HerbGardenGuy answers:

With that much space, I’d put in garden beds rather than pots so the herbs have plenty of root space. I like raised beds and think they look neat, but YMMV. If you’re going to grow mints, you should put those in pots as otherwise they will attempt to take over the garden.

Keep track of which herbs are perennials and which are annuals, and keep the perennials in their own bed where their roots won’t be disturbed when you pull up annuals.

Calendula is a good herb to grow for skin creams and the like, as is lavender. I grow lemon balm and rub it on my skin and clothes in the summer to repel mosquitoes – you could probably make a nice lotion with that.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Yeah many herbs grow great in pots…you can either keep them inside or outside in the summer and inside for the winter or just outside year long depending on what types you have….you just needing potting soil and fertiziler every few months

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Mint you can just put directly into your garden after it grows a few inches. Chamomile seems to be a little bit more fragile after it sprouts and grows a couple inches I would move it into a little plastic container around 5 inches long then once it out grows that container then move it directly to the garden. I’m not sure about milk thistle or mallow same deal just transplant from the seed trays into slightly bigger containers then directly into your garden. It doesn’t hurt to be extra safe. Herbs overall seem to be pretty easy to grow and take care of. Hope I was a little bit of help.

Happy Gardening to you!

HerbGardenGuy answers:

1. No

2. Your choice. Plants are cheaper.

3. Cared for properly, no difference

4. You don’t. You water each plant the amount IT needs, when IT needs it, not on a schedule but on NEED

HerbGardenGuy answers:

You can put parsley in with basil, but both plants will get pretty big once they take off. Basil and parsley both love sun – not shade. Basil really likes water. It will wilt if not kept moist. Parsley likes water too, but not quite as much as basil. I personally like to keep my basil in a separate pot as it is the most sensitive of my herbs. I wouldn’t take the basil in until there is a threat of frost.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Check out the growth habits, growing instructions at Urban Farmer Seeds.

See pricing and maturity rates + plant cost

http://www.ufseeds.com/Herbs_c43327b2014c4f69e44584ded8.html

Hope this helps!

HerbGardenGuy answers:

They appear to be contaminated. They should just look like always when they send out their shoots for roots and cotyledons. A couple of tonics to help before planting are: Seed Starter Tonic. Indoors or outdoor plantings. 1 cup of white vinegar. 1 Tsp, of baby shampoo or liquid dish soap. 2 cups of warm water. Mix all three together in a bowl and let the seed soak overnight before planting. To prevent Damping off, that’s when seedlings rot off at the ground or lower level and die. Use 4 tsp of Chamomile tea and 1 tsp liquid dish soap added to a quart of boiling water let steep for an hour. Strain and cool.
Mist on seedlings as soon as they appear. The seeds are contaminated from something, molds?. Perhaps from their source? Maybe in handling? Perhaps the planting medium? Did you follow “Chi’s” pre-cleaning and planting instructions? They want their product to work so you and your friends are repeat customers. These two recipes will greatly aid you in a healthy herb garden. Your environment in the house is perhaps drier than a desert. You will have to water the herbs more frequently than if they were in the ground outside. Watch for drooping to indicate dryness. I bought a moisture meter from Walmart for about $5. To help me get the correct soil moisture every time, instantly.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Yes, if they are that big, you can begin fertilizing them. Follow the package directions that come with whatever type of fertilizer you are using. You don’t need to use it every time you water. Once a week is fine.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Kitty…..Can you not get another pot?. In gardening you can mix and match as much as you like, it’s your choice. Yes, of course you can put both lots in one pot, what you may find later on is that the herb seed may smother out the strawberry seed. I would suggest that you keep them seperate. Happy Gardening.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Fold damp paper towels. Put each kind of seed in its own damp paper towel. For example, put four basil seeds in one paper towel. Mark the towels with the name of the seeds. Put the paper towels in a baggie and keep them about 70 degrees although this doesn’t matter all that much. Open each day after two days and plant the seeds that have germinated.

Buy Miracle-Gro which despite the hype actually does grow plants twice as big. Punch a hole or two or three in the bottom of a cup or a yogurt container. I use a drill bit to do this. Fill with Miracle-Gro and stick a seed in each cup. Water and cover with plastic wrap until the seed sprouts above the soil. Everything should come up.

Transfer to a garden when plants are three to four inches big.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

I think the clay soil will be your real enemy here rather than the shade. Still, i would give the following a try, they all like moist slightly shady positions and grow well in this way in my garden in scotland:

1. Spinach: does best in moister ground out of full sun (hot, dry location makes it bitter and run to seed quickly).Grow it as an annual.

2. Mint (esp. Water mint, Mentha aqautica). Mine grows in the shade of a wall under a cotoneaster and flourishes year after year. Perennial

3. Sorrel: (Rumex acetosa). Arrow shaped green leaves with a pleasant acid tang, somewhat like rhubarb. Use in salads or in soups. Again, mine grows well in its moist shady setting and this is again one of those plants that will run to seed faster when grown in a sunny dry spot. Perennial and should keep you in salad leaves for almost the whole year.

4. Chives (Allium sp.)- can deal with sun or partial shade. Perennial

5. Monkshood- (Aconitum napellus). I know you said you wanted edible stuff but couldn’t resist throwing this in too. Most definitely NOT edible (but very attractive), grows in moist woodlands and likes shade. Handle with care as even the sap is toxic in small quantities (wear gloves!) but very pretty dark blue/purple flowers shaped like a monk’s cowl. Perennial.

Good luck with these, i’m sure there are many more.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Most herbs prefer sun, but several thrive in shade. Home-gardening expert Tammy Algood offers some suggestions on herbs that can make do on 4 or fewer hours of sun each day.

In gardening parlance the word shade rarely appears alone. It’s usually paired with other words that indicate the degree of shade. In your garden, for example, there may be light shade, filtered shade, full shade or partial shade.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a perennial herb hardy to Zone 3, grows well in poor soil as long as the drainage is good. It self-sows easily. Lemon balm may be used in teas, salads, and fish dishes or with fruit. Its dried leaves may be used in potpourris and sachets. Plants grow leggy and thin unless they’re cut back several times a year.

All herbs grown in shade will grow tall in an attempt to reach for the sun. Pinch the foliage back to keep plants compact and encourage new growth. Always use new leaves for cooking. Older foliage has a bitter flavor and a tough texture.

