Thoughts to Ponder . . .
from Bill Varney, URBANherbal

June 2005

Your source for herbal advice about plants, recipes using herbs, personal care products and much much more . . .

Dear Farm Family, Welcome Summer Heat! Along with the heat also comes many pests in our gardens, so we have given you a few tips to help battle the bugs. We have been excited to see many of you at various Central Market Stores around the state of Texas this Spring. Many of you have enjoyed our Lavender Champagne this past year, so we are suggesting this new recipe to use it in. Lavender Cilantro Dressing 1/4 cup orange juice 2 TBS. fresh lemon juice 2 TBS. fresh lime juice 1 tsp. organic lavender buds 1/2 cup fresh cilantro 2 TBS. honey 1-1/2 tsp. fresh hot peppers minced 1 tsp. freshly grated orange zest 1/3 cup Fredericksburg Herb Farm Lavender Champagne Vinegar 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil Sea Salt and freshly ground pepper In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, lemon juice, and lime juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until reduced to 1/2 cup. Let cool for 15 minutes, then transfer to blender. Then add all other ingredients, except the Olive Oil and salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. Add the Olive Oil until creamy. Season with the salt and pepper and blend.

Spring Happenings at the Herb Farm     We hope to see many of you in Dallas and New York this summer at the trade shows! This month we invite you to revisit some past Herbs of the Month: Lavender - May 2004; Mint - July 2004; Cilantro - October 2004. Remember that Central Market stores around the state of Texas, are now carrying our Gourmet Food products and our Body Care and Candles. Please be sure to look for them. Blessings, Bill Varney & All the Herb Farm Folks

Pests In Your Garden

Because of their strong pungent oils, many herbs are relatively free from problems with pests. This is even more the case with clean, healthy plants growing in well-drained soil. In fact, the overwhelming majority of plant problems are caused by incorrect cultural practices: over-watering or under-watering, over-fertilizing, or planting too deep or too shallow. Soil type, soil drainage, incompatible plant mix and incorrect exposure to the sun add to the list of gardener-caused problems.

If problems do occur, chemical sprays are not the solution. Many herbs are grown to be ingested. Pesticides also kill beneficial insects. Your goal should be to eliminate these potentially harmful sprays around your home and garden. Find out about natural or nontoxic control methods. Get to know which pests are common to your area and learn their life-cycles. Most are vulnerable to control measures at certain stages of their lives. You can accept an occasional chewed leaf or flower.

As mentioned, keeping your herbs healthy with proper watering and fertilizing techniques prevents them from being bothered by many insects and diseases. Simply hosing off plants with a strong jet of water will control some common pests such as aphids or spider mites.

If control measures are required, use insecticidal soaps. However, do not use if plants are stressed for moisture, or if temperatures are over 90° F; the spray can burn leaves.

Some homemade products can be used effectively to keep unwanted pests at bay. They are inexpensive and safe if used properly.

Here are a few homemade recipes to try:

Garlic Spray Soap

Hot Pepper Spray

Some plants help repel pests. Here are a few of them: