tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:41:34 +0000<strong>Grow herbs and use them in your kitchen, crafts, and healing. Herbs are a great introduction to gardening, and they are a wonderful way to get children interested in plants and nature. The content of this site is anecdotal and provided for entertainment purposes. It is not intended as medical advice. If you are ill, please see your doctor.</strong>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)Blogger1681251410333http://www.feedburner.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-1334628150862244868Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:32:00 +00002008-09-05T16:41:34.818-04:00onionsstoring onionsusing onionsGood flavors come in threes, and onions are often used with garlic and olive oil as an aromatic and flavorful base for many traditional savory dishes. If it isn't dessert, there's probably an onion in it somewhere, and using onions to advantage can be an art. Background Onions (Allium cepa) are biennial plants with edible bulbs. They are related to the lily, and from their origins in Asia have http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/384502064/dont-forget-lowly-onion.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/384502064" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/09/dont-forget-lowly-onion.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-7057301003976885906Sat, 09 Aug 2008 17:19:00 +00002008-08-09T13:32:13.218-04:00bread makerbreadmakerherbal breads If your bread maker has been gathering dust in a cupboard, pull it out and come with me on a bread making adventure. It was with mixed feelings that I opened my new bread machine on Christmas morning a few years ago. I'd never been that fond of bread, and in a two-person household we go through less than a loaf a week. I smiled politely. "Wow," I said. I’d heard that without preservatives, breadhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/360458765/put-your-bread-maker-to-good-use.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/360458765" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/08/put-your-bread-maker-to-good-use.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-809838443055941808Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:01:00 +00002008-07-22T10:04:49.825-04:00what is nutmegcooking with nutmegnutmeghow to use nutmegI've been a nutmeg lover ever since my mother first sprinkled a little on top of my Christmas eggnog. It was good then, but it's better now that I grate my own. If you think nutmeg is a spice that belongs in the back of the cupboard, think again. Its mild flavor can be deceiving because it isn't as aromatic as cinnamon, or as aggressive as allspice, but nutmeg has something amazing going for http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/342079981/about-nutmeg-myristicaceae.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/342079981" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/07/about-nutmeg-myristicaceae.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-2340400144549713013Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:26:00 +00002008-07-09T17:45:01.624-04:00Protect herbs in summerenjoy summer herbsWhile you are enjoying all of this hot summer weather, don't forget to protect your herbs. Water them in the morning and never spray the leaves of your outdoor plants during the hottest part of the day. Deep water herbs at least once a week, and be sure to pinch the stems of any herbs that are starting to bolt. This will help extend the useful life of annuals for a couple of weeks. If you http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/331153165/beat-heat.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/331153165" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/07/beat-heat.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-808466510297604366Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:01:00 +00002008-06-29T18:37:22.516-04:00Make a Lavender WandWeave a Wand of Lavender StemsLavender WandLavender CraftBy the beginning of summer, you should have enough lavender up and ready to make lavender wands. Lavender wands are always popular gifts for birthdays and around the holidays. I make a big batch during the summer, and tie them into my Christmas gift bows. These wands are an aromatic addition to a lingerie or linen drawer, closet, or laundry room. Lavender permeates the area in which a wand is http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/321494153/make-lavender-wand.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/321494153" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/06/make-lavender-wand.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-1076076319197810634Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:10:00 +00002008-06-23T18:57:38.295-04:00Christmas herb giftsChristmas is coming. . . really. I'm sorry to remind you, but it is. One of the many great things about herb gardening is that you have the raw material for some wonderful gifts. If you plan ahead, you can make unique herb offerings quickly and inexpensively. For the next couple of months, I'll be giving you some examples. Here's one: Fabric Wrapped Herb Seeds with Popsicle Markers This fall, http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/318438296/christmas-gift-ideas-seed-packets-with.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/318438296" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/06/christmas-gift-ideas-seed-packets-with.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-4551354558241799983Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:54:00 +00002008-06-23T18:38:44.463-04:00Humidity and Indoor HerbsPotting Indoor HerbsLight and Indoor HerbsIndoors HerbsMany herbs are well suited to domestic life and thrive indoors. With some attention to their special needs, you can keep an indoor herb garden that will give you fresh herbs year round. Indoor Herb Lighting The biggest challenge to the indoor herb gardener is light. Lighting is critically important to all plants, but herbs seem to be especially sensitive to the right light conditions. If you http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/316473192/tips-for-growing-herbs-indoors.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/316473192" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/06/tips-for-growing-herbs-indoors.