Chives require frequent cutting to encourage production of new leaves. Chives may be used in soups and salads, as a garnish and as a seasoning for poultry, fish and pork.

Parsley, a biennial herb, requires part shade in hot climates and may be grown in containers or window boxes. Italian flat-leaf parsley has an especially strong flavor. Soak parsley seeds for 24 hours before planting.

Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) (figure A), a perennial, bears star-shaped white flowers in spring and requires partial shade in hot climates. It prefers a rich soil and can become a pest if unchecked. Foliage is hay-scented when dried and is used in making May wine.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) (figure B), an evergreen shrub, prefers full sun but may be grown in part shade. It is very aromatic when brushed or bruised and is used in cooking fish, poultry and game. Rosemary comes in upright and prostrate forms. The latter may be grown on a wall or in a hanging basket.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Most herbs can be grown in containers,then you can put the containers in the sun

HerbGardenGuy answers:

I don’t know of any food producing plants that do well in shade.
I have full sun and have to protect certain plants like lettuce and other cooler weather greens…I also shelter my tarragon a little…but most food plants want at least 6 hours a day of full sun.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Most herbs, though not all, can do well with partial day of sun. Have you fertilized them? Depending on what types of herbs they are, they may be in too sunny of a spot. Make sure you are not overwatering them. Depending on your climate, they may have been hit by frost.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Here you go.
Http://www.pier55.com/home-garden/gardening/how-to-start-a-herb-garden/

HerbGardenGuy answers:

I’m not sure what growing zone you’re in but it’s probably either 4 or 5. I’ve gardened for years in zone 4 and the herbs that invariably survive winter include: Mint, Oregano, Tarragon, Lovage, Parsley, Sorrel and Chives. In milder winters and/or with a thick mulch blanket I have also wintered over: Sage, Thyme, Salad Burnet, Lavender and Winter Savory. Dill will self sow as will Cilantro and Parsley. Marjoram, Basil, Summer Savory, Bay and Rosemary are tender and will not survive your winters.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, it’s just what I have experience with in MN, but I hope it helps you out a little. Good luck with your herbs, I love my herb garden!

HerbGardenGuy answers:

If it is for Herbs, Don’t fertilize them at all. They like low nutrient soil. In fact, Fertilizing them could even cause them to slow growth or even die!
As far as vegetables go, I would recommend just using organic fertilizer. It is not expensive and it improves the quality and healthiness not only of your plants, but of your Food and your soil.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Anywhere from $56,600 up to several million dollars. You need to get an appraisal. No one on Yahoo is able to give you even a rough guess based upon the information you provided here.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

All the flowers you mention are annuals, which mean they will only last through this season, so it is not worth bringing them inside – they may last a couple more weeks if the weather holds.

Here’s a link that will give you some tips for putting the garden to ‘bed’ for the winter:
http://www.sheridannurseries.com/GardenSite/subGARDENTIP40mainframe.htm

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Many herbs relate to the Wiccan religion. Nutmeg, clovers, things almost everyone has in their pantries. Also candles are good. Green ones, blue ones, purple ones. Wiccans also like most if not all plant life. Hope this helps!

HerbGardenGuy answers:

It’s going to depend on how much rain you are talking about. In the U.S., most plants need a minimum of one inch of water a week to grow. Many plants are successfully grown in areas where it rains every day but it depends how much. If you have a lot of rain in the area, you can amend the soil with sand or gypsum which will increase the drainage. That will give the water some place to go beyond the root zone. Checking with a local garden center would give you a good idea what would work best in your area

HerbGardenGuy answers:

I would get a long trough (preferably one she could either place on the sill inside the kichen or use as a window-box outside) and put separate pots in there side by side. That way when one comes to the end of its season, or dies off, she can replace it easily.

Also, if she doesn’t like the scent of one of your chosen plants, she can plant it out somewhere away from her window and put another in, and still enjoy the rest of your gift.

If you get one of the troughs with a separate water reservoir, she can fill it up and the plants will last through several days of hot weather without watering, but because they’re raised above the reservoir the roots won’t get waterlogged or rot. They’re more expensive but worth it.

Those herbs are all great choices. Lavender is a little esoteric for cooking but you can make ice-cream, cookies and other things using it as a flavouring, and of course you can also dry the springs for scenting your linen drawer as well as enjoying the scent. Lavender is an antiseptic too – when you have a bad cold, put bowls of hot water (or humidifiers) with added sprigs of lavender or lavender oil around the room, and it will help your breathing.

I hope your mother has a wonderful Mother’s Day and enjoys her plants for a long time afterwards.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

First of all you can order flowers online and they will be shipped directly to her–if that is what she likes.

I worked in a nursing home for six years and they ALL loved stuffed animals believe it or not—try to find one that has the voice recording message in it such as from this site:
http://teddybearinabox.com/reyoownso.html

HerbGardenGuy answers:

It’s really not all that complicated. He’s up early, and he’s harvesting herbs out in the fields. While he does, he muses on the special relationship we have with nature, and how nature rewards us with her bounty.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

About 60 days to full maturity

HerbGardenGuy answers:

I prefer to grow my plants from either seeds or root cuttings hydroponically, there are some really great hydroponic cloning machines out there. For instance the Aerogarden is amazing, and only costs about $160. I love that thing, it works extremely well. That’s what I prefer to do, you could get them to sprout by putting them in a wet napkin with some sunlight, and then plant them into some fresh soil.

That works well too, I recommend getting a compost bin, with those you accomplish 2 things. You help the environment by getting rid of your waste and you create very nutritious soil!

Win win situation in my opinion, everyone gets what they want and deserve!

HerbGardenGuy answers:

You picked the easiest thing to grow!
I had back luck with plants years ago and to get my confidance a friend suggested an herb garden.
Yes they will take over each other if planted together so use medium sized pots that could sit on a windowsill so you can keep them growing through the winter.
You can get a kit or just pick up the seed, plant according to directions but generally they are small seeds and naturally they just fall onto the soil and germinate so usually just dust them on top of the soil and gently cover with soil using your hand to brush across them.
To ensure good drainage just put an inch or so of stones in the bottom of the pot before adding the soil.
I started mine outside in the summer and was able to bring them in for the winter.
Enjoy!

