There are some options for you. Your days of bitter cold drab tasting foods can be approached with a most delightful zest. You can grow the taste right inside your own kitchen. How? You can start an in house on the counter with an herb garden. Herbs are used wonderfully to spice up your once bland tasting dishes. Soups, salads, meats and vegetables can all be opened to a much more powerful zestful taste with herbs. You can grow your own herbs!
Listed are two herbs & tips for growth that may give you a start in an herbal -tasting zesty dish:
Basil:
Grow basil easy as long they are planted in pots. Basil cannot tolerate cold surrounding so place this plant in your sunny spot inside. Basil is a bushy plant and grows about 16 inches tall. The ideal temp for them is about 68 degrees. Keep your basil well tendered with water, but not to overflow in a puddle! Depending on your pot size, you may have to cut it back during the winter months. Spring will see basil taking off! Feed them twice a month in spring and summer. Suggestion: Basil grows better in clay pots. Basil spices up your spaghetti and pasta dishes; as well as soups --even chicken.
Parsley:
Parsley is one of the most favorite tastes to many herb growers. You can buy parsley seeds all year round, so winter time is a perfect season for this herbal sensation. Parsley likes a good heavy clayey soil, and you never ever have to repot them. Unfortunately parsley plants in most situations are not tolerant to being a houseplant, in this case, they love out- of- doors better. They can be grown with a sunny kitchen window in a pot for only short periods of time. You can also grow parsley in clay pots. You’ll find parsley in it’s second year will produce small blooms with a most wonderful aroma. Water gently and use liquid plant food. You can use parsley in your potato dishes, with pasta and even on a grilled cheese sandwich!
Make your grilled cheese sandwich in shape of a heart...
and top it with herbs for the zesty taste of love!
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
Finding ways to grow and adding delcious flavor...that's mmmmmm..good!
Well of course, I don’t want to wear out this letter with boredom…I’m sure you’re in all eagerness to try herbs as it's an overwhelming anticipation! If not, I’ll never know it…it’ll be your secret.
"Your secret’s safe with me. Anyway, I’ve enjoyed the experience... "
I'll write soon.
Tell me… What's growing in your garden?
I’d love to know...
How does your gardens grow?
--mine grows with love,
MIISRAEL
Posted By: MIISRAEL Bride
Tuesday, January 25th 2011 at 9:33AM
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