February Tips
HERBS

Contact: Diane Relf, Extension Specialist, Environmental Horticulture

October 1996

  • Start herb seeds now in your own mini-greenhouse made from a plastic soda bottle or milk carton. When using a plastic soda bottle, cut off the top two-thirds and fill the bottom third with rooting medium. Make several short cuts around the perimeter, and plant the herb seeds. Put the top back on, using the cuts to lock it into place. When using a milk carton, you also need a plastic bag and a wire coat hanger or other stout wire. Staple the carton shut and cut away one side. Lay the carton on its side, fill with potting media, plant seeds, and add water. Cut the wire into 8-inch lengths, and bend into arches. Place three or four wire arches in the carton so that as the seedlings grow they will not touch the plastic. Place the carton in the plastic bag and seal. Keep your mini-greenhouse in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. Open the bag or bottle top daily to check on seedlings. Add water when necessary.

  • After a long winter inside (usually with less-than-sufficient sunlight), scented geraniums often get leggy. Now is the time to cut them back to encourage shorter, fuller growth. The trimmings can even be dried and added to pot of water on a woodstove as a potpourri.

  • If fungus develops on your potted herbs, cut them back to encourage healthy new growth.

  • Thyme, a low-growing, woody perennial herb, should be started from seed every two to three years because older plants produce coarser, lower grade stems and leaves. Thyme seeds often germinate poorly when planted directly in the soil, so it is advisable to start plants indoors and transplant later.

  • For those who enjoy growing annual herbs, but are frustrated by the number of extra seeds in each packet, make the extras into a thoughtful gift for a friend or co-worker. On a card, draw a design for a small, herb garden, then divide the seeds from the packet into small envelopes like stamp collectors use. Tape the seed packets to the garden plan and offer a few cultural hints.

    Monthly Tips have been prepared since 1986 by various staff of the Office of Consumer Horticulture including Ellen Bennett, Michelle Buckstrup, Susan Day, Susan DeBolt, Sharon Dendy, Kate Dobbs, Sheri Dorn, David Gravell, Virginia Nathan, Jenny Shuster, Ellen Silva, and Ruth Sorenson. Resource material for the development of this information includes the Virginia Master Gardener Handbook; Extension Publications and newsletters from VCE, numerous other states, and the USDA; and an extensive library of over 900 books, magazines, and journals. Project funded by The Virginia Gardener Newsletter subscription fees. Diane Relf, Project Director and Content Specialist.

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