HerbGardenGuy answers:

You should have no problem with nearly any of the usual herbs.
Rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano, parsley, cilantro, dill, lavender– all should do well. Some of the culinary herbs do better in scrabbly soil– soil that is thin or poor in nutrients– Just get some seeds and see what you get…
Good luck

HerbGardenGuy answers:

I find that sometimes the microbes in the soil like to take advantage of tender young seedlings. The plants rot off at ground level. I use a product called “No Damp” to help prevent this damping off. Getting the seeds to sprout needs to be followed up with thinning and keeping the wee plants growing.

Good Growing,

The Muse

HerbGardenGuy answers:

You say, “I would like to know ho much water I should give them and any other tips you might have to help them thrive.”

1. Unless you have large pots with good conditioned soil, a good south facing window that gets the most sun, and control over the kinds of pests that herbs have to deal with (spider mites are particularly tough in indoor climates) you won’t get the plants to “thrive” indoors. Most herbs in containers do the best outside in spots that don’t get to freezing temperatures (i.e., after danger of frost) where they get full sun. The only herb you mention that can do okay in part shade is basil.

2. Most herbs want porous, well drained soil. If you use a product like Miracle Gro soil you need to add some grit (you can use small amounts of sand, but perlite is not as heavy–something you need to consider when growing in containers). Be sure each pot has about 1/2 inch of gravel in the bottom for drainage and so that roots that make it to the bottom don’t sit in wet soil and rot. Use clay pots to protect from overwatering (which is what most people do). Most herbs like the soil to dry out before you water again, especially the perennials (thyme, oregano, and rosemary).

3. If you use a spray mister with water indoors or raise the humidity of the room you’ll make it less likely that spider mites can make your plants their home. As long as you’re keeping the room above 55 F or so, the temp of the room is not as important as the amount of sunlight and humidity.

4. If all you have is a west facing window that gets sunlight at the end of the day, you should consider using artificial lights for the morning hours or moving the plants from a different spot that gets sunlight in the AM to the west facing window in the afternoon. I generally do this with a spanish lavender plant that doesn’t get enough sun facing east where I live. I move it in the afternoon to a west facing spot, increasing the amount of full sun by about 5 hours. It blooms every year (and it’s already started this year).

5. Fertilizers like Miracle Gro can easily be overused when it comes to indoor plants, which won’t use nutrients as fast as plants growing outdoors. This can lead to toxic soil conditions and the plant will die. If you feel the need to use it, mix it in the amount of about half a teaspoon per gallon of water and use it each time you water instead of mixing the more concentrated one tablespoon to a gallon and watering with it every two weeks, which can burn roots.

6. I can’t stress enough: If you really want the plants to “thrive” move them outside as soon as you can in the sunniest location you have. Protect them from too much rain and wind.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Lack of sufficient light is the main problem that most people have with regards to growing herbs indoors. Be sure to keep them in a sunny window or provide supplimental artificial light for them. Also try using a top quality potting soil, I use Miracle Gro because of the slow release fertilizer which lasts about 3 months. The easiest way to have a good start to your garden is to get small plants/seedlings from a nursery or garden shop.Their knowledgeable employees can be a great resource for growing any type of plant, indoors or out.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Good Evening Jack Lapidus,

My first and most important tip would be: If you are going to be a gardener, than grow the best. What does that mean? Ninety (90%) per cent of the vegetables and fruits in the grocery stores are not the best as far as taste. Commercial farmers grow a variety of vegetables which can import and export better.

Examples: garlic. Most garlic is imported from China. The taste, smell and flavor is not the best, but it does export better than other varieties of garlic. Also, most people would not know the difference. They have nothing to compare. Cooking with good garlic is awesome.

There are many varieties of garlic. It is my favorite vegetable to grow. Try and get some garlic bulbs from Gilroy, California. They grow one of the best in the world. Their garlic festival each year draws people from all over the world. Hopefully, web site below can link you to a supplier.

Http://www.ksbw.com/garlicfestival/index.html

Corn is another vegetable which is grown commercially. The taste of grocery store corn is terrible. But the variety is easy to ship and export. I grow a Honey Corn. The corn ear is white, but every third kernel is yellow. It is the best tasting corn I know of.

I grow a purple green bean, because it has less insect problems and the taste is great.

I don’t grow strawberries, because I grow a Strawberry Guava Tree. The guavas off my tree taste better than a strawberry. Plus it bears twice a year. The fruit is very high in vitamin C. I eat ten a day (smile). I am sorry but I do not grow berries. I could advise you, but I only back what I grow.

I could go on but I hope you get my point. Some varieties are getting harder to find. But it is worth searching and hunting for.

Second tip: Soil. Buy a Ph soil test kit. Soil ph is very important to plants. Your plants are healtier. With good soil, you get twice the yields and less insects. Therefore test your soil. Most plants like a ph of 6.5. If your soil is too acidic add lime. If your soil is too alkaline add pine needles. Changing soil ph can take two years. Test your soil Ph every two or three years.

Third tip: Herbs. I grow a lot of dill, because we eat fish every week. Grow dill in your garden or in your flower garden around the house. The plant is too big for containers. My dill plants grow three feet tall. The wind can blow the plants over. Plant in three week intervals.

Rosemary is a good container plant, because you have to bring it inside in the winter.

I grow two diference varieties of Basil. Each variety has its own taste. Grow the plants right in the garden. Keep leaves cut, otherwise they turn to seed very fast.

Well Jack Lapidus, I hope you know about compost and fertilizers. I use chicken manure. It is the best. I mix the chicken manure in my home make compost bin.

I could go on but I put down twenty (20) bags of steer manure this morning on my lawns and my wife’s flowers. We are looking for rain tomorrow and all next week. I am a little tired, and I am not getting any (don’t smile) younger. Which reminds me. Start with a small garden. A garden is work. I hope these were the tips you needed.

You received these tips from a gardener with sixty (60) years experience. I started learning at the age of three (smile) from my uncle in the hills of Kentucky. I do not use pesticides or chemicals. I go out at night and hand pick the few insects. We do a lot of canning.

I have a 20×20 feet garden and nine (9) rare fruit trees. Each Christmas my friends and relatives receive a basket with a red and white checked table cloth. Inside, 1 quart jar of red and yellow tomatoes (with one clove of garlic and basil leaf), 1 quart jar plum jam, 1 quart jar of pickled green cherry tomatoes made with fresh dill seeds, 1 quart jar green bean, 1 quart jar bread & butter pickles, a bag of rudy red grapefruits, bag of lemons, bag of Mandarin Oranges, and a bag of dried figs. They love to see us coming, and we enjoy giving.

