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 Basil works beautifully as a container plant. (Comstock) |
It was once believed that the juice of the basil plant was good for curing headaches and clearing up diseases of the eye. The ancient Greeks were not big on basil, however, as it was believed to cause "wind."
Basil is a member of the mint family and is very sensitive to cold. It will die with the first touch of frost and is therefore grown as an annual here.
There are four basic types of basil: Sweet green basil; dwarf green basil, purple-leaved basil and scented leaf basil.
Basil grows best in a location with full sun (at least six hours a day) and good drainage.
Basil works beautifully as a container plant or in beds. The purple-leaved varieties are stunning when planted with coral bells (Heuchera Palace Purple works best), sedum, fountain grass, dusty miller and blue Salvia. The common green variety is a wonderful companion plant for snapdragons, nicotiana, marigolds and petunias.
And, like most herbs, basil does not require any special care and only needs about 2.5 cm of water per week. The flower spikes are attractive however it is best to cut them off as they will deplete the plants' energy resulting in fewer leaves -- the most flavourful part of the plant.
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Cut whole stems rather than a leaf or two as this will create a bushy, compact plant.
Basil can easily be frozen for use later in the year or dried and stored in air-tight containers.
Another favourite herb that performed well this year is dill.
A member of the carrot family, dill has been used for centuries- primarily prescribed as a tea to treat insomnia and digestive problems. Dill is now used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, liqueurs and, of course, cooking.
Dill's fern-like foliage is a wonderful compliment for sun-loving petunias, daisies and marigolds.
Its yellow, umbrella-shaped flowers can even be used in cut arrangements. And in the garden, it attracts beneficial insects like bees and parasitic wasps.
Dill grows very fast and does best in full sun and sandy or loamy soil that drains well. It is a light feeder so extra fertilizer, and even extra moisture, are not necessary.
Dill is an annual plant but its seeds will usually overwinter in the soil and new plants should pop up each year.
The best time to harvest dill is just before the flowers form. Pick early in the morning and, if you are freezing for later use, do not chop the leaves into bits as this will lose fragrance and flavour.
One of the best varieties of dill is the Fernleaf dill, an All-America Selection winner. It's an excellent container plant as it will reach only 40 cm. tall.
Another winning herb is rosemary. The International Herb Association named rosemary the Herb of the Year for 2000.
This tender perennial shrub will not overwinter and is best grown in a container. It thrives in humid conditions and the rosemary in my garden this year is the best it's ever been.
And what would a garden be without common sage?
The old Latin proverb, Cur moriatur homo, ciu calvia crescit in horto? (translation: "Why should a man die while sage grows in his garden?") pays homage to the high esteem in which sage was held.
Other herbs to try include tarragon, thyme, oregano, Italian parsley, mint and chives.
A word of caution, though, if planting the latter two. Mint or chives will not die and seemingly grow through concrete! Unless you want nothing but these two invasive herbs in the garden, plant in pots sunken into the soil.