Herb Garden Basics~

The Basic Herb Garden~


Annuals (bloom one season and die) -- anise, basil, chervil, coriander, dill, summer savory.

Biennials (live two seasons, blooming second season only) -- caraway, parsley

Perennials (overwinter; bloom each season once established) -- chives, fennel, marjoram, mint, tarragon, thyme, winter savory and oregano.

Unless one is growing on a commercial basis, a kitchen garden can supply a home kitchen easily, with plenty to share. An area 20 by 4 feet with individual 12- by 18-inch plots within the area should be adequate for separate herbs. The more colorful and frequently used herbs, such as parsley and purple basil make perfect border plants for the kitchen garden. It is a good idea to keep annual and perennial herbs separate. A diagram of the area and labels for the plants also will help.

Drainage is the most important element in your herb garden. Herbs simply will not grow in soggy soil.

Preparing of the soil prior to planting is a must. Raised bed methods will expand the chances of perfect drainage, building the soil from compost and a good grade of garden soil, plus an addition of peat will clinch the chances of a near trouble free herb garden. When your soil is healthy it means less insect problems and fewer to no weed problems.

Nearly all herbs can be grown from seed, started in small flats in a greenhouse or a warm shelter at least 6 to 8 weeks before planting time in the garden.

A few herbs should be planted directly in the garden as they do not transplant well. Basil and Dill come to mind. Although with some care seed growing of both can be perfected.

Whatever your choices to grow, do your research prior to planting as to each ones special needs.

Once you have good size transplants and very warm weather ( both a must ) Transfer your seedlings from the flats to the garden and do not over-water. Herbs need far less water than other garden plants.

Once a week watering is usually plenty until well into the hottest days of summer.

Once herbs are growing and ready to harvest, pinch the leaves from the bottom up on a regular basis to keep the production up and to keep the plant from bolting. ( flowering ) once this happens the flavor changes and often times brings a bitter taste and renders the plant useless for the cook.

Bea Kunz
Sage Hill Farms
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com/



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Companions For The Gardens-chickens love gardens.

Sage Hill is adding chickens to our list of spring projects....I'm excited, hubby is groaning...he is not 100% in love with chickens, doesn't eat eggs, and mostly hates the idea of building yet another structure:) That's just life on the farm....he will be just fine once he gets involved !


Anyway...on to the good stuff....do you know that all domestic chickens can be genetically traced to Gallus Gallus....the red jungle fowl, a bird that still runs wild in Southeast Asia.


Chickens were domesticated over 8,000 years ago and they are the closest living relative to Tyrannesaurus-Rex...how's that for a gene badge !


I've been turned on to "Welsummers" by another Tennessee farm family...


The Welsummer is named after the village of Welsum in Holland although the breed was originally developed in the area along the river Ysel to the north of Deventer, Holland at about the same time as the Barnevelders (1900-1913). The Dutch bred it from the partridge Cochin, partridge Wyandotte and partridge Leghorn, the Barnevelder and Rhode Island Red. It was first imported into this country in 1928 for its large brown egg. The Welsummer is a large, upright, active bird with a broad back, full breast and large full tail. They head has a single comb, medium wattles, almond shaped ear lobes and a strong, short beak. They have yellow legs which fade to pale yellow in summer and reddish bay eyes.


Behaviour...

Welsummers lay lovely large eggs and the dark brown pigment can actually be rubbed off as it is added at the end of the egg laying sequence. They do go broody but not usually until late Spring but are not particularly good mothers. Chicks are strong and are easily sexed as females have much darker head and back markings than males. They lay fewer eggs during the winter. They are friendly, easily handled birds which love to free range and forage for food but can also be kept in runs quite happily. They are productive for 3 years of their 9 year lifespan.


Sage Hill does not plan to breed, so no problem with setting hens and baby chicks.


Hens do not need roosters to produce eggs......


I'm looking at other breeds also, maybe a collection of a few different breeds that are compatiable.


Chickens provide fresh eggs which provide good nutrition to our diet, a natural insect guard for the gardens, and a natural fertilize to help process the compost to a richer and healthier growing medium.


What's not to love ???


What's happening in your spring season .....
 
Bea Kunz
Sage Hill Farms

http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com/

Charm And Romance In The Garden~

Some would say a 'garden is a garden'....but I would say....each garden has its own special signature.  Whether formal or cottage style, there are many touches that can transform the simplest to splendor and the formal to ease and comfort.

Cottage gardens began in England and were more for growing food than for simple pleasure.
As more and more food became available in markets the cottage garden became more ornamental.

My first thought when Cottage gardening comes to mind is "overcrowded." However, overcrowded can be beautiful if a little thought goes into the placement of the bulk of planting.
Fencing and hedges, paths and garden art can define areas of interest, leaving the rest for casual viewing and not so much close-up inspection.

If one is lucky enough to have plants from previous generations of family or friends...this can bring an element of  meaning to be cherished and passed on to other family and friends who garden.

A Memory garden inside a garden is a special way to honor those who have gone from our lives.

Sage Hill Farms is named in memory of my mother....who thought she could not cook anything worthy of eating without Sage. 

Don't forget the critter garden when remembrance spots are planned.....children especially have a hard time adjusting to losing a pet, understanding why baby birds get tossed from their nest and die...butterflies with broken wings that render them helpless....knowing they are in a safe place that can be cared for makes these rough moments a bit easier to accept.

