Commonly known as native or country potato in Africa and called "Chinese potato" in India. It is a perennial herbaceous plant of the mint family native to tropical Africa. It is cultivated for its edible tubers primarily in West Africa.
The egg-shaped tubers of the native potato appear very similar to the unrelated true potato, though they are smaller than modern commercial varieties. They are typically boiled but may also be roasted, baked or fried. Their flavor is bland.
References:
Plectranthus rotundifolius - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://buff.ly/1Uiqs6T
15 Native Potatoes | Lost Crops of Africa: Volume II: Vegetables | The National Academies Press http://buff.ly/23jYmIY
Available for purchase here:
Ebay: Plectranthus rotundifolius - African Potato Mint - 1 Live Plant! http://buff.ly/24ZhR8V
Wellspring gardens: African Potato Mint - Plectranthus rotundifolius http://buff.ly/1UEqUKY
Showing posts with label Herbs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Herbs. Show all posts
How to grow sculpit also called stridolo (Silene inflata) - easy annual herb
From LearnHowToGarden:
Little known outside Italy sculpit also called stridolo (Silene inflata) is a easy annual herb use in Italy for flavoring for quiches, pizzas and omelettes wonderful added to soups and my own favorite is to use sculpit in a risotto.
Blending complex flavours of Rocket Tarragon and Chicory its far more elegant and refined that it sounds.
From Amazon:
Little known outside Italy sculpit also called stridolo (Silene inflata) is a easy annual herb use in Italy for flavoring for quiches, pizzas and omelettes wonderful added to soups and my own favorite is to use sculpit in a risotto.
Blending complex flavours of Rocket Tarragon and Chicory its far more elegant and refined that it sounds.
From Amazon:
Basil
Basil is easy to grow both outdoor and indoor. Outdoor temperatures have to be over 70F. I use Kratky's hydroponics for indoor basil.
Gary Pilarchik shows how is growing 9 Varieties of Basil for Pennies a Plant: Over-Seeding Method - MFG 2014 - YouTube http://buff.ly/1qfvcei
How to Propagate Basil - "Endless" Supply from One Plant - YouTube http://buff.ly/1mER8vB
Basil grows easily in Kratky hydroponic containers.
Related reading:
Medicinal Plants in Permaculture: Basil http://bit.ly/1tKuwhz
Apart from the classic basil, other great basil varieties include purple and lemon basil:
Purple Petra Basil Seeds:
Basil Lemon:
Gary Pilarchik shows how is growing 9 Varieties of Basil for Pennies a Plant: Over-Seeding Method - MFG 2014 - YouTube http://buff.ly/1qfvcei
How to Propagate Basil - "Endless" Supply from One Plant - YouTube http://buff.ly/1mER8vB
Basil grows easily in Kratky hydroponic containers.
Related reading:
Medicinal Plants in Permaculture: Basil http://bit.ly/1tKuwhz
Apart from the classic basil, other great basil varieties include purple and lemon basil:
Purple Petra Basil Seeds:
Basil Lemon:
Wild Garlic, Bear's Garlic, Bear Leek, Broad Leaved Garlic (Allium Ursinum)
Grows wild, bears like it
Allium ursinum – known as ramsons, buckrams, wild garlic, broad-leaved garlic, wood garlic, bear leek or bear's garlic – is a wild relative of chives native to Europe and Asia. The Latin name is due to the brown bear's taste for the bulbs and its habit of digging up the ground to get at them; they are also a favorite of wild boar.
The leaves of A. ursinum are edible; they can be used as salad, herb, boiled as a vegetable, in soup, or as an ingredient for pesto in lieu of basil. The bulbs and flowers are also edible, though less famed for their taste than the leaves.
Confusion with deadly, poisonous plants
In Europe, where ramsons are popularly harvested from the wild, similarity to poisonous plants regularly leads to cases of poisoning. The leaves of A. ursinum are easily mistaken for Lily of the Valley, sometimes also those of Colchicum autumnale and Arum maculatum. All three are poisonous; potentially deadly incidents occur almost every year.