I hope this can be you in a year. I love to help other gardeners. You have a great day from Los Angeles.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

This should help solve your problem—

Chives with yellow and brown tips are a sign of poor soil. Unlike the other herbs you have planted, chives prefer a rich moist soil.

When cutting chives, cut them close to the soil line as possible. Regrowth usually results in fewer yellow leaves and more chives.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

No, separate pots. I’d go 8″ deep or better. Or better yet – in the ground. All those will do splendidly and come back year after year.

Except the Basil – it’s a short lived annual, so for a fresh supply, so some every couple months. And the parsley, which is a biennial. It will send up a flower stalk the second year, set seed, and die. So sow every year for a good supply.

If you grow them in pots, they’ll need a lot more water than if they’re in the ground. Keep the soil constantly moist if you’re starting from seed. When they are established plants, Water when the pots start feeling “light”.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Your herb plants need at least 6 hrs. Of direct sunlight or artificial light per day. Most people over water their plants; they see the top of the soil dry and figure they need water. Check to see if they need water by sticking your finger in the soil an inch below the soil line. If it’s fairly damp, it doesn’t need water. Don’t let them sit in a saucer of water either. They will get water logged and drown. Roots need air too. When you water, do it in the sink so they can drain off excess water. The ones that look like they’ve died need to be cut back. Many times the tops and leaves will dye but the roots are alive. Keep them around for a month or so to see if they’ll sprout from the roots. If there’s no new growth then throw them out. Also, thyme will develop woody stems. Keep it routinely pruned. All of the ones you listed are perennials except for the basil which is an annual. The perennials will regrow. Your basil seedlings will get leggy if they don’t get enough sunlight. Hope this helps you with your herbs.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Yup more than enough.
You may not even need it more than twice a week

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Angelica archangelica is the variety grown for candied stem, and food and drink flavouring. It has tall stems, finely divided leaves, and a wonderful fragrance to all parts of the plant. I have it here in UK, in a warm sheltered spot about equal to US zone 7-8. It enjoys well drained soil, protection from winds(which can blow them over) and self seeds like crazy. Every year I throw away plenty(sorry). I can see no reason why Angelica would not grow in Florida if you avoid direct scorching sun. Angelica archangelica is a biennial plant, but I treat them as an annual plant that if happy multiplies plentifully. Try a packet of seeds, they are easy !

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Unable to identify “bugs”; but a simple solution of dishwashing liquid @ 2 table spoons in a qt of warm water will ususally kill invaders. Be sure and rinse chives well after harvest.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

No. It’s illegal, and you don’t know if it’s safe or not. You know that if you sell a drug product to owners and that drug causes an illness to their pet because of you, you can get screwed…it’s not healthy for the dog, dog’s owner, and you. #1, you’re not even a professional with dog medicine? #2, you didn’t test it and don’t even dare test it on a dog or any other animal, because you can go to juvenile or jail for that? And #3, the dog’s owner can literally sue you if that medicine is not good for the dog and causes a sickness? I’m just warning you, but yeah…

HerbGardenGuy answers:

They are force grown and kept in a Chill unit thats why they die quickly. Garden Centres last as they are grown in the normal way and kept warm and watered

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Miricale gro and tap water any potting soil

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Hi:
Transplanting your herbs from the garden to pots will depend on where they are at maturity. If a Basil plant is in full bloom, I would wait until blooms die out. It sounds like you are in a tropical location or in summer time in the Southern Hemisphere. If you can, wait until fall to transplant your herbs as the herbs love the warm weather and will peak during this season. Fall will work great as you can transplant your herbs and either bring them in for the winter, (which they will continue to grow) or if your climate is warm enough, they should do fine in pots outside.

When you transplant the herbs into pots, purchase a light weight potting soil. Add some vermiculite and some humas to your soil. (Herbs love this combination) Containers need more watering then plants that are in the ground. You can also add a little pine straw or mulch in the pots to help retain the moisture.

There are evergreen herbs also that will do well year around outside. Rosemary is a perfect example. I hope this has helped some. I will link you to the spice and herb section of my website. There are different articles that may help you. I will also link you to the site map as this page has everything that is on the website. Browse through and see if there is any other information that may help in this garden or any other landscape project. There is a page also on container gardening. Have a great day!
Kimberly

http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.com/Spices.html

http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.com/Site.html

HerbGardenGuy answers:

They can be grown indoors on a sunny windowsill
They will do better with the help of a grow light also.
Transfer the peat pots into a larger one.
If you can’t easily remove the plant then just cut a couple of holes in the bottom of the peat pot
and transfer into a good indoor potting soil.
You can seperate on a newspaper as much as possible without damaging the root system too much.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Here’s a few things you can try for your Sunflower (Helianthus).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Some insects don’t like aluminum. You can put it around the your plants but not quite touching the plants. When the sun hits it gives them a blinding effect. Also they don’t like the taste.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A milk carton…if you can’t put it over the plant. Slice the carton and wrap around it. Putting the carton inch below the soil line. Then you can put petroleum jelly or a sticky ant barrier around the top on the carton thus not being able to crawl over the carton and unto your plant. This can work for Worms as well…which is typically the problem with Sunflower Plants. Night Moths, which then lay their eggs on your plants.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At night…take your flashlight and try to hand pick them off of your plant. Throw them in your grass waste recycling…they can live at the dump!! Hey……a Moths gotta live too! He!he!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You can try making Moth repellent sachets…which work good for the closets…it may work out side if you put them around the plant.
If you don’t have a sachet you can use the bottom of a pair of nylons cut it and fill it with dried lavender, whole peppercorn, dear chips or a 50-50 mixture of dried rosemary and mint. (A pet store may carry the Cear chips!) Then tie the nylon and hang.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Planting Garlic Cloves close by keeps pests away!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And just so you know:
Sunflowers are also prone to Verticilluim wilt….something to be aware of. Not that it’s going to happen…it just can!

If I think of something else…I’ll try to get back to you!

