April 2013

Beautiful Basil

April 30, 2013 // 0 Comments

Basil is one of the best culinary herbs with a distinctive scent and flavor. Fresh basil leaves have a flavor like that of anise, while the dried leaves taste more like curry. Young leaves have the best flavor and should be added at the last moment during cooking. There are 64 basil species. Most are grown as annuals, [ ...click to read more ]

Earth Day

April 22, 2013 // 0 Comments

Today marks the anniversary of an environmental movement which began in 1970. Sen. Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin came up with the idea for Earth Day in 1969. Nelson was awarded the presidential Medal of Freedom for his role as founder of Earth Day. Much credit should be given to author Rachel Carson for penning her [ ...click to read more ]

Bamboo Shoots: A Fine Tasting Vegetable — and Forage Food

April 13, 2013 // 0 Comments

Edible bamboo shoots come out in the spring, near mature groves. Edible varieties are at least an inch or so in diameter at the base. Some bamboo species produce shoots that are thin and thus produce too little edible pith to be worthwhile. Harvest the thick shoots before they reach about a foot in height. Bamboo [ ...click to read more ]

Ways To Use Essential Oils

April 9, 2013 // 1 Comment

Essential oils are highly concentrated aromatic essences of plants from around the world. These precious oils are extracted directly from roots, flowers, fruits, leaves and wood. For The Home: Put a few drops of your favorite essential oil on a cotton ball and place it in your vaccum cleaner bag. Best fragrances to [ ...click to read more ]

When to Plant Herbs

April 2, 2013 // 0 Comments

The calendar says April, but it feels like February. I’m sure most gardeners are anxious to do some spring planting. Hardy herbs can be planted this week, but wait a little longer to plant the tender herbs. Cold nights and freezing temperatures will stunt or kill the more delicate herbs. Hardy herbs: Parsley, [ ...click to read more ]