Where to buy seeds
Here is one example: Allium ursinum - 500mg ~ 60 Seeds, $ 1.87
http://www.seedaholic.com/allium-ursinum.html
Amazon: Ramsons, Wild Garlic - 400 Seeds http://buff.ly/1tVoRUz
References:
Wild Garlic (or Ramps) Pasta | David Lebovitz http://buff.ly/1jUjFcJ
Allium ursinum - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://buff.ly/1jUjHRZ
Amazon.com : 0.2g (Approx. 30) Ramsons Seeds Bot.: "Allium Ursinum" Wild Garlic, Bear's Garlic, Bear Leek, Broad Leaved Garlic http://buff.ly/1jUjNsR
Ramsons - Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum) http://buff.ly/1jUkfHm
Allium ursinum Seeds http://buff.ly/1f70DTi
Allium Ursinum Seeds (Ramsons Seeds, Wild Garlic Seeds) http://buff.ly/1f70I9w
Allium ursinum Wild Garlic PFAF Plant Database http://buff.ly/1f70MGh
Related:
Allium ursinum – known as ramsons, buckrams, wild garlic, broad-leaved garlic, wood garlic, bear leek or bear's garlic – is a wild relative of chives native to Europe and Asia. The Latin name is due to the brown bear's taste for the bulbs and its habit of digging up the ground to get at them; they are also a favorite of wild boar.
The leaves of A. ursinum are edible; they can be used as salad, herb, boiled as a vegetable, in soup, or as an ingredient for pesto in lieu of basil. The bulbs and flowers are also edible, though less famed for their taste than the leaves.
Confusion with deadly, poisonous plants
In Europe, where ramsons are popularly harvested from the wild, similarity to poisonous plants regularly leads to cases of poisoning. The leaves of A. ursinum are easily mistaken for Lily of the Valley, sometimes also those of Colchicum autumnale and Arum maculatum. All three are poisonous; potentially deadly incidents occur almost every year.
Where to buy seeds
Here is one example: Allium ursinum - 500mg ~ 60 Seeds, $ 1.87
http://www.seedaholic.com/allium-ursinum.html
Amazon: Ramsons, Wild Garlic - 400 Seeds http://buff.ly/1tVoRUz
References:
Wild Garlic (or Ramps) Pasta | David Lebovitz http://buff.ly/1jUjFcJ
Allium ursinum - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://buff.ly/1jUjHRZ
Amazon.com : 0.2g (Approx. 30) Ramsons Seeds Bot.: "Allium Ursinum" Wild Garlic, Bear's Garlic, Bear Leek, Broad Leaved Garlic http://buff.ly/1jUjNsR
Ramsons - Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum) http://buff.ly/1jUkfHm
Allium ursinum Seeds http://buff.ly/1f70DTi
Allium Ursinum Seeds (Ramsons Seeds, Wild Garlic Seeds) http://buff.ly/1f70I9w
Allium ursinum Wild Garlic PFAF Plant Database http://buff.ly/1f70MGh
Related:
DIY Herb Tower Container Garden - Home Depot video
Fill a few planters with herbs that will grow to become welcome ingredients for delicious meals.
Related:
Best Herbs for Container Growing » Harvest to Table http://buff.ly/RMMWhU
Related:
Best Herbs for Container Growing » Harvest to Table http://buff.ly/RMMWhU
Mint
All About Growing Mint - YouTube http://bit.ly/1xWocBG: "We show you the different varieties of mint that are available which ones are used for what purpose. Its easy to grow fresh herbs like mint in your garden. You will see a lot of mints by Bonnie plants like Sweet Mint, Spearmint, Peppermint, Chocolate Mint etc which you can easily buy locally."
How to Seed Start & Cup Transplant Mint, Peppermint & Spearmint: Any Mint! - The Rusted Garden 2014 - YouTube http://buff.ly/1lQJw9Z
"You don't have to spent a lot of money on the mint family buying transplants. I show you how to easily seed start and transplant it into cups to have it ready for your spring garden. It is a bit slow to germinate and it starts out really tiny but it quickly gets up to size in 6-8 weeks of growth."
