Growing herbs using Permaculture methods
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Permaculture is a process of looking at the whole, seeing what the connections are between the different parts, and assessing how these connections can be changed so that every thing can work more harmoniously. Organic gardening can be an important element in permaculture design. At the heart of permaculture is a fundamental desire to be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem.
Most herbs prefer to be in a sunny site with dry free draining soil.
Stones placed in a spiral - a mini dry stone wall - with soil and compost built up inside ensures they have a drier space to grow and flourish. Brown or green bottles are filled with water placed around the herb bed, between the stones. The sun heats the water, which reflects back to the herbs. The water in the basin is heated by the sun , reflects back to the herbs and provides extra heat and a place for water loving insects.
Herb bed with St.Johns Wort and Nasturtiums.
Herbs such as thyme, sage, chives and lemon balm grow well using this method.They can all be used in food. Sage and lemon balm can be made into a tea. Different coloured flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects.
Lavender
Lavender calms the area around it. The dried flowers can be made into small bags, which aid sleep.
This is French Lavender. There is also English lavender “Hidcote”.
It grows best in full sun and in free draining soil.
Thyme
There are many species of thyme. They grow best in sun with light well-drained soil. Leaves and flowers can be used in salads and stuffings. An infusion of leaves helps with a sore throat.
Infusion means a handful of leaves seeped in boiling water like a tea. Drain the liquid and drink or gargle.