First published in 1912, M. G. Kains’ CULINARY HERBS: THEIR CULTIVATION, HARVESTING, CURING AND USES is at once a down to earth guide to the “Origiganic,” chemical free cultivation, preparation and savory use of the 36 herbs most essential to every great cook’s cupboard, and an inspiring and poetic love song to the culinary charm of these tantalizing “masters of the kitchen.”

“Origiganic” is a new word we have coined at Better Days Books to describe time-tested “original” methods of growing food naturally in our backyards, gardens and farms. Only since the 1960s have petroleum-based fertilizers and pesticides have been in widespread use, so any “how to” treatise published prior to 1960 will quite “naturally” exclude their use. The old-fashioned, “original” method, it turns out (as is so often the case), is simply a better, healthier, safer, and even generally less expensive way to produce bounties of fabulous, poison-free food – for our families, and for the marketplace.

The Better Days Books Origiganic Guide to the Culinary Herbs: Their Cultivation, Harvesting, Curing and Uses

Review

This is a five-star book. Gardeners top your list for gift-giving on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and mostof all for that Grand Gourmet Day in your family by making it a ‘tasty day’ for all. (Clark Issacs News Blaze )

“I’m wild about this book! Tim and Jan give us all the knowledge to cultivate our own herbs and endless ways to put them on the family table.”Lorrianne Crook, host of Celebrity Kitchen and co-host of the nationally syndicated Crook & Chase Co (more…)

Nowadays, green is in. Due to the alarming environmental degradation, many careers and industries have been shifting to the green paradigm. The growing herb industry is one of the key players in making the earth greener than it has ever been.

This industry could boast of its immediate and across the board growth. Private homes, associations, large-scale and small-scale farms, virtual communities – all these have jumped in the wagon to grow herbs for assorted reasons.

Private herb growing

Herb gardens now adorn both indoor and outdoor spaces of most homes. Most small households have at least six herbs growing in small pots, strategically placed in indoor spaces – nearby window and door openings, and outdoor spaces – rooftop and porch areas. Other homes that have wide stretches of lawn and backyard spaces engage into high-maintenance gardening styles – potager or kitchen herb garden which could be classified into different styles, the elaborately patterned knot garden or the rustic freestyle cottage garden.

These home gardens also differ in which herbs are grown. Most have perennials for medicinal purposes. Most have annuals for culinary purposes. Either purpose automatically includes the ornamental or aesthetic value of herb plants.

Green Associations

These associations have participation ranging from holistic medical practitioners, botanical council members, herb growers at home and from commercial producers/farmers, to landscapists. In the USA alone, there are over fifty national associations with satellite offices spread generously among fifty states and sister cities in other countries.

These associations are formed to popularize the use of herbs as integrated in current lifestyles. The most popular ones are the growers’ associations, which are also trade groups for private and commercial markets. Other associations include conservation of native herbs, scientific research and education about how herbs could be sustained for future uses and proving the medicinal qualities of herbs.

Virtual spaces for herb growing

Technology has paved a way for this cause to become widely held and spread. There are various websites that host a diverse assortment of giving out information about the herb industry.

HerbWorld Online, from the Herb Growing and Marketing Network, is one website that hosts web links focusing on herbs. Its main page called HerbNET gives a selection of twenty three venues dedicated to herbs. They also have their own search engine option to narrow down your search for herb topics.

This site includes links to herb online magazines; green associations; herb fast facts; herb trading; online shops and links for gardening reference books; herbal and herb gardening products; services like herbal retreats, spas, yoga centers and vegetarian restaurants, among others.

There also other websites offering online blogs for home herb gardeners. Through this, many virtual communities have established networks which provide quick helpful tips for beginners, reviews of gardening tools, and exchange of any information about herbs. Some of these virtual communities have become actual clubs where herb enthusiasts meet and trade herb growing secrets.

The growing herb industry would not desist as it apparently augments the campaign for improving the earth’s condition and helps human lives to be healthier.