Happy Gardening…
SmileyCat : )

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Virtually all of the herbs will grow in pots. Pick your favorites and plant them in pots or window boxes.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Herbs can be grown in any type of container, they make excellent container plants. Most herbs are easy to grow whether it be from seed or nursery pots. It all depends whether or not the herbs need to be transferred . If the plants are to big for the pots they are currently in ( if the height is not proportioned to the size of the container) then the herbs will need to be transferred to the next size larger container ( a 4 inch to a 6 inch pot) you may need to add more potting soil as necessary. Herbs can grow very well in terra cotta or plastic containers as well.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Http://gustoso.wordpress.com/2009/05/19/growing-better-indoor-air/

http://www.thistlebrook.com.au/grow-fresh-air-with-houseplants/

http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_6593119_grow-herbs-home.html

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Growing herbs in pots in pots is a great way to enjoy them year round. For the same price as a single plant you can buy a whole bag of seeds. When your present plant dies just plant another seed and in a couple of weeks your back in business. In our herb club each member buys a package of seed and grows enough for everyone. We exchange plants and everyone gets an opportunity to have as many different varieties as we have members. The herb seeds will stay plant-able for up to 10 years.
Most herbs are pretty tolerant of drier soil. However, container gardening requires more frequent watering. The pots tend to wick off the moisture. I purchased a moisture meter to keep track of my plants when I first started growing in pots. You may need to water at least once every day. Make sure your soil lets the water flow out rather quickly. Standing water will quickly kill most herbs. I did see an excellent product while I was visiting in the UK called hypertufa.. Its a pot made from cement, sand and moss or other available light weight materials. Although it wicks moisture into the air it holds a lot of moisture from watering and greatly increases the chance succes by absorbing a great deal of excess moisture when it is watered. Most herbs enjoy lots of sun. Some will appreciate some respite from the sun on hot days. Moisture will be the thing you will need to monitor the most to keep your herbs healthy. Most herbs came from soils that were considered less than ideal. They can tolerate some pretty miserable conditions. Don’t overwater, watch for them to show signs of drooping leaves etc then water fully. Some herbs will last for years. Most will die after they flower and set seed. One way to extend their time is to cut off the flowers. The plant will continue to try and set seeds; But, then again, they are easy to grow from seed.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

You can grow virtually any veggie in a big enough pot or container. I grow a tangerine tree in a very large pot so I can move it to shelter when it gets cold. It grows very good quality, tasty tangerines. Obviously that’s a fruit, not a veggie, but I use it as an example of how you can use a pot to grow a large plant that would usually be planted in the ground.

Since you live in a cool climate, you should be able to grow all sorts of salad greens – lettuce, arugula, spinach, chard, cabbage, etc. You can also grow broccoli and cauliflower. If you have a deep pot or container, you can grow root vegetables and tubers such as carrots, beets, potatoes, onions, and garlic. Peas also like cool weather – you might want to look for ones that are labelled “dwarf” or “self-supporting” – or you could put a trellis in a large container and let the standard type of pea vine grow up it. I especially like snow peas, since you can eat the pod as well as the peas.

Be sure that the pot has enough room for the root ball to develop, and keep it well-watered (but not soggy.) Use a good quality potting soil. You will have to give the plants some kind of fertilizer, too, since the roots can’t seek out soil nutrients as they would if they were planted in the ground. Just experiment – if it grows well in the ground in your area, you should be able to grow it in a pot.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

They are force grown and kept in a Chill unit thats why they die quickly. Garden Centres last as they are grown in the normal way and kept warm and watered

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Miricale gro and tap water any potting soil

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Hi:
Transplanting your herbs from the garden to pots will depend on where they are at maturity. If a Basil plant is in full bloom, I would wait until blooms die out. It sounds like you are in a tropical location or in summer time in the Southern Hemisphere. If you can, wait until fall to transplant your herbs as the herbs love the warm weather and will peak during this season. Fall will work great as you can transplant your herbs and either bring them in for the winter, (which they will continue to grow) or if your climate is warm enough, they should do fine in pots outside.

When you transplant the herbs into pots, purchase a light weight potting soil. Add some vermiculite and some humas to your soil. (Herbs love this combination) Containers need more watering then plants that are in the ground. You can also add a little pine straw or mulch in the pots to help retain the moisture.

There are evergreen herbs also that will do well year around outside. Rosemary is a perfect example. I hope this has helped some. I will link you to the spice and herb section of my website. There are different articles that may help you. I will also link you to the site map as this page has everything that is on the website. Browse through and see if there is any other information that may help in this garden or any other landscape project. There is a page also on container gardening. Have a great day!
Kimberly

http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.com/Spices.html

http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.com/Site.html

HerbGardenGuy answers:

They can be grown indoors on a sunny windowsill
They will do better with the help of a grow light also.
Transfer the peat pots into a larger one.
If you can’t easily remove the plant then just cut a couple of holes in the bottom of the peat pot
and transfer into a good indoor potting soil.
You can seperate on a newspaper as much as possible without damaging the root system too much.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Here’s a few things you can try for your Sunflower (Helianthus).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Some insects don’t like aluminum. You can put it around the your plants but not quite touching the plants. When the sun hits it gives them a blinding effect. Also they don’t like the taste.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A milk carton…if you can’t put it over the plant. Slice the carton and wrap around it. Putting the carton inch below the soil line. Then you can put petroleum jelly or a sticky ant barrier around the top on the carton thus not being able to crawl over the carton and unto your plant. This can work for Worms as well…which is typically the problem with Sunflower Plants. Night Moths, which then lay their eggs on your plants.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At night…take your flashlight and try to hand pick them off of your plant. Throw them in your grass waste recycling…they can live at the dump!! Hey……a Moths gotta live too! He!he!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You can try making Moth repellent sachets…which work good for the closets…it may work out side if you put them around the plant.
If you don’t have a sachet you can use the bottom of a pair of nylons cut it and fill it with dried lavender, whole peppercorn, dear chips or a 50-50 mixture of dried rosemary and mint. (A pet store may carry the Cear chips!) Then tie the nylon and hang.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Planting Garlic Cloves close by keeps pests away!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And just so you know:
Sunflowers are also prone to Verticilluim wilt….something to be aware of. Not that it’s going to happen…it just can!

If I think of something else…I’ll try to get back to you!

