AboutLeroy J. Wilton Expertise I have been growing herbs organically for 27 years. I have also written and self-published a book, "Herbman`s Journal".144+ pages of herbs that I have grown. Photo & short profile at the Smile Herb Shop on "you tube".Sign in "The healing herbs part 3A & 3B". My face book "the Herbman"
You can request it from my e-mail.It is $24.95 with free shipping. 5517 Nome Ave., Balto..Md.21215. It is loose -leaf, 151 pg. A free "Herbman" t-shirt included while they last(large,X-large).It covers many names of herbs that I have grown, such as culantro,shadow bennie, recao de monte & 97 other names.
Experience I have been growing herbs organically for 27 years. I have also written and self-published, loose leaf binder, "Herbmans Journal". 2008 is my last year at Smile Herb Shop. I plan to grow herbs in my small back yard and sell at David's Natural Store in Columbia, Md. on saturdays. I also will return to the Baltimore Herb Festival in May 2009(memorial day weekend).I used the word organically grown, but the state came into the picture and stated that I could not use the word unless I become certified & paid a $300.00 fee. I decided to add to my name (99% chemical-free) since nothing on this planet is 100%, except Jesus Christ, taxes & death. My customers were satisfied with this instead of paying a large fee and raising my prices,with no guarantee that it is organic except for a label.Their belief was in my word.
soon I'll be moving to a new apartment with a little balcony. I'd like to grow some herbs there, but due to limited space I'll most likely only have room for a 800x175x120 (mm) plant trough. How would I (with no gardening experience whatsoever) go about if I wanted to have a basic selection of herbs (like chives, basil, rosemary, parsley, mint, etc.) in that small space?
Answer Rob:
I will give you basic info. All herbs needs morning sun from the east or southeast. Mint must be outdoors and in a separate container because it will choke out anyone near it. It must be grown outdoors to return next year.Chives must be outdoors to return next year also. Before winter sets in, cut the chives back 2" from the ground. If rosemary is not hardy("Arp & hardy hill will stand -10 below 0. The tender ones may not go thru a cold & snowy winter. With extra ground cover sometimes help, always protect from northern exposure. Water once a week. It hates too much water. Make sure you have soil with good drainage.Parsley will take up into the fall & sometimes beyond. Basil is #1 sun lover. Keep pruning it during warm weather to keep it producing new growth. Prune from the top down 1/3 on each branch every 3 weeks.Prune all herbs same way Fertilize all herbs with orgnic fertilizer at the same time. Liquid fish fertilizer is now carried at home depot/lowe's and some organic markets. Give each plant at least 12" or more between each other.