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-7223229454953500467Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:02:00 +00002008-06-23T18:39:39.719-04:00Tea BathTea RubTea MarinadeTea HerbChef Ming Tsai has quite a presence on the web, and he uses rubs to create some wonderful recipes. One of his signature rub ingredients is tea. Other cooks have picked up the practice of using tea as a flavor base in rubs, artfully incorporating them in anything from mouthwatering BBQ to sea scallops. I don't know where the practice started, but I'm glad it did. If you'd like your next seared http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/316278004/how-to-make-basic-tea-rub-oh-and-some.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/316278004" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/06/how-to-make-basic-tea-rub-oh-and-some.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-5128246874769653906Thu, 19 Jun 2008 23:01:00 +00002008-06-26T11:22:08.384-04:00Propagating Bay LeafGrowing Bay Leaf IndoorsGrowing DaphniBay LeafHarvesting Bay LeafGrowing Bay LaurelGrowing Bay LeafUses for Bay leaf Bay or sweet bay (Laurus nobilis) is the leaf from a tree in the Laurel family. It's an evergreen that hales from the Mediterranean, where it grows to a height of 40 feet. Bay laurel is beautifully appointed with medium sized, glossy, green leaves. It is not winter hardy in areas that experience freezing weather. Luckily, bay can be cultivated in a container and brought indoors to overwinter. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/315779960/bay-laurel.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/315779960" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/06/bay-laurel.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-8433002966605648245Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:06:00 +00002008-06-20T12:34:59.565-04:00make Old Bay SeasoningMake seasoning blendOne of the more well known of the crab seasoning blends, Old Bay Seasoning, sold by McCormick & Company among others, is a household staple in many parts of the United States. It has great flavor, and is less dependent on salt than some of the other popular seasonings – but delivers good flavor. Want to make your own? I've been experimenting with this classic seasoning, and here's my take on it.http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/315417602/make-your-own-old-bay-seasoning-type.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/315417602" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/06/make-your-own-old-bay-seasoning-type.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-9019774274709514555Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:48:00 +00002008-06-18T14:55:18.110-04:00strawberry teeth whitenerherbal teeth whitenersage teeth whitener Try Sage and Strawberry Sage has been used as means of whitening discolored teeth for centuries, and it still works today. Together with strawberry, it's a natural solution for treating a yellowed and dingy smile. Make a paste of one large sage leaf, one strawberry, and one teaspoon of baking soda. I blend the ingredients in a mini-food processor. Apply the paste to your teeth for five to ten http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/314828610/want-herbal-teeth-whitener.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/314828610" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/06/want-herbal-teeth-whitener.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-3596310655482724902Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:23:00 +00002008-06-18T16:59:25.892-04:00homemade spicesmake garlic juicehomemade garlic juicemake garlic powderhomemade garlic powderMake your own garlic juice and garlic powder. The process takes some time because it involved peeling lots of garlic cloves. You may decide afterward that buying prepared garlic products is easier and just as tasty, but every herb fanatic should try it once. Here's how. Instructions for Making Garlic Juice 1 bulb of garlic Mesh strainer Coffee Filter Peel one bulb of garlic (this will give http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/314631407/make-your-own-garlic-juice-or-powdered.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/314631407" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/06/make-your-own-garlic-juice-or-powdered.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-6249444909363422259Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:49:00 +00002008-06-17T13:58:55.125-04:00Basic White SauceWhite Sauce With HerbsBechamel SauceBechamel sauce, white sauce, is one of the most basic sauces used in cooking. It's an easy sauce to make if you remember to keep stirring the ingredients throughout. Never stop stirring, use medium heat, and pick a thick pan that will evenly distribute the heat. Some béchamel recipes call for heavy cream, while others make due with whole milk. Some will even cheat and use milk, but up the butterhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/313977781/recipe-for-bechamel-sauce-with-herbs.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/313977781" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/06/recipe-for-bechamel-sauce-with-herbs.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-800122073345263436Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:28:00 +00002008-06-17T13:55:24.173-04:00Greek MoussakaMoussaka Recipe With EggplantMoussaka RecipeMoussaka with AubergineMy friend Emily's grandmother was Greek and taught her some great Greek dishes which she's shared with me over the years. She's actually partly responsible for my interest in herbs and spices. One of her best recipes is for Moussaka. I've updated some things, grilling the eggplant and using sun dried tomatoes instead of tomato paste, but otherwise it's pretty close to her grandmother's recipe. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/313237978/moussaka-recipe-with-aubergine-eggplant.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/313237978" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/06/moussaka-recipe-with-aubergine-eggplant.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-504968473416992093Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:01:00 +00002008-07-21T21:17:12.004-04:00Greek herbs and spicesGreek cookingGreek spicesGreek herbsGreece has an ancient, almost mystical culinary tradition. Whether you are interested in making a nice moussaka, Greek salad, or stuffed grape leaves, you'll want to know something about the signature herbs of this sun kissed Mediterranean country. So get out your olive oil, phyllo dough, feta cheese and kalamata olives, tune up your bouzouki, and lets explore Greek flavor. Follow the links for http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/313040394/greek-herbs-and-spices.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/313040394" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/06/greek-herbs-and-spices.