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As spring approaches, perennial herbs start to put on new growth. When
those
first green sprouts are seen, it is a good time to cut back last
season’s growth,
to the ground. Mulch may be pulled back and frost covers may be removed,
as the
season warms but, keep them handy to re-cover tender new growth, during
late
spring frosts and cold, windy days. Wind can dry plant leaves to the
point of
severely injuring a plant, or in some cases killing it. So, wind can be
just as
detrimental as frost.
When longer and warmer days arrive, the planting of annual herbs will
ensue.
Even though the temptation to plant as early as possible is great, it is
far more
advantageous, to wait for warm air and soil temperatures. An herb such
as basil
is very tender, planting in conditions that are too cold, can cause
growth to stop.
Once warm weather returns, plants in conditions that were too cold, may
take a
long time to regain vigor. Waiting one or two extra weeks, for the
proper planting
conditions, plants should have much more vigor and reward you with a
long
season of harvest.
Whether you propagate your own herb plants or buy them from a nursery,
“hardening them off” is a procedure that will be very beneficial to all
plants.
Plants that have been growing indoors are not “hardened” to the sun and
wind
and they can become stressed while becoming accustomed to their out door
home.
One easy way to harden plants is to set them in a sheltered location,
next to the
house, during the day and bringing them into the garage for the night.
After
7 to 10 days of this treatment, the plants should be hardened enough, to
plant into
the landscape.
As soon as growth starts, scouting for pests also starts. Weather
conditions can
cause stress in plants and once a plant is stressed, it is vulnerable to
attack, by
insects and disease. Determining problems early and correcting them,
will reduce
the amount of pesticide use and may help to keep your plants, in full
vigor.
When growth gets to 4 inches or longer, harvesting can resume.
Harvesting about
1/3 of the leaves of an herb plant, at one time, is a good rule of
thumb. If growing
conditions are good, a little more than that won’t hurt. But, the
objective is to
leave enough leaves, for the plant to keep making food and regenerate
the
harvested leaves. The first harvest is also a good time to side dress
with compost,
or fertilize your herbs, with a compost tea. Slow release fertilizers
may also be
used, we prefer to use those, at half the rate. Compost and slow release
fertilizers
are also excellent for ornamental, as well as culinary herbs.
Check the irrigation requirements for each and every herb plant that you
grow.
Too much water can be just as detrimental, as not enough water. Also,
check your
water source, if it is chlorinated, run water into a bucket and leave
set for 24 hours
until the chlorine evaporates. If you have fluoride in your water, you
may want to
consider a filter, to remove it, from your irrigation water. Always
check to make
sure your not using water from a salt softener. These sources can
sometimes harm
your herb plants. Rainwater, straight from the barrel, is about the best
we have
found to use.
Feel free to contact us with any questions you might have, and have a
great season.
Stern’s Herbs ‘n’
Bloom
Brian and Susan
Stern
2468 South U.S. Hwy 27
U.S. Hwy 27 (765) 584-3126
bsstern56@aol.com
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