Happy Gardening…
SmileyCat : )

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Some of them I know identified by photo number…
05 weed
06 looks like a four o’clock to me.
07 parsley
08 cone flower
09 appears to be a member of the mint family. Pinch it and smell. It will smell minty if so.
010 seems to be an ivy.
If you have a local state extension service ice they should booklets to use. Some use Linaes (SP??) definination somewhat hard to use…but very exact.

Hope this helps.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Your local national park center or your local book store should have a books on native plants to your area.
Having a book in hand while looking at the plant is a great help.
Just make double sure what you do pick to eat is safe.
Sometimes the pictures and descriptions are difficult to understand.
I’m sure if you asked your local extension office they could advise you on
some afternoon field trips where you could learn, touch, smell and see first hand.
This is the safest way to learn and to meet new friends too.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Use this website to generate a list: http://plants.usda.gov/threat.html Use the “Select by Growth Habits:” and “Filter by Geography:” sections to get separate lists for trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, vines, etc. And your home state, or other geographic regions that interest you, then hit the “Display Results” at the bottom of the page.

The name of each plant listed is a link to a page with pictures and range maps of that species. You can get more information and pictures by googling the scientific name of plants you find.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

I think it’s a type of violet,,, take it to your local florist and have them check it out

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Depends on location, i.e. Climate zone.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Do you have a window that faces south? This is the best, followed by east or west….you get at least some sun during the day. Otherwise, a grow light would be advised. Most garden plants get pretty leggy when grow in the house if they dont have lots of direct sun. You can dry basil or dill for starters and see how they do. Rosemary needs very high light.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

TOMATOES
CHILIES
SQUASH
WATERMELONS
CILANTRO
BEANS

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Unless you have grow lights to provide light and some warmth, I don’t think you’ll have much luck…Sorry!

HerbGardenGuy answers:

The important elements are: how many hours of sunlight and what is the temperature??

Most herbs are from the Mediterranean. They like 8 to 10 hours of sun and very warm day time temps.

The one herb that might do well in your location is mint. Just keep it VERY moist.

Are there some outside steps where you could place a pot? It doesn’t take much to grow parsley, basil, etc.

Good Luck!!

HerbGardenGuy answers:

It is according to how much space you have. Check out this web site.

Http://garden.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Category:Herb_Garden

Try an Areo Garden

http://www.aerogardenstore.com/promotion/index.php?promoName=catalog&pageName=homepage&r=1

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Plan your garden before planting it. Consider the herbs you want to plant and what you’ll use them for. Herbs grow in various ways; some herbs, such as thyme, are low growing and spreading while others, such as parsley, grow in clumps. Mint is a taller, vigorously growing herb which often needs to be contained. Herbs are considered either annuals or perennials and many will bloom just like more traditional flowers.

List or draw your garden on paper first. If you know the size of your garden you’ll easily be able to choose the appropriate plants. Likewise, if you have certain herbs in mind you’ll able to plan the right size garden.

Plan Your Herb Garden – http://www.perennial-gardens.com/flower-articles/planting-an-herb-garden.htm

Herbs 101 – http://www.perennial-gardens.com/flower-articles/herbs-101.htm

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Just go to the site listed below, they have really great set ups…

I also like the idea of orchards kind of surrounding the garden, it sounds great to me….

My mom just made a bunch of raised beds, and we are going to have a sort of ‘island’ of berries in on, then in the ones around it will mostly be used for vegtables (we go through more veggies then berries, but whatever is the perfect ratio for you if great!)

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Why don’t you look in the phonebook and call a landscaper and ask them how much they would charge to build one for you? Then just say, “OK, I’ll think about it; thanks.” This will give you an idea of the going price. I bet they will charge a lot more than $250-300. However, I would charge less than they do because it will give you the business edge. Maybe even more people will want this then. You could make a lot of money! Sweet!

HerbGardenGuy answers:

A couple of plants I remember as my favorites that I haven’t seen in the answers yet are Hollyhocks and Sweet Peas. Good luck on your garden.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Pears will grow fine in North Carolina. They need the winter cooling to go dormant and trigger the bloom in the spring.
The weather should be Ideal, cool winters, and not too hot of summers. When it gets over 100 F. Pears stop growing and that can make for small fruit. If the weather stays under 100 f. The pears will size up nicely.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Since nothing is medical or food related, nothing really past a basic business license should be needed. That and proper tax and paperwork kept.

Really only problem I see is…make sure the items you are selling can be resold. Make sure no copyright is on them to resell.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

I am not sure if carrots would really be a herb, but I just planted a few seeds in pots 4 days ago and they began sprouting in just 2-3 days! I couldn’t believe it. Also carrot seeds are very cheap and you get a lot in one packet.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

If this was just one plant, you could actually cut the root ball into separate parts with a knife. Making sure each part had roots. But since you have several plants in one container try filling a sink with cool water, pull the plants up out of the soil, put them into the water and let them soak for an hour or so. Then see if you can gently pull them apart starting with the outside plants. You will lose a few roots, but as long as each plant has a root or two they will live.

Make sure you buy good “potting soil”. Do not use dirt from a yard.

All plants must be placed in a south facing window during the winter. Sometimes you can get away with setting them in a west window for afternoon sun. But south is best.

Do not over water in the winter. You can stick your finger down into the soil to see if it is dry.

Happy house gardening to you.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

We picked each other
And said, “I do”.
Now, please take a plant.
As our way to say “thank you”.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

My first thought is that this essay uses vocabulary not normally used in a 7th grade essay. Many words would not be used by people much older, yet there are no sources cited. I am basing my impression on having taught 6th-8th grade history for over 30 years.

You may want to reconsider some of the words used especially if they are not familar ones to you. On the other hand, this may be your own writing style and your teacher would recognize this and applaud you for your effort.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Some good choices:

Chives – This hardy perennial herb is easy to grow and can be planted with flowers, vegetables or other herbs. Use as a border or in pots, either indoors or outside. The thin, green tube-like tops have a mild garlic flavor and are used for flavoring salads, soups, stews and stir-fry. Grows well in a sunny or slightly shaded location.

Dill – An easy to grow and attractive annual whose pleasingly aromatic young stems are used for flavoring soups and sauces and the seeds as well as the herbage are essential in dill pickles. Chopped leaves have a rare affinity for sour cream and cucumbers.

Oregano – Popular cooking herb used extensively in Italian, Mexican and Spanish cuisine. Attractive shrub-like perennial grown for leaves which are used fresh or dried to flavor soups, sauces, chilies, pizza, spaghetti, salad dressings, meats, and much more.

