From the Herb Basket – 35

Want to give your outdoor container grown plants a boost?  Instead of twice monthly feedings with a water based plant food, try this instead. Push two multivitamins 3 inches down in the soil. All those vitamins will help protect plants from disease, promote growth, and establish stronger roots. Water weekly and give the plants a once a month “vitamin treat.” Better for the plants and better for us as well.

Nose full of pollen? Try drinking a cup of fresh ginger tea each morning. Ginger contains natural antihistamines. Ginger is an allergy tamer that helps prevent sneezing,and other symptoms. Simmer 2 tsp of grated ginger in 8 ounces of hot water. Strain and slowly sip the hot liquid.

Aching feet? Mix 1/4 cup dried rosemary with 8 cups of hot water. Pour into a shallow foot tub Soak your feet for 20 minutes. A compound in rosemary helps ease the discomfort of tired, aching feet. What to do with the leftover warm water? Pour it around shrubs or potted plants. They’ll love the herb infused water.

Things to do this month:

Feed and water houseplants. Set them outside on warm days in a shaded area. Bring them back in at night.

Straw is a much better mulch than shredded bark. Straw adds nutrients to the soil within 30 days, while the bark will tie up nitrogen for months.

Time to plant warm season tomatoes and peppers. Container grown vegetables need lighter soil, so don’t use garden soil. Buy bagged soil intended for container use. Cage or stake after planting.

Feed rose bushes Epsom salt for more colorful roses. Add 1 tablespoon to a gallon of warm water, stir and pour around the base of each rose bush.

Always support your local farmer’s market by shopping there first. Often, you’ll find better bargains and healthy spring plants. Not to mention tons of free gardening advice.

All the Best.

Meadow Walker and Azul