Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2002
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/vegetableherb.html

Find the Cure for Herb Fever
March/April 2001
Emily Johnson, Johnson's East Store

    Every spring, the warm sun shines down on the barren earth, animals
come out of hibernation, birds sing, and people get the urge to
participate in nature. Some people may call this spring fever, but I
call it herb fever!

    To cure your fever, be sure to plant herbs this spring. The symptoms
will quickly fade away as the herbs tantalize your senses. The scent of
herbs on a wafting breeze or in a potpourri mix brings relaxation to the
soul. The wind through the leaves and stems lends a soft whisper to the
ear. The taste of herbs paired with food create a variety of delicacies.
And, we can't forget the sight of the beautiful colors and the touch of
different textures found in an herb garden setting.

    Herbs may be planted directly into the ground or planted in wooden
half barrels, clay pots or strawberry jars. Almost any container is
suitable provided it has good drainage. Even if you have a garden for
your herbs, it is often convenient to have a pot or two of commonly used
herbs near the door. Remember that containers will dry out faster and
these herbs will need to be watered more often than herbs planted in the
ground. Herbs also grow well indoors in containers. Place them in a
bright, sunny window and turn the pot regularly to get light to all
parts of the plant.

    Make sure that you pinch back new herbs to create a bushier, healthy
plant. After the plants are a mature, healthy size you may begin to
harvest your herbs. Fresh herbs are a delight to use in cooking. Dried
herbs may be used for cooking or for making potpourri. You can also
preserve herbs in oils or vinegars. Some herb gardeners use herbs to
make decorations and gifts. The possibilities are endless!

    When you visit Johnson's Garden Center this spring, don't forget the
herbs! Our kind and knowledgable staff will help you pick out herbs to
help spice up your life ... and cure your herb fever. We may even have a
few recipes up our sleeves.

    Here is just a sampling of the herbs that will be available at
various times throughout the year at Johnson's Garden Centers:

Popular Herb Varieties:

     Basil--Highly aromatic leaves used in salads, vinegars, pesto 
       and pasta dishes

     Chives--The leaves have a mild onion flavor used as a garnish or 
       flavoring in salads, dips, soft cheeses, soups, eggs and sauces

     Cilantro--Use in curries, chutneys, sauces, salads, poultry, fish, 
       vegetables and soups

     Dill--Use leaves or seeds to flavor cheeses, rice, potatoes, eggs, 
       sauces, potato salad, pickles and fish

     Mint--Use to flavor teas, chocolates, desserts, salads and mint sauce

     Oregano--Use fresh leaves and sprigs in Italian and Mexican dishes, 
       oil and vinegar marinades, with cheeses & tomatoes

     Parsley--Use as a garnish or seasoning in fish and pasta dishes as 
       well as with eggs, sauces, and cheeses

     Rosemary--Use in meat dishes, especially with lamb, and to make 
       potpourri

     Sage--Use in poultry stuffings, rich meat dishes, herb teas and to 
       flavor cheese

     Tarragon--Use in sauces, egg and chicken dishes and to flavor vinegar

     Lemon Verbena--Leaves with strong lemon scent used in herb teas, 
       desserts and potpourri