Container herb gardening is a great way to get started growing your own herbs. The good news is that it is easy, and great fun! The portability of growing herbs in containers is great because you can put them anywhere you live, whether you have a big yard or live in an apartment with a small balcony.

Containers

First, find a container with good drainage. Even something like a recycled market basket can be used for growing herbs. Whatever container you use, make sure that it is food safe, as some pots are made with lead or other materials that you don’t want in your food. Always use the largest possible container for your available space. Larger containers equal less maintenance than smaller ones in terms of drying out and needing water more frequently. Be aware that terra cotta pots are porous and will require more frequent watering as well. In general, herbs are tough and drought resistant plants, so growing them in containers is a good way to go.

Soil

When you’re ready to add soil, use a ready-grow soil mix with all the ingredients for optimal growth already mixed in. Mix a little “Soil Moist” (or something similar) with polymers into the soil so that the soil will hold more moisture. This way, you won’t have to water every day.

Seeds vs Plants

You can easily grow grassier herbs like Chives, Cilantro, Parsley, and Mint from seed. I recommend buying plants of the larger, woody herbs like Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, and Marjoram from your local nursery and planting them directly into your containers. Basil and Sage are better purchased as plants instead of seeds.

Placement

When you remove the plant from the little container that you bought it in, it will usually be root-bound, so tease the roots apart a little to help optimize growth. Plant herbs that grow taller in the rear of the container, plant shorter herbs in the front, so that all plants get plenty of light. Cascading plants such as Oregano and Thyme should be planted near the edges of the container so they can spill over the sides. Some tall herbs include: Basil, Dill, and Rosemary. Medium size includes: Chives, Oregano, Parsley, and Sage. Short: Thyme. If you plant many plants in a single container, you will have to harvest often to insure that the plants don’t get overcrowded. Next, water the plants in.

Watering and Location

Be sure to water when your thumb stays dry halfway up when inserted into the soil. Keep your container herb garden right outside your kitchen door so that it is easy for you to reach your fresh herbs whenever you need them.

Depending on your climate, you may have to re-plant some of your herbs each spring, or they may survive the winter. Or, if you allow the herb to flower and seed, you may find the plants coming back on their own. If you want to preserve some of your herbs at the end of the season, simply cut long stems, hang to dry (for a couple weeks), then harvest and store in an airtight container.

Product Description
Contributors include Mark Blumenthal, Richo Cech, Ryan Drum, Stephen Foster, Cascade Anderson Geller, James Green, Christopher Hobbs, David Hoffmann, Kathie Keville, Brigitte Mars, Susun Weed, David Winston, and many others.

Addressing one of the most urgent issues for environmentalists, America’s most respected and well-known herbalists share in-depth information on saving 30 popular at-risk herbs.

* Includes color photos of 30 medicinal plants and explains how to use and grow them.

* Provides mail order resources for hard-to-find seeds.

* Offers consumers suggestions for making eco-friendly purchases and using other herbs with similar actions as alternatives.

* Edited by Rosemary Gladstar, author of the bestselling Herbal Healing for Women

While the renaissance in the U.S. botanical market is positive in many respects, medicinal plant populations are suffering from loss of habitat and overharvesting, and many popular medicinal herbs are now at risk, including echinacea, American ginseng, goldenseal, Hawaiian wild kava, peyote, and wild yam. Planting the Future shows us how land stewardship, habitat protection, and sustainable cultivation are of critical importance to ensure an abundant renewable supply of medicinal plants for future generations. The authors share their extensive experience with using and growing these popular herbs and include suggestions for creating your own private herbal sanctuary, using herbal analogues–other medicinal herbs that provide the same benefits and exist in plentiful amounts–for at-risk plants, and making your herbal purchases a vote for sustainability.

All author royalties will be used for replanting native medicinal herbs on a 380-acre botanical sanctuary in Ohio.

Planting the Future: Saving Our Medicinal Herbs