HERBS AND HERBALISM
Growing Herbs in Pots
by Dan Salzler

  Most people do not think of starting a garden at this time of year. Fall is
usually thought of as a time of harvest, but it is also a time of planting.
Now is the time for the serious cook to think about the winter herb garden.
The garden is quite simple and easy to care for. All you need is seed or
well-established plants, a soil medium, a window sill or window area, a
flower pot, and water. All herbs need sunlight but not all need a lot of
heat. In fact, most herbs grow best in temperatures of between 50 - 60
degrees Fahrenheit.
  Seeds and plants can be easily obtained from an herb nursery or seed
catalog. A wide selection of herbs from around the world are available to you
for your enjoyment. Grow a few favorites, but try something new and
different. You might like it!
  Soil is an important consideration. Most all herbs prefer a well-drained
soil that will allow excess water to pass through but will retain enough
capillary water for maximum root development. Potting soil purchased from
commercial sources may be used but perhaps a soil additive should be included
to improve drainage. Soil additives include sand, vermiculite or perlite.
  Light may be the most important consideration for you to deal with but is
also one of the easiest to control. Herbs placed in a south or west window
will do well, but don't hesitate try a north- or east-facing window if the
others are not available. Your plants should receive approximately fifteen to
seventeen hours of light per day, though it is not mandatory. The use of
Grow-Lights may be used to extend the length of day. If you do not have a
Grow-Light on hand, a fluorescent light accompanied by an incandescent bulb
will work just as well. Remember that, in general terms, fluorescent lights
will produce a plant that is shorter than normal and it will have with short,
broad leaves. An incandescent light bulb will produce a plant that is taller
than normal with long, narrow leaves. In combination, a well-proportioned,
healthy plant will prevail. Remember not to discount your overhead lamps.
  Any container will suffice as long as it holds all of the plants you want
to grow. Water your herbs weekly.
  Now you have what it takes to start an indoor herb garden and to begin to
enjoy the rewards of minimal effort - fresh herbs. Use your herbs in soups
and stews, bread, and old favorites, and enjoy a great taste sensation.

                             Herbal Tomato Juice
2 cups tomato juice - 8 to 10 leaves fresh basil - garlic, to taste - dash of
cayenne. Place ingredients in a blender for one minute. Pour over ice and sip
through lovage stem "straws."

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  Reprinted with permission from The Cattaraugus County Independent, Sunday,
August 24, 1986. Dan Salzler is the owner of Herb Hollow Farm, located on
Stafford Road in East Otto, New York.
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CLINTONIA
Magazine of The Niagara Frontier Botanical Society, Inc.  
An Affiliate of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences  
Vol. 2, Issue 5, September 1, 1987 
* * * Goldenrod Issue * * * 
(Electronically Published Version: September 7, 1987) 