Related:
Best Herbs for Container Growing » Harvest to Table http://buff.ly/RMMWhU
How to Seed Start & Cup Transplant Mint, Peppermint & Spearmint: Any Mint! - The Rusted Garden 2014 - YouTube http://buff.ly/1lQJw9Z
"You don't have to spent a lot of money on the mint family buying transplants. I show you how to easily seed start and transplant it into cups to have it ready for your spring garden. It is a bit slow to germinate and it starts out really tiny but it quickly gets up to size in 6-8 weeks of growth."
Related:
Best Herbs for Container Growing » Harvest to Table http://buff.ly/RMMWhU
Rosemary
How and When to Seed Start Rosemary & Transplant Cups: A Great Herb! - The Rusted Garden 2014 - YouTube http://buff.ly/1itVhhC
"Rosemary is a great herb and it will over winter in many locations. I am in Maryland Zone 7 and it comes back each year. It germinates poorly and slowly. You should start this herb 8-10 weeks before last frost. You can really grow it inside or in a greenhouse for 12 weeks before getting it in the ground. Starting early will allow you to harvest leaves for the current year's use. So start rosemary early!"
Related:
Best Herbs for Container Growing » Harvest to Table http://buff.ly/RMMWhU
"Rosemary is a great herb and it will over winter in many locations. I am in Maryland Zone 7 and it comes back each year. It germinates poorly and slowly. You should start this herb 8-10 weeks before last frost. You can really grow it inside or in a greenhouse for 12 weeks before getting it in the ground. Starting early will allow you to harvest leaves for the current year's use. So start rosemary early!"
Related:
Best Herbs for Container Growing » Harvest to Table http://buff.ly/RMMWhU
Growing Herbs Indoors (video)
Growing Herbs Indoors - YouTube http://buff.ly/1itV128
Related:
Best Herbs for Container Growing » Harvest to Table http://buff.ly/RMMWhU
Related:
Best Herbs for Container Growing » Harvest to Table http://buff.ly/RMMWhU
Bloggers share their favorite herbs
Here is a design idea for a Vertical Herb Garden: Vertical herb gardens can be made using recycled wood pallets that you might have lying around. Make vertical herb gardens with help from an experienced landscaping professional in this video clip:
Related:
Best Herbs for Container Growing » Harvest to Table http://buff.ly/RMMWhU
Cooking with Herbs - Mother Earth Living http://buff.ly/1yNZwgR
Chamomile
Chamomile or camomile is the common name for several daisy-like plants of the family Asteraceae that are commonly used to make a herb tea that can help to induce sleep. Because chamomile can cause uterine contractions that can cause miscarriage, the U.S. National Institutes of Health recommends that pregnant and nursing mothers not consume chamomile.
Persons who are allergic to ragweed (also in the daisy family) may also be allergic to chamomile due to cross-reactivity.
Chamomile also has antiseptic properties and has been used as a topical medication for treatment of aphthous stomatitis and pharyngitis.
The word chamomile derives, via French and Latin, from Greek χαμαίμηλον (khamaimēlon), i.e. "earth apple", from χαμαί (khamai) "on the ground" + μῆλον (mēlon) "apple".
How to grow
Chamomile seeds are by tiny. Press in the growing medium. They need light to sprout.
Species
Some commonly used species include:
- German chamomile
- Matricaria chamomilla (also known as Matricaria recutita),
- wild chamomile
- Chamaemelum nobile, Roman, English or garden chamomile
Pharmacology
Major chemical compounds present within chamomile include apigenin and alpha-bisabolol. Other classes of chemical compounds found within the chamomile plant include: sesquiterpenes, terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins such as herniarin and umbelliferone, phenylpropanoids such as chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, flavones such as apigenin and luteolin, flavanols such as quercetin and rutin, and polyacetylenes.
Apigenin has "chemopreventive" effects, while alpha-bisabolol has been shown to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Chemical compounds present within chamomile have the ability to bind GABA receptors, modulate monoamine neurotransmission, and have displayed neuroendocrine effects.
