Harvesting and Preserving Herbs

Extending the Flavors of Herbs from Your Garden It is hard to beat the savory tastes and bold scents of fresh herbs. Michigan winters make it difficult to have fresh herbs. However, preserving them is a great way to enjoy your favorite herbs until next spring. We have a good selection of the most popular herbs now available at the store. The majority of herbs should be harvested in early morning when the oil responsible for their flavor and aroma …

Papa Joe’s Herb Chart

Herb Name Hardiness Uses Light Needs Water Needs Spacing Light Shade Sun Avg. Moist Dry Basil – ‘Aristotle’ Annual Pesto – Use fresh in Soups, Sauces, Fish, Meat dishes . ***** ***** 24″ Basil – ‘Boxwood’ Annual Pesto, Tomato  dishes, and Salads, as well as ornamental.  Tight mounds of small leaves resembling boxwood. ***** ***** 24″ Basil – ‘Genovese’ Annual Pesto – Use fresh in Soups, Sauces, Fish, Meat dishes . ***** ***** 24″ Basil – ‘Mammoth’ Annual Pesto – …

Drying Herbs

Leafy herbs with long stems can be tied in bunches and hung upside down to air dry out of sunlight.  Ventilation and air circulation are very important.  Microwave drying is another method. When microwaved herbs have a tendency to retain their green color.  Place clean and patted dry herbs in a single layer between 2 paper towels.  Microwave about 2 minutes, being careful not to cook them, you only want to dry them. Leaves should remain whole and placed in …

Garlic

Soil Garlic prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter and major nutrients with a pH of 5.5 to 6.8. We recommend preparing the soil several weeks prior to planting using plenty of organic amendments and fertilizer. This will allow beneficial soil organisms to increase. Sowing Remove outer skin from the bulb (not individual cloves) and split cloves from the bulb just prior to planting. This tells the clove it is time to sprout roots. Plant the best cloves. The larger …

Deer Resistant Vegetable and Herbs

Many gardeners have problems with Deer and other vegetarian wildlife. There aren’t any plants that are truly Deer proof. Fortunately, there are varieties that are less favorable or what we refer to as resistant. Any plant with an offensive aroma will irritate their sense of smell. They also tend to avoid plants that are fuzzy, prickly or bitter. Below are some of the best options to try.     Highly Deer- Resistant Moderately Deer-Resistant Asparagus Beets Carrots Bok Choy Cucumbers …