SMALL- SCALE HERB FARMING
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Propagation
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Once you have built up a collection of thriving herbs, extend your garden by propagating new plants by root division, layering or stem cuttings. In root division, any plants that grow from numerous stems can be divided by raising the root clump out of the soil and breaking it apart from the rest of the plant. Replant and cultivate with the proper soil nourishment. In layering, plants with woody, low-lying side branches can be propagated by making a slanted incision on the underside of a low, flexible branch. Anchor the branch in the soil and keep well-watered. When there is an established root and growth begins over the top of it, cut the newly rooted part from the branch and transplant.
For stem cuttings, cut a healthy flowerless shoot and strip off its lower leaves. Dip the cut end into a rooting powder, pot in soil and press a 50:50 sand and vermiculite mixture around it to help keep the soil moist. Cover the pot with a plastic bag supported with sticks or a wire frame.
Maintenance
Herbs generally need less attention than the average vegetable or flower. It is a good idea to cultivate around them occasionally to aerate the soil and remove competing weeds, but that's about the extent of the care they'll ask of you.
Most herbs can survive minor summer droughts and, with the exception of mint, basil and chives, require little extra watering. Overall, herbs generally require only about half the water you would give to other flowering plants and vegetables.
Again, most herbs will give potential pests a run for their money, but a few are susceptible to the aforementioned crawly critters. Doing battle with commercial sprays will not only alter an herb's natural flavor forever, but it could compromise an herb's healing qualities. An excellent all-purpose outdoor herbal spray can be formulated as follows:
Take 10 peeled, sliced garlic cloves and add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the top and steep for 15 minutes. Strain through a cheesecloth and add 2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid. Pour into a spray bottle and apply each day until the infestation is gone. The spray can be stored in the refrigerator for a week before you'll need to make up a new batch.
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