Umbelliferone has been shown to be fungistatic. Coumarin compounds present in chamomile such as herniarin and umbelliferone may have blood-thinning properties, and there is some evidence that chamomile may interact with other medications causing drug-drug interactions.
Medical uses
Chamomile has been widely used in children and adults for thousands of years for a variety of health conditions. Today, chamomile is used as a folk or traditional remedy for sleeplessness, anxiety, and gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea. It is also used topically for skin conditions and for mouth ulcers resulting from cancer treatment.
The flowering tops of the chamomile plant are used to make teas, liquid extracts, capsules, or tablets. The herb can also be applied to the skin as a cream or an ointment, or used as a mouth rinse.
Chamomile has been used for inflammation associated with hemorrhoids when applied topically. There is Level B evidence to support the claim that chamomile possesses anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties and may have clinical applications in the treatment of stress and insomnia. Chemical components of chamomile extract have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic,antigenotoxic, and anticancer properties.
Chamomile is frequently added to skin cosmetics to serve as an emollient, and for its anti-inflammatory effects.
References:
Chamomile - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://bit.ly/TU6opN
Chamomile - A Delicate but Tough Herb for the Garden and the Kitchen http://abt.cm/1cLZGvP
Chamomile : Science and Safety | NCCAM http://1.usa.gov/1cLZZGT
Chamomile products:
Persons who are allergic to ragweed (also in the daisy family) may also be allergic to chamomile due to cross-reactivity.
Chamomile also has antiseptic properties and has been used as a topical medication for treatment of aphthous stomatitis and pharyngitis.
The word chamomile derives, via French and Latin, from Greek χαμαίμηλον (khamaimēlon), i.e. "earth apple", from χαμαί (khamai) "on the ground" + μῆλον (mēlon) "apple".
How to grow
Chamomile seeds are by tiny. Press in the growing medium. They need light to sprout.
Species
Some commonly used species include:
- German chamomile
- Matricaria chamomilla (also known as Matricaria recutita),
- wild chamomile
- Chamaemelum nobile, Roman, English or garden chamomile
Pharmacology
Major chemical compounds present within chamomile include apigenin and alpha-bisabolol. Other classes of chemical compounds found within the chamomile plant include: sesquiterpenes, terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins such as herniarin and umbelliferone, phenylpropanoids such as chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, flavones such as apigenin and luteolin, flavanols such as quercetin and rutin, and polyacetylenes.
Apigenin has "chemopreventive" effects, while alpha-bisabolol has been shown to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Chemical compounds present within chamomile have the ability to bind GABA receptors, modulate monoamine neurotransmission, and have displayed neuroendocrine effects.
Umbelliferone has been shown to be fungistatic. Coumarin compounds present in chamomile such as herniarin and umbelliferone may have blood-thinning properties, and there is some evidence that chamomile may interact with other medications causing drug-drug interactions.
Medical uses
Chamomile has been widely used in children and adults for thousands of years for a variety of health conditions. Today, chamomile is used as a folk or traditional remedy for sleeplessness, anxiety, and gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea. It is also used topically for skin conditions and for mouth ulcers resulting from cancer treatment.
The flowering tops of the chamomile plant are used to make teas, liquid extracts, capsules, or tablets. The herb can also be applied to the skin as a cream or an ointment, or used as a mouth rinse.
Chamomile has been used for inflammation associated with hemorrhoids when applied topically. There is Level B evidence to support the claim that chamomile possesses anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties and may have clinical applications in the treatment of stress and insomnia. Chemical components of chamomile extract have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic,antigenotoxic, and anticancer properties.
Chamomile is frequently added to skin cosmetics to serve as an emollient, and for its anti-inflammatory effects.
References:
Chamomile - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://bit.ly/TU6opN
Chamomile - A Delicate but Tough Herb for the Garden and the Kitchen http://abt.cm/1cLZGvP
Chamomile : Science and Safety | NCCAM http://1.usa.gov/1cLZZGT
Chamomile products:
Thyme
There are many types of thyme. Thyme /taɪm/ is any of several species of culinary and medicinal herbs of the genus Thymus, most commonly Thymus vulgaris.
