Cooking Resources

MrsBlueEyzz · 02-19-2012, 09:40 AM

I have been thinking more of Spring because the weather here has been so mild. We haven't had a lot of snow (with the exception of the October storm).

taxlady · 02-19-2012, 05:51 PM

If you are going to try to grow herbs from cuttings, it will improve your chance of success if you buy some rooting hormone. I got some that was organic. I don't know if you have to be careful about what kind you get when it's for food.

HistoricFoodie · 02-19-2012, 08:10 PM

Far as I know, Taxlady, all rooting hormones are food-safe. The only concern would be for gardeners who are hard-nosed about organic growing. And, of course, for any grower who is certified.

I use rooting hormone a lot. But, frankly, I'm not convinced it's as important as some make out. I've started cuttings side-by-side with and without it, and never noticed a significant increase in success with it.

So why do I use it? As with many gardening techniques, if it might help, and doesn't hurt, I figure why not do it? And even a small jar of rooting hormone goes a long, long way.

CraigC · 02-19-2012, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinlizzie

This has been a very interesting thread. I'd like some advice on a rosemary plant in my yard, please. I'm in SW FL, with temperate but distinct rainy and dry seasons. I have a rosemary in a dry location - it's about 2 feet high. I moved it a few months ago and it lost nearly all its leaves/needles but has now recovered and the tops are greening up again, even showing a few flowers. But the lower stems are still naked. Should I cut it back close to the ground and let it regrow from there or is that too drastic?

We're on the other side and have a rosemary that has been growing like a weed for about 5 years. It hase been cut back several times and just keeps growing.

tinlizzie · 02-20-2012, 07:02 AM

Thanks for the rosemary tips, all. I think after she stops blooming I'll pick a couple of the worst offenders, bare-stem-wise, and cut them way back, then watch what happens.

Thanks to this informative thread, I'm feeling encouraged about trying basil again. I had some cinnamon basil (don't know the actual variety name) once upon a time. I don't cook with basil, but I loved to brush by the plant just for the fragrance. Same with the rosemary, really. I don't use it in the kitchen -- the home-grown seems so strong -- but I enjoy the brush-by effect.

**PrincessFiona60** · 02-20-2012, 10:45 AM

Trim the Rosemary stems back and then cut into 2 inch chunks, wrap in cheesecloth and hang in your closet...

Leolady · 03-07-2012, 08:16 PM

I am going to plant some herbs in these canisters for my kitchen window. I will keep the four small canisters on the window sill and hang the three larger canisters.

I do have a permanent outside herb garden, but I want to have summer savory, sweet marjoram, rosemary, small bay tree, cilantro, parsley, and basil inside.

MrsBlueEyzz · 03-08-2012, 08:04 AM

I like those canisters :) I think I am going to grow cilantro and basil..I have not decided what else yet. I have a little bit of time to decide at least.

cusinefiend · 03-11-2012, 11:00 AM

I've got some basil seeds and wondering how best to get them to grow into a big plant and where to put them, outside or indoors ? Also what's the best soil, I've recently thought growing my own would be the best so need to know how best to go about it :)

tinlizzie · 03-16-2012, 02:58 PM

You can probably find the answers to your questions back at the beginning of this thread. If not, your local county extension office is a good place to get info on growing basil in your particular area.

Can any of you southern-fried DCers give me hints on growing ginger root in our southern Florida climate? I do put leftover pieces in the freezer, but that's not entirely satisfactory and I would like to have fresh ginger without a trip to the store.

Maybe I should ask my local county extension office.....