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Herbs: The Good Neighbors of the Garden

June 11, 2019 By marketeditor

By Katherine Morba

Potted herbs and greens at Burger’s Marketgarden, photo by Pattie Garrett

Like people, plants relate to one another differently. Unique characteristics such as fragrance, stature, and ability to attract pollinators and repel pests make a plant more or less compatible with its neighbors.

Companion planting, or paying attention to beneficial relationships that exist between species of plants, give way to healthier crops, increased yields, and even enhanced flavor in harvests. Herbs are especially companionable when mindfully placed in a garden bed.

Herbs also possess healing properties to soothe the ailments of the gardeners who tend them. For centuries herbs have been exalted as medicinal remedies, offering relief for sore throats, anxiety, stomachaches, and other health concerns.

Rather than planting rows of single crops this season, try intermingling herbs for a garden that is both plentiful and curative.

Basil and tomatoes have heightened flavors when grown in proximity. Basil also compliments asparagus, beans, beets, cabbage, and bell peppers. Basil tea alleviates an upset stomach and is a natural skin cleanser. Place wet leaves under eyes to reduce puffiness and dark circles.

Thyme repels pests like cabbage worms, corn earworms, and tomato hornworms. It will strengthen the flavor of most plants it borders while attracting honey bees and predatory insects. Thyme relieves congestion from colds and seasonal allergies.

Dill is a companion to broccoli, cabbage, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts, and kale. It attracts honey bees and butterflies while deterring cabbage loppers and spider mites. Dill should not be planted near carrots, as the two may cross-pollinate. Steeping two tablespoons of crushed dill seed in one cup of boiling water creates a dill tea for cold and flu symptom relief.

Rosemary pairs well with broccoli, beans, cabbage, and hot peppers. Aromatically it improves cognitive function and memory. A rosemary tea or essential oil can be used on hair to strengthen and condition.

Lavender compliments cabbage, kale, cauliflower, and rose bushes. Adding a few drops of lavender oil in a bath reduces stress, insomnia, and anxiety. Fragrant dried flowers can be sewn into pillows or sleep masks for a calming effect.

Calendula, or the pot marigold, is a must grow for its bright yellow and orange flowers, pest prevention, and medicinal qualities. Calendula acts as a trap plant, attracting aphids to a sticky stem and away from garden vegetables. The flowers are harvested and used to make oils, teas, and ointments that have antiseptic and wound healing properties.

Potted herbs at Burger’s Marketgarden, photo by Pattie Garrett

Filed Under: Featured Article, homepage feature, News Tagged With: basil, calendula, companion planting, dill, healing, herbs, lavender, plants, rosemary, thyme, tomatoes

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Let's celebrate the end of school and the beginnin Let's celebrate the end of school and the beginning of summer! Tomorrow, from 3-6 pm at High Rock Park, children and families are invited to a FREE concert by Jack & Steve Zucchini and lots of free, fun activities and food tastings. The Saratoga Springs Public Library will have a free butterfly craft. There will be free face painting by Artsy Fartsy Face Paint. Jodie Fitz will be here with her book Fidget Plants a pizza garden and kids can plant their own pizza garden at the POP Club tent! At POP Club, kids will receive a $2 POP coin and their first stamp on their POP Passport! It's our 7th season of POP Club and we are so grateful for the support from The Christopher Dailey Foundation. This event is rain or shine!
Schools out for the summer!! Stop by for some brea Schools out for the summer!! Stop by for some breakfast sandwiches and fun at our market tomorrow from 9-1pm. We’ll have live music by Matt Griffin and Rick Russo plus guests @headcountorg and @ccesaratoga Master Gardener!! Hope to see you there!!

Photos by: Pattie Garrett @mysaratogakitchentable 

#saratogasprings #saratogafarmersmarket #farmtotable #agriculture #shoplocal
Our Wednesday markets go from 3-6pm every week! St Our Wednesday markets go from 3-6pm every week! Stop by for some live music by LB Waller, activities with @northernriversfostercare, and @ccesaratoga. Hope to see you there! 💐

Photos by: Pattie Garrett @mysaratogakitchentable 

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