History
Ancient Egyptians used thyme for embalming. The ancient Greeks used it in their baths and burnt it as incense in their temples, believing it was a source of courage. The spread of thyme throughout Europe was thought to be due to the Romans, as they used it to purify their rooms and to "give an aromatic flavor to cheese and liqueurs".
The name Thyme, in its Greek form, was first given to the plant by the Greeks as a derivative of a word which meant 'to fumigate,' either because they used it as incense, for its balsamic odor, or because it was taken as a type of all sweet-smelling herbs. Others derive the name from the Greek word thumus ("courage"), the plant being held in ancient and medieval days to be a great source of invigoration, inspiring courage.
The antiseptic properties of Thyme were fully recognized in classic times, there being a reference in Virgil's Georgics to its use as a fumigator, and Pliny tells us that, when burnt, it puts to flight all venomous creatures. Among Greeks, Thyme denoted graceful elegance; 'to smell of Thyme' was an expression of praise, applied to those whose style was admirable. It was an emblem of activity, bravery and energy, and in the days of chivalry it was the custom for ladies to embroider a bee hovering over a sprig of Thyme on the scarves they presented to their knights.
The affection of bees for Thyme is well known and the fine flavor of the honey of Mount Hymettus near Athens was said to be due to the wild thyme with which it was covered.
In the European Middle Ages, the herb was placed beneath pillows to aid sleep and ward off nightmares. In this period, women would also often give knights and warriors gifts that included thyme leaves, as it was believed to bring courage to the bearer. Thyme was also used as incense and placed on coffins during funerals, as it was supposed to assure passage into the next life.
Cultivation
Thyme is best cultivated in a hot, sunny location with well-drained soil. It can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or by dividing rooted sections of the plant. It tolerates drought well. The plants can take deep freezes and are found growing wild on mountain highlands.
Thyme is "a faithful companion" of lavender. Conditions suitable for the growth of thyme are nearly identical with those favored by lavender.
Culinary use
Though apparently not in general use as a culinary herb among the ancients, it was employed by the Romans to give an aromatic flavor to cheese and liqueurs.
Thyme is a common component of the bouquet garni, and of herbes de Provence.
Thyme is sold both fresh and dried. The fresh form is more flavorful, but also less convenient; storage life is rarely more than a week.
Fresh thyme is commonly sold in bunches of sprigs. A sprig is a single stem snipped from the plant. It is composed of a woody stem with paired leaf or flower clusters ("leaves"). A recipe may measure thyme by the bunch (or fraction thereof), or by the sprig, or by the tablespoon or teaspoon. Usually when a recipe specifies "bunch" or "sprig", it means the whole form; when it specifies spoons it means the leaves.
Dried thyme is widely used in Armenia (called Urc) in teas.
Thyme retains its flavor on drying better than many other herbs.
Medicinal use
Oil of thyme, the essential oil of common thyme (Thymus vulgaris), contains 20–54% thymol. Thymol, an antiseptic, is the main active ingredient in various commercially produced mouthwashes such as Listerine. Before the advent of modern antibiotics, oil of thyme was used to medicate bandages. Thymol has also been shown to be effective against various fungi that commonly infect toenails. Thymol can also be found as the active ingredient in some all-natural, alcohol-free hand sanitizes.
A tea made by infusing the herb in water can be used for coughs and bronchitis.
References:
Thyme - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://bit.ly/19XCNVj
Related reading:
A Modern Herbal | Thyme, Garden http://bit.ly/19XCDgC
A Visual Guide to Fresh Herbs | Epicurious.com http://bit.ly/19XCtWM
Cook's Thesaurus: European Herbs http://bit.ly/19XCry9
Best Herbs for Container Growing » Harvest to Table http://buff.ly/RMMWhU
History
Ancient Egyptians used thyme for embalming. The ancient Greeks used it in their baths and burnt it as incense in their temples, believing it was a source of courage. The spread of thyme throughout Europe was thought to be due to the Romans, as they used it to purify their rooms and to "give an aromatic flavor to cheese and liqueurs".
