|
Herbs
for Winter
Here are some handy tips
for getting the most out of your herbs during the winter season.
While many herbs go dormant
during the winter, several window box herbs actually benefit from
regular cutting. Trim chives on a regular basis to keep them growing;
trim back sage to keep it from overrunning your windowsill. Herbs
like Basil and Marjoram do best when you pinch back blossoms and
don't allow the seeds to set.
Good drainage is essential
to any window box herb garden: Herbs like it moist, but not soaking.
You can set individual plants in pots with drainage holes, and set
the pots in larger containers with a layer of pebbles.
Instant Spring
If you're not willing to wait for spring, here's a good trick to
know. You can force herbs just as you can with bulbs.
Propagate your herbs
into some small pots by either dividing older plants or planting
cuttings. Once they're established, trim them down to two inches,
and close the entire pot up in a plastic bag.
Put the pot in the refrigerator
for two weeks; then move it to your freezer for another two weeks;
and finally put it back in the refrigerator for two weeks. Place
the pot in a nice sunny window, and new growth should begin.
|