Whatever plans you have for your spring garden...make it you own, name it, treat it with the same love and attention that you expect for yourself....the rewards will be more than you can imagine.

Oh...and don't forget to add herbs anywhere and everywhere. Garlic grows well among and is beneficial to roses. Basil is a lifeline for tomatoes.

Above all else, let your own personality guide you~

Hidden Dangers in Kids Meals (Pt. 1)

March In The Garden~

February ending until mid March is time in limbo if we are talking gardening, at least in my area...the Southeast.

Some things we can do that will help the transition from waiting to digging are really very important, although they don't compare to what's coming !

Be cautious about cleanup around your plants right now...too much disturbance and you will weaken the protection they need from the last cold spell that is sure to come.

Today I pulled early Vetch from around the base of the greenhouse, got all the potting material set up in the potting shed and greenhouse, and picked up/removed dead branches that were not attached to anything from all the beds.

Put potted plants outside for a day of sun and watering...back in the Gh or basement tonight.

The coming week will find me pruning roses, Crape Myrtle, and Butterfly shrubs...these are hardy to pruning now....remember, when you prune your roses, make the cut an inch or so above a bud nodule, on an angle , facing toward the direction the bud is growing. After you cut the stem, drop a bit of wood glue into the little hole...this keeps water. snow, and insects from getting down into the stem and causing damage.

Remember that butterfly bushes only bloom on new wood, so be sure to cut all the dead branches from last year, they will grow and fill in quickly.

Crepe Myrtle is also one that just needs the dead wood trimmed, kinda depends on how you have allowed them to grow and shape...mine are trees, so not much pruning needed. If you have more shrub shape then a bit more clipping may be in order.

Also...if you are sowing seed to plant out later that can be done now...most things need 6 to 8 weeks to grow before planting out. ( transferring from seedlings to larger pots or the ground.
If you plant now you need a greenhouse or some form of protection with light and heat to help the germination and growth process.

See you in the Potting Shed soon~

Bea Kunz

PS: I have a request if you would kindly allow me...

Go to this link and vote for my niece ( Lindsay ) vote only once and the voting ends on the 1st of March.

http://www.cakerysuppliescontest.com/

Thank you from my heart~

Planting Your Gardens By The Moon Phases~

The concept of planting by the moon is not a new one. It has been practiced since ancient times, dating back to the Babylonian era. Some of this thinking is embedded in astrology. Astrology is a science that believes the moon influences many areas of our lives. In our gardening example, there are some scientific roots. The gravitational pull of the moon influences tides and ocean levels. Water is also pulled upw

ard in the soil by the same gravitational forces. This in turn, brings moisture to newly planted seeds.

~Using the concept of Planting by Phases of the Moon:

Plant above ground crops during the "Waxing" or rising moon. This is a period of increasing light from the new moon to the full moon.

Plant root crops during the "Waning" or declining moon. This is from the full moon to the new moon when the moonlight is declining.


Does It Really Work~

Scientific studies have shown this gardening concept has merit. I am a 4th generation farmer who totally believes and practices the concept.

There are variations of any set practice, so do your research, try it in your own gardening project and decide for yourself.

The link here is the best informational/explanation I have found.

http://kaykeys.net/spirit/earthspirituality/moon/moonseed.html
~
Sage Hill has begun the process of spring layout and planting...let us know if we may help you in your plan. The photo is a garden at Sage Hill...planted in the full moon cycle last year.

Bea Kunz
Sage Hill Farms
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

February's Garden~

Well, not much to report...if, one is expecting green and bloomers~

But...doesn't mean there isn't a lot to ponder and actually "do."

When is the last time you turned the compost.....
Do you have trees, shrubs, and fruit trees that accept pruning this month....
Crepe Myrtle , and some fruit trees can be pruned now. ( research your needs before pruning )
Grape vines should not be pruned after late January...

You can also lime the parts of the garden that is in need of same.
A simple soil test can give you the answer to what your soil needs for the crop you are planning.
Soil test kits can be found in any good garden center, co-op, and even big box stores like K-mart, Home Depot, etc.

This is a good time lightly fork in some compost also...if your soil isn't too wet.
Never work wet soil, it will dry rock- hard and lumpy.

Depending on where you are, herb beds can be cleared of dead and damaged residue from the winter, just don't do any cutting or pulling of roots.

Now...time to chart the course for the new spring...literally...on paper.
I can promise, when you put your ideas on paper you are 100% better equipped to begin a new project, or build on one already in progress.

If planning to build raised beds...outline the material you need, choose the location ( full sun )
consider size and what you are going to plant/grow.
If growing different herbs in one bed...always place the taller ones in the back and on the north side of the bed. This will allow sunlight to all the smaller plants and give some protection from the northern elements.

Roses will be ready to plant in a few weeks, so maybe start a rose garden, they are beautiful and makes for a very special connection to your gardens. Rose beds make lovely memorial grounds...ours are in honor of mine and my hubby's mother...both were rose lovers and growers.

I also love the practice of naming each garden spot, or at least some of them......this is especially fun when you have plants in your landscape from friends and/or other special places.

And...always make room in your landscape/gardens to provide a special resting place for pets and tiny creatures who do so much to brighten our gardens/life.

So, as you can see, February is the month for whatever is fitting in your world.
Look closely and you will find a place to begin a project that could become a "bliss" point in your life.

Waiting for spring...loving the wait....most days:)



Bea Kunz
Sage Hill Farms