The name Thyme, in its Greek form, was first given to the plant by the Greeks as a derivative of a word which meant 'to fumigate,' either because they used it as incense, for its balsamic odor, or because it was taken as a type of all sweet-smelling herbs. Others derive the name from the Greek word thumus ("courage"), the plant being held in ancient and medieval days to be a great source of invigoration, inspiring courage.
The antiseptic properties of Thyme were fully recognized in classic times, there being a reference in Virgil's Georgics to its use as a fumigator, and Pliny tells us that, when burnt, it puts to flight all venomous creatures. Among Greeks, Thyme denoted graceful elegance; 'to smell of Thyme' was an expression of praise, applied to those whose style was admirable. It was an emblem of activity, bravery and energy, and in the days of chivalry it was the custom for ladies to embroider a bee hovering over a sprig of Thyme on the scarves they presented to their knights.
The affection of bees for Thyme is well known and the fine flavor of the honey of Mount Hymettus near Athens was said to be due to the wild thyme with which it was covered.
In the European Middle Ages, the herb was placed beneath pillows to aid sleep and ward off nightmares. In this period, women would also often give knights and warriors gifts that included thyme leaves, as it was believed to bring courage to the bearer. Thyme was also used as incense and placed on coffins during funerals, as it was supposed to assure passage into the next life.
Cultivation
Thyme is best cultivated in a hot, sunny location with well-drained soil. It can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or by dividing rooted sections of the plant. It tolerates drought well. The plants can take deep freezes and are found growing wild on mountain highlands.
Thyme is "a faithful companion" of lavender. Conditions suitable for the growth of thyme are nearly identical with those favored by lavender.
Culinary use
Though apparently not in general use as a culinary herb among the ancients, it was employed by the Romans to give an aromatic flavor to cheese and liqueurs.
Thyme is a common component of the bouquet garni, and of herbes de Provence.
Thyme is sold both fresh and dried. The fresh form is more flavorful, but also less convenient; storage life is rarely more than a week.
Fresh thyme is commonly sold in bunches of sprigs. A sprig is a single stem snipped from the plant. It is composed of a woody stem with paired leaf or flower clusters ("leaves"). A recipe may measure thyme by the bunch (or fraction thereof), or by the sprig, or by the tablespoon or teaspoon. Usually when a recipe specifies "bunch" or "sprig", it means the whole form; when it specifies spoons it means the leaves.
Dried thyme is widely used in Armenia (called Urc) in teas.
Thyme retains its flavor on drying better than many other herbs.
Medicinal use
Oil of thyme, the essential oil of common thyme (Thymus vulgaris), contains 20–54% thymol. Thymol, an antiseptic, is the main active ingredient in various commercially produced mouthwashes such as Listerine. Before the advent of modern antibiotics, oil of thyme was used to medicate bandages. Thymol has also been shown to be effective against various fungi that commonly infect toenails. Thymol can also be found as the active ingredient in some all-natural, alcohol-free hand sanitizes.
A tea made by infusing the herb in water can be used for coughs and bronchitis.
References:
Thyme - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://bit.ly/19XCNVj
Related reading:
A Modern Herbal | Thyme, Garden http://bit.ly/19XCDgC
A Visual Guide to Fresh Herbs | Epicurious.com http://bit.ly/19XCtWM
Cook's Thesaurus: European Herbs http://bit.ly/19XCry9
Best Herbs for Container Growing » Harvest to Table http://buff.ly/RMMWhU
Dill
Dill is a flavorful herb that works really well with eggs, chicken and fish. This video will provide some tips on successfully growing dill in your own herb garden - from About.com:
Related:
Best Herbs for Container Growing » Harvest to Table http://buff.ly/RMMWhU
Related:
Best Herbs for Container Growing » Harvest to Table http://buff.ly/RMMWhU
Caraway
Herb Garden: Caraway - About.com YouTube http://bit.ly/16UZxPh
Related:
Best Herbs for Container Growing » Harvest to Table http://buff.ly/RMMWhU
Related:
Best Herbs for Container Growing » Harvest to Table http://buff.ly/RMMWhU
Marjoram
Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is a cold-sensitive perennial herb or undershrub with sweet pine and citrus flavors. In some Middle-Eastern countries, marjoram is synonymous with oregano, and there the names sweet marjoram and knotted marjoram are used to distinguish it from other plants of the genus Origanum.
