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There's still time to order your herb seeds 

Here's why I grow some of my herbs from seed: 

* there’s a wider selection of seed varieties to choose from  

*some herbs don’t transplant well and are best planted from seed where they will be growing – i.e. parsley, dill, cilantro/coriander – any herb or vegetable that grows a taproot especially

* it’s an economical way to grow many plants – my family goes through a lot of basil and parsley so starting those from seed saves me money over buying a bunch of nursery plants

 If you’re looking for a site to order seeds from, check out my favourite online seed stores at https://www.herbgardengal.com/1621

Happy Gardening Barb

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I’ve tracked down a few gift ideas for gardeners 🎁🌿  Check them out at herbgardengal.com/1603

Happy Holidays!

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Simple instructions on how to start thyme herbs from seed indoors at https://herbgardengal.com/1572 A friend of mine recently asked how to grow thyme from seed indoors. She wanted to grow a couple of containers of thyme indoors to have fresh thyme on hand in the kitchen. Although it will take a while before she has a plant she can harvest from, she wanted to try growing her own thyme plants from seed anyway. Starting thyme from seed indoors is also an economical way to go if you're planning to start a lot of thyme herb plants to transplant into your garden. See how to start thyme from seed at https://herbgardengal.com/1572 Happy Gardening Barb

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Small batches of herbs can be easily dried in the microwave...who knew? 

The first time I heard that you could dry herbs in the microwave, I did not believe it.  I thought the herbs would turn to mush or turn into some unrecognizable black mess.  It didn’t make sense to me.

But, I was curious.  Does this really work?  Or is this some weird theoretical thing that will end up in disaster.  I had to find out!

So, when I had some leftover basil I thought, what the heck, let’s try this!  Guess I was in the mood for a science experiment.

Well lo and behold, it worked!  And much better than I anticipated.  The basil dried amazing well in the microwave.  The leaves dried quickly and the basil retained its bright green colour

 Learn how to dry herbs in the microwave at https://herbgardengal.com/144/dry-herbs-in-the-microwave/

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Making bouquet garni for cooking soup.  Amazing the flavour that classic combination of parsley, thyme and bay leaf give to soups and stews.  Yum 😋  herbgardengal.com/1525

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Check out the ins and outs of growing thyme successfully in your garden at https://herbgardengal.com/1461/how-to-grow-thyme

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The gardening season has come to an end.  Time to make  a cup of tea and flip through my notes and pictures to reflect on this season and start dreaming about next summer - lol.  Got an herb you’d like to learn more about?   Over the next few months, I’ll be posting how-tos for some popular herbs, along with a couple of lesser-known favourites of mine.  If there’s an herb you’d like included, put it in the comments.  Thanks :-)

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Low growing groundcover thyme that can withstand foot traffic makes for a delightful landscaping option.

Learn more at herbgardengal.com/1327

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I was talking with my friend Lynn @travelinglowcarb last week. And she has a field of dandelions  that she was ready to mow down  When she she asked if they were good for anything, I quickly answered “Yes!” Visit https://herbgardengal.com/1294/are-dandelions-edible/  for a whole bunch of ways to enjoy 😊 this edible weed

Enjoy 😊 🌼 l

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As I was looking for seed starting supplies, I came across this cool seed starting kit 🌿 from @htgsupply that includes everything you need to get starting growing 😀

Visit herbgardengal.com/1270 for more details on why I like the HTG Supply Seed Station

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Super Easy and Delicious Rosemary and Bean Salad😋

Rosemary and beans are a great combination.  And a perfect use for the tender cuttings of an indoor rosemary plant.😊   

Visit https://herbgardengal.com/1250/rosemary-bean-salad/ for the recipe.  Enjoy :-)

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If you have brought herbs and actually any other plants indoors to overwinter, by now you may have noticed weak spindly growth at the ends of the plant stems. My rosemary herb plants keep sprouting these weak leggy shoots.

Read article on herbgardengal.com/1236

Also, you may find weaker leggy growth developing on an herb plant that you've brought home from a garden center or green grocer.

This leggy growth is caused because the light levels indoors are lower than the plant has been accustomed to outdoors, or in a commercial greenhouse. Yes, even in a bright window, herb plants can develop spindly shoots in search of more light. Especially in the winter.

For established herb plants that are overwintering indoors, I snip off all this new growth as it weakens the plant. And use it up in the kitchen. These tender herb shoots are milder tasting than tougher herb stems, and delicious added to fresh salads or chopped last-minute into soups.

For smaller herb plants, pinch off the tips of the herb plant to promote bushier growth. And be sure to eat these too

More at herbgardengal.com/1236

Happy gardening :-) Barb