Plain Leaf Parsley – This parsley is a favorite as it has foliage, which is medium dark green, flat and deeply cut. More flavorful than the curled types, is gathered, dried and put into airtight jars to be used during the winter for flavoring soups, stews and sauces. Grow some on the kitchen windowsill.

Rosemary – The aromatic leaves of this shrubby evergreen perennial may be used fresh or dried to provide a delightful seasoning to chicken, stew, and all meats. In mild winter areas, makes an excellent hedge. Elsewhere, it is best grown in moveable containers or as an annual. Add greenery to your patio.

Sage – Sage is widely used as poultry seasoning, as well as in sausage, soups, stuffing and stews.

Spearmint – Easy to grow, popular hardy perennial herb with intensely flavored green leaves. Leaves may be used dried or fresh in salads, sauces, jellies, vegetable, meats, and potpourris or as a garnish. Ideal for the apartment dweller.

Thyme – A low growing herb that is a mainstay in French cooking, should be grown in every home garden for ornamental and border effect. Invaluable for aromatic, medicinal and flavoring purposes.

Follow the links in Source(s) to read more about kitchen gardening.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

I have bought the Jiffy Greenhouse 72 planter with cover that contains the peat pellets for my gardening. They sell for about $6 at Walmart and contain everything you need except the seeds and water. I planted lots of plants this past Monday and have already had 50% of them sprout. That’s the only thing I use. I hope this helps.

Stephanie

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Http://garden.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Category:Herb_Garden

Everything that you need to know is on this web site. Great information about herbs and how to grow them.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

I keep lavender, 2 types of Basil, rosemary, lemon balm, and purple sage in the kitchen-for cooking, but also because it smells so good! Gently crush the lemn balm and lavender especially to get a wonderful scent!

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Wal mart has a 2 foot grow light for 9.99..this includes the fixture, the full spectrum bulb and all…I had one but I gave it away to a friend and it does well for herbs…I now have 4 foot 4 bulb set up becuase i start seed for my garden year round as well as have my herbs indoor right now being winter..and I start cuttings under them..this will do fine for a small area like yours..the 2 foot ones..Heres a couple pictures of my set ups..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28022122@N03/2995501001/

HerbGardenGuy answers:

I grew herbs on our balcony and in my bedroom window (it’s the only place that gets enough sun!)

I subscribe to a magazine called The Herb Companion. It’s a great source of information. The USDA has a web page with links about herb growing too.

Have fun!

HerbGardenGuy answers:

I started with a bay, rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, chives, rocket, mint (keep contained), lemon balm and lavender, they all have been with me for years with minimal maintenance, and the 1st 4 I find handy for cooking even in winter. Parsley will go to seed if too dry, and in its 2nd year. I add more every summer and now have Rue, Hyssop, Vervain, Clary Sage, Savoury, Bergamot (nice flower too), Heartsease Pansy, Evening Primrose, St. John’s Wort, Lovage, Comfrey, Nasturtium and garlic chives. Have planted all ornamentally.
And am saving a fortune not having to buy in shops! Good luck, read labels in garden shops for ideas and get a book.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

You can’t go wrong with an herb garden. The ones you mentioned do very well, and I have them in my garden. You might want to plant a bit of thyme as well. It’s good for seasoning meats, and smells wonderful. You may also want to plant some dillweed and mint.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Get a high pressure hydrogen and a high pressure sodium bulb, and you will have the best herbs on the block.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Good answers!!! Plant what you will be using. Be careful with invasive plants….mint, onion/garlic chives, cilantro. Either plant them in pots and/or cut the flower heads off before they go to seed…or at least before the seeds fall and spread.

Lavender (all varieties), pineapple sage and nasturtiums are always full of butterflies. Oregano and wild marjoram also attract butterflies. Rosemary gets to be a big bush and the bees love it too. So lots depends on your space available. I like salad herbs so I have hyssop and arugula, red amaranth, purple sage, chamomile and salad burnet.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

These veggies grow well in broken shade, but no veggies grow well in pure shade.

Leaf lettuce, arugula, endive, and cress.
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Peas
Beets
Brussels Sprouts
Radishes
Swiss Chard
Collards, mustard greens, spinach, and kale
Beans

Fruit is not very shade tolerant. Most berries can tolerate some shade, but it comes down to production. They will grow, but just no produce much.

These herbs work well in shade.

Lemon balm
sweet woodruff
ginger
chives
parsley
mint
angelica

HerbGardenGuy answers:

University of Virginia Extension
Deer resistant plants
Scroll down about midway
The plants are all categorized
Most plants require some sun but you can select from the lists and determine shade

http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/hortcult/treeshru/resistan.htm

**************NOTE**********************
All of the links can be opened for possible information
If you need to you can contact WVU for plant specifics
Contact:
John W. Jett,
304/293-6131 ext. 4224
Lewis W. Jett,
304/293-6131 ext. 4240
Horticulture Specialists,
WVU Extension Service

http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/hortcult/index.html

http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/index.html

Contact Us

http://www.wvu.edu/~exten/contact.htm

Missouri resident

To RScott You give the shortest answers and I give the longest ones.
I’m glad I’m not a deer in your area…my rump would be hurtin’ all the time…

HerbGardenGuy answers:

The name of the herb is not known, although, I myself call it “the sleeping leaf.”

I looked in my copy of Silverwing.
The chapter in which the herb is used by Zephyr, which is “Keeper of the Spire”, says nothing of the herb’s name.

All it says is, “Zephyr came over with an herb in one hand and a berry in the other.” Zephyr uses the berry for Shade’s wing and the herb to make him sleep. As Shade is falling asleep, he asks, “What is that?”
Zephyr replies, “It’s an herb. It will help you sleep.”

And even when the herb is used a second time, to drug Goth and Throbb, the name isn’t listed. I suppose it may be made-up; there really is no leaf that makes you sleep! I have never heard of such.

So, all in all, I guess you can just call it “the sleeping leaf.”

~Josie Jayfeather <3

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Alright here are some informations about taking care of a peppermint herb

http://www.ehow.com/way_5188271_peppermint-plant-care.html

http://www.gardenguides.com/94653-care-peppermint-plants.html

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Not knowing your climate it is hard to say.