The name marjoram (Old French majorane, Medieval Latin majorana) does not directly derive from the Latin word maior (major). Marjoram is indigenous to Cyprus and southern Turkey, and was known to the Greeks and Romans as a symbol of happiness.
Cultivation
Considered a tender perennial (USDA Zones 7-9), marjoram can sometimes prove hardy even in zone 5. Marjoram is cultivated for its aromatic leaves, either green or dry, for culinary purposes; the tops are cut as the plants begin to flower and are dried slowly in the shade.
It is often used in herb combinations such as herbes de Provence.
Related species
Oregano (Origanum vulgare, sometimes listed with marjoram as Origanum majorana) is also called wild marjoram. It is a perennial common in southern Europe in dry copses and on hedge-banks, with many stout stems 30–80 cm high, bearing short-stalked, somewhat ovate leaves and clusters of purple flowers. It has a stronger flavor than marjoram.
Hardy marjoram or French marjoram, a cross of marjoram with oregano, is much more resistant to cold, but is slightly less sweet. Origanum pulchellum is known as showy marjoram or showy oregano.
Uses
Marjoram is used for seasoning soups, stews, dressings and sauce. Majorana hortensis herb has been used in the traditional Austrian medicine for treatment of disorders of the GI tract and infections. In Germany, marjoram is known as "Goose Herb" (Gänsekraut) for its traditional use in seasoning roast goose; the goose is roasted with dried marjoram inside.
References:
Marjoram - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://bit.ly/19XDIFp
Related:
Best Herbs for Container Growing » Harvest to Table http://buff.ly/RMMWhU
The name marjoram (Old French majorane, Medieval Latin majorana) does not directly derive from the Latin word maior (major). Marjoram is indigenous to Cyprus and southern Turkey, and was known to the Greeks and Romans as a symbol of happiness.
Cultivation
Considered a tender perennial (USDA Zones 7-9), marjoram can sometimes prove hardy even in zone 5. Marjoram is cultivated for its aromatic leaves, either green or dry, for culinary purposes; the tops are cut as the plants begin to flower and are dried slowly in the shade.
It is often used in herb combinations such as herbes de Provence.
Related species
Oregano (Origanum vulgare, sometimes listed with marjoram as Origanum majorana) is also called wild marjoram. It is a perennial common in southern Europe in dry copses and on hedge-banks, with many stout stems 30–80 cm high, bearing short-stalked, somewhat ovate leaves and clusters of purple flowers. It has a stronger flavor than marjoram.
Hardy marjoram or French marjoram, a cross of marjoram with oregano, is much more resistant to cold, but is slightly less sweet. Origanum pulchellum is known as showy marjoram or showy oregano.
Uses
Marjoram is used for seasoning soups, stews, dressings and sauce. Majorana hortensis herb has been used in the traditional Austrian medicine for treatment of disorders of the GI tract and infections. In Germany, marjoram is known as "Goose Herb" (Gänsekraut) for its traditional use in seasoning roast goose; the goose is roasted with dried marjoram inside.
References:
Marjoram - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://bit.ly/19XDIFp
Related:
Best Herbs for Container Growing » Harvest to Table http://buff.ly/RMMWhU
Tarragon
Herb Garden: Tarragon - About.com YouTube http://bit.ly/16UZ3Zp
Related:
Best Herbs for Container Growing » Harvest to Table http://buff.ly/RMMWhU
Related:
Best Herbs for Container Growing » Harvest to Table http://buff.ly/RMMWhU
Creating Ground Cover with Oregano & Herbs (video)
From Gary Pilarchik:
Just an idea to use herbs like oregano as ground cover. You can save a lot of money by growing your own herbs and they have multiple uses in your yard. You can grow you own transplant for .10 cents a plant verses $3 at your local store. The plants only cost me $5.00 for this video instead of $90.
