Gardening for Geeks by Christy Wilhelmi

Author:Christy Wilhelmi
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9781440557804
Publisher: F+W Media
Published: 2013-06-07T21:00:00+00:00

Herbs

Basil

Latin Name: Ocimum basilicum

Planting Depth: 1⁄8–1⁄4"

Plant Spacing: 6"

Soil Temp. for Germ.: 70°–85°F

Sun: Full

Water: Moderate

Days to Germinate: 6–12

Days to Maturity: 65–75

About Basil

Basil is the quintessential summer herb. Its leaves are used in salads, Italian cooking, pesto (see Chapter 10), Caprese sandwiches, and more. It is a member of the mint family, but it doesn’t take over gardens as mint does. There are many basil varieties available, including Thai, lemon, Big Leaf, Lettuce, and even a few perennial basils such as African Blue and Pesto Perpetuo.

Growing Basil

Sow the seeds in well-amended, loose soil. Basil can be fussy, so start the plants indoors in spring in cold climates. Water them regularly to keep the seed bed moist and roots cool as the plants develop. Basil will grow more quickly once temperatures warm up. Pinch flowering tips off to keep the plants producing through summer and fall.

Harvesting Basil

Harvest the topmost leaves by picking individual leaves or leaf sets. You’ll see two sets of small leaves growing from the nodes along the stem. Pinch the stems with your fingernails or shears just above new growth. Basil can be used fresh, frozen, or dried. Home-dried and frozen basil isn’t pretty—it turns black—but it tastes the same in cooked dishes. Freeze basil in ice cube trays in tablespoon-serving amounts, or puree it with olive oil and freeze. For best results, dry basil in a dehydrator.

Chives

Latin Name: Allium schoenoprasum

Planting Depth: 1⁄4"

Plant Spacing: 12"

Soil Temp. for Germ.: 45°–95°F

Sun: Full to partial

Water: Moderate

Days to Germinate: 7–21

Days to Maturity: 60–70

About Chives

Chives are a perennial herb of Mediterranean origin, related to the onion. They grow in clumps about 10" tall and spread in diameter as they mature. Typically used in egg dishes and Asian food, chives produce a pink spherical flower that is also edible. Another common variety, garlic or Chinese chives (Allium tuberosum), has broad, flat leaves with a seam down the center. Even though they have a different flavor, chives are a great alternative for those with little space to grow full-sized onions.

Growing Chives

Chives can be grown from seed or nursery stock, or by dividing an existing plant. Start the plants indoors or direct seed in the garden, but note that chives can take up to a year to reach mature size. In warm-winter climates chives will survive through winter, but they go dormant in cold-winter zones. Water regularly until they are well established, then chives become somewhat drought tolerant. This herb grows well in partial shade. Fertilize them seasonally, as needed.

Harvesting Chives

Cut the chives from the base of the plant, taking small sections each time. Chives will not grow from the cut end but will send up new shoots from the base. Harvesting encourages new growth. Store them in a plastic bag or in a glass of water like flowers in a vase.

Cilantro

Latin Name: Coriandrum sativum

Planting Depth: 1⁄4–1⁄2"

Plant Spacing: 4"

Soil Temp. for Germ.: 55°–65°F

Sun: Full

Water: Moderate

Days to Germinate: 7–14

Days to Maturity: 45–70

About Cilantro

Cilantro is one of those annual herbs people either love or hate. There are some folks who think it tastes like soap.

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