I suggest either Asperula oderata (it does spread!) or Lamium maculatum. Google these and see if they are what you had in mind.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Plants in bloom usually have better chances than plants from seed, but if the others sprouted, the difference is probably not much.

Different plants require slightly different levels of light, water, etc. Most beginning gardeners show the same attention to all their plants. You might try the parsly and thyme in some other window, but if that fails, maybe you should stick with what you do best, and see if anything else can thrive under your normal care conditions.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

This answer can vary much, because the term “high medicinal value” can be interpreted many ways. What makes the value high? Do you include only plants that save lives? Only plants that are well known?

I have a book of Eastern/Central U.S. Medicinal Plants that has about 1100 entries. There will be some overlap with Western species, so maybe around 2000 on the continent. Some of the plants are poisonous (like Black Locust), so aren’t used by typical herbalists. Some just aren’t well known for medicine, like Canada Thistle or Rattlesnake Master. Some of the plants don’t do much, maybe just relieve the pain of hemorrhoids or stop diarrhea. So my best estimate would be somewhere around 1000 herbal plants with what I would call “high” medicinal value, just in the continental United States.

When I used to own an herb shop, I carried only about 200 plants in dried, bulk form. That was partly because of availability but also because I bought what would sell, which was what was well-known. About 150 of those were purchased for medicine – the others were known mostly as culinary herbs (even though most of those also have medicinal properties).

HerbGardenGuy answers:

There are different types of Asthma. Status Asthmatics, Bronchial Asthma, Asthmatic Bronchitis, Dysphnia, Allergic Asthma and so on.
Generally, a bronchial spasm – constriction occures due to some reason; it could be psychological stress, temperature, allergens, dust and so on, which will cause the breathing problem. What a patient require at that time is something that can cause broncho-dialation.
There are negative ions that also can cause such a situation as Asthma.
There are many plants which generate positive ions in the atmosphere whereby a proper balance is maintained. It stops the spread of allergens as well.
Please be informed that there are certian plants, the smell of which also cause asthma. ( Bronchial spasm ) for Example, Banyan Tree emits ozones and that helps give you fresh breath. You cna write an essay on these aspects..

HerbGardenGuy answers:

I have such a friend who raises herbs, dries them and sells. She is Ohio though. You may not want to deal with someone so far from you.

Somerset Herbs
Margaret Wince
Somerset
740-743-3010

Annuals, perennials, herbs, peppers, cucumbers, onions, garlic, herb mixes, pesto, dried flowers, wreaths, gourds, pumpkins

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Anything with JWH-018 in it, also salvia

basically all the good shit, the new legal around here is really bad

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Here’s a guide for companion plants that go together..such as …
PARSLEY: grows well with chives, onions, roses and tomato.
MARJORAM: As a companion plant it improves the flavor of vegetables and herbs. Sweet marjoram is the most commonly grown type.
BASIL: grows well with many other herbs, but do not plant with rue or sage

http://www.ghorganics.com/page2.html

Another list of plants & their effects as companions (scroll down page for list). Rosemary grows well with sage.

Http://www.seedsofchange.com/enewsletter/issue_55/companion_planting.asp

Herb Companions in the Garden & kitchen:
“Plant fennel away from other herbs and vegetables.”

http://www.almanac.com/garden/herbs/companions.php

http://www.herbalgardens.com/companion.html

Sweet basil, parsley, oregano, marjoram, & thyme can grow well together & would make a nice herb garden combination. Also: “Basil is striking in containers when combined with nasturtiums… Or marigolds.”

http://www.gardenguides.com/plants/info/herbs/basil.asp

Or you can make a golden garden combination planting together: lemon thyme, variegated sage, calendula, nasturtium and lemon balm.
Lemon Balm can be planted with anything, but keep in mind that since it is in the mint family, it can spread & overtake your other herbs…since this is what mints do.

Wormwood leaves contain absinthin a substance which can be toxic to some plants.

Http://www.ghorganics.com/Wormwood.html

Zinnias can attract Japanese beetles, so you might not want it near some of your herbs. The pastel varieties of zinnias can be used as a trap crop for Japanese beetles.
BTW, Catnip, chives, garlic, tansy & rue are said to repel Japanese Beetles.

A pot of basil, thyme and sage:

This forum shows a container of salvia, oregano, thyme and summer savory. The summer savory is beginning to bloom:

http://www.gardenbuddies.com/forum/messages/6876/1173263.html

Thought you’d like this article on the ideal herbs to grow in containers:

http://www.herbexpert.co.uk/GrowingHerbsInContainers.html

P.S. Thanks for the nice comment Naturepants!

Good luck!!! Hope this helps.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

I have grown many herbs from the supermarket. Get either a bigger pot or long planter. Fill with a good multi purpose compost. Take the herb of your choice out of the little plastic tub, Lossen root ball gently and plant. Water only when compost is feeling slightly dry. Too begin with just harvest a bit of the plant to give it a chance to rejuvenate. Just an advisory, Mint should always be in a seperate container as it takes over everything else!!

HerbGardenGuy answers:

The best place for fresh produce like that is Whole Foods, the Nugget market, and Belair

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Many herbs, like Chives are actually better kept outdoors and this might be part of the problem. If you don’t have much space you could try growing herbs in large pots or a window box outside and see if they fare any better.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Growing herbs indoors is somewhat different than growing them outdoors, and their care also depends upon where you live. If you live where winters are very cold (below freezing during the day and night) you must put the plants in the sunniest, most airtight window you have (probably facing south), but make certain that they do not touch the glass. Basil and coriander require more light than do parsley and thyme, so if your window space is limited, give the basil and coriander the best spots.

The amount of water the plants get, and the frequency of watering depend on your home (dryness of the air) as well as the type of soil used for the plants. The best way to tell if your plants need water is to put your finger into the soil up to the middle of the first joint. If the tip of your finger feels dry, then you need to water. If it feels wet, then you should wait a day and then test the soil again.

Expect the parsley and thyme to live the longest. Thyme is a perennial, and parsley lives two y ears. Basil and coriander are annuals, so they won’t live as long. Coriander, in particular, is very short-lived. Keep some seeds on hand, and resow every two months or so, to keep plenty of this herb on hand.

I had a commercial greenhouse business for 25 years at which I grew all of these herbs for sale, so my advice comes from years of growing. I hope that this information is helpful to you. Happy growing!