Just an idea to use herbs like oregano as ground cover. You can save a lot of money by growing your own herbs and they have multiple uses in your yard. You can grow you own transplant for .10 cents a plant verses $3 at your local store. The plants only cost me $5.00 for this video instead of $90.
What are the best plants to grow indoors under lights in the winter?
The best plants to grow indoors under lights are greens. They require only basic daylight white bulbs. Fruiting plants such as tomato, pepper and cucumber required special, warmer spectrum, high-output lights that stimulate flowering.
Here is a list of the best plants to grow indoors under lights in the winter:
- leafy vegetables such lettuce, spinach, chard
- herbs such as basil, oregano and parsley
I use indoor grow lights from Hydrofarm available from Amazon for $59. The containers are Growums SIPs. The best lights are high-output daylight white at 6500K. Hydrofarm JumpStart 4 feet system has 50W, 6500 K bulb.
The lights must be on for 12-16 hours every day. I typically switch them on immediately after I come home from work in the evening and switch them off just before I leave for work in the morning.
AeroGarden is a simple aeroponics system with CFLs. There is no soil, potting mix or hydroponics. However, the container size is small and the system is relatively expensive at $140.
Top Tips for Indoor Herb Gardening - About.com YouTube http://bit.ly/16UYL4R
Best Herbs to Grow Indoors from About.com -- Certain herbs are more likely than others to survive in indoor herb gardens. This video will show you just a few of the best herbs to consider growing indoors:
References:
Setup Indoor Grow Lights and Grow Winter Vegetables http://bit.ly/PZi2Ll
How To Plant Vegetables Indoors http://bit.ly/PZiZTS
Growing Vegetables Indoors | The Gateway Gardener http://bit.ly/PZjw8r
Growing Indoor Plants with Success | CAES Publications | UGA http://bit.ly/PZk8L4
Parsley, sage, cilantro, basil, thyme, chives, and mint are some of the best container herbs - Whole Foods Market http://bit.ly/16Qlcxf
Grow Herbs Indoors in Winter » Harvest to Table http://bit.ly/1aN0hJ1
Best Herbs for Container Growing » Harvest to Table http://buff.ly/RMMWhU
Here is a list of the best plants to grow indoors under lights in the winter:
- leafy vegetables such lettuce, spinach, chard
- herbs such as basil, oregano and parsley
I use indoor grow lights from Hydrofarm available from Amazon for $59. The containers are Growums SIPs. The best lights are high-output daylight white at 6500K. Hydrofarm JumpStart 4 feet system has 50W, 6500 K bulb.
The lights must be on for 12-16 hours every day. I typically switch them on immediately after I come home from work in the evening and switch them off just before I leave for work in the morning.
AeroGarden is a simple aeroponics system with CFLs. There is no soil, potting mix or hydroponics. However, the container size is small and the system is relatively expensive at $140.
Top Tips for Indoor Herb Gardening - About.com YouTube http://bit.ly/16UYL4R
Best Herbs to Grow Indoors from About.com -- Certain herbs are more likely than others to survive in indoor herb gardens. This video will show you just a few of the best herbs to consider growing indoors:
References:
Setup Indoor Grow Lights and Grow Winter Vegetables http://bit.ly/PZi2Ll
How To Plant Vegetables Indoors http://bit.ly/PZiZTS
Growing Vegetables Indoors | The Gateway Gardener http://bit.ly/PZjw8r
Growing Indoor Plants with Success | CAES Publications | UGA http://bit.ly/PZk8L4
Parsley, sage, cilantro, basil, thyme, chives, and mint are some of the best container herbs - Whole Foods Market http://bit.ly/16Qlcxf
Grow Herbs Indoors in Winter » Harvest to Table http://bit.ly/1aN0hJ1
Best Herbs for Container Growing » Harvest to Table http://buff.ly/RMMWhU
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