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-1835879737319188022Sun, 15 Jun 2008 21:23:00 +00002008-07-21T10:30:05.914-04:00DittanyHerbal DittanyDittany of CreteI am a devoted Harry Potter fan. I don't know what it is about the wizarding world, but it makes me happy just thinking about it. In rereading the final book in the series, The Deathly Hallows, Harry and his friends get themselves in quite a few scrapes. It's interesting that Hermione, a young female wizard, is the one who performs most of the first aid. Often she's the only girl-woman around. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/312588553/dittany-of-crete.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/312588553" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/06/dittany-of-crete.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-136793302048380178Sat, 14 Jun 2008 19:03:00 +00002008-06-16T10:20:37.468-04:00Definition of VermiculitePotting SoilPropagating PlantsVermiculite is heat expanded mica. It is often used as a starting medium for seeds and cuttings. Sometimes referred to as a soilless medium, a feature that makes it free of disease, vermiculite has no nutritional value, so some sort of liquid fertilizer should be used when propagating plants with using this method. As a additive to potting soil, vermiculite helps create a friable, light, mixturehttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/311955845/vermiculite.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/311955845" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/06/vermiculite.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-7608633503717380665Sat, 14 Jun 2008 19:02:00 +00002008-06-16T19:17:07.390-04:00Drawing moisture upward through capillary action. Potted plants that need to be watered often respond well to wicking. Fill a dish under the plant's pot with marbles or small stones, and then with water just short of the top of the stones. Thread twine from the top of the plant's pot, through the root ball of the plant, and out the drainage hole. Trail the twine into the reservoir under thehttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/311955846/wicking.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/311955846" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/06/wicking.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-6916578052738208010Sat, 14 Jun 2008 19:01:00 +00002008-06-14T15:01:51.416-04:00The process in which a plant releases water through pores on its leaves. This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning do. Pick up one new term a day, and in no time you'll be a pro.http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/311955847/transpiration.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/311955847" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/06/transpiration.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-605106583582342915Sat, 14 Jun 2008 19:00:00 +00002008-06-14T15:00:52.420-04:00The temporary placement of plants in an interim medium until they can be planted in their permanent containers. This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning do. Pick up one new term a day, and in no time you'll be a pro.http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/311955848/heal-in.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/311955848" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/06/heal-in.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-6275406635219387268Sat, 14 Jun 2008 18:58:00 +00002008-06-14T14:59:43.074-04:00A typically warm and humid growing region that doesn't experience freezing temperatures. This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning do. Pick up one new term a day, and in no time you'll be a pro.http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/311955849/tropical.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/311955849" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/06/tropical.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-3569436468911320432Sat, 14 Jun 2008 18:57:00 +00002008-06-14T14:58:46.168-04:00A warm and often humid growing region that experiences infrequent temperature drops below freezing. This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning do. Pick up one new term a day, and in no time you'll be a pro.http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/311955850/semi-tropical.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/311955850" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/06/semi-tropical.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-1622153547358353456Sat, 14 Jun 2008 18:56:00 +00002008-06-14T14:57:35.080-04:00A plant that is grown for its visual appeal. This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning do. Pick up one new term a day, and in no time you'll be a pro.http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/311955851/ornamental.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/311955851" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/06/ornamental.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-4487947632459092435Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:25:00 +00002008-06-16T16:27:59.757-04:00Time of Day to Harvest HerbsWashing HerbsHow Much of Your Herb Plant Should You CutHarvesting HerbsHerb Harvesting BasicsThe process of harvesting the herbs you've cultivated is one of the most satisfying aspects of growing them. The fragrance of cut herbs fills the air around you, permeates the skin of your hands, and makes you feel blessed. Your basket is full of different textures and shades of the most peaceful green, and all of your harvest can be useful. In the fall, I've made a workbench for myself on our http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/310547418/harvesting-herbs.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/310547418" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/06/harvesting-herbs.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861562129126489326.post-544285886596784722Sat, 07 Jun 2008 21:18:00 +00002008-06-07T18:22:17.040-04:00lavender salt recipeMy friend Eric was interested in making lavender salt to sprinkle on asparagus and wilted spinach salad. It's tasty and easy to make. Here's how. Recipe for Lavender Salt 4 tbsp. dried lavender flowers 1 c. fine salt (Coarse salt doesn't work as well.) Glass jar with a tight fitting lid Muslin fabric First Procedure Place two tablespoons of lavender flowers in a length of muslin and wrap http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~3/307009444/lavender-salt.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/msht/~4/307009444" height="1" width="1"/>http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/06/lavender-salt.html