Organic Herbs Gardening Manual

&
Presented & Compiled
by Chandpur Flowers & Nurseries Pvt. Ltd
Chandpur Tea Estate
P. O. Palampur, Himachal Pradesh
176061, India
Tel. (91)-1894-231217/231218
E-mail : cfnorganic@bcamc.net

Herbs and spices
Reference manual.

The International Standards Organization (ISO) defines spices and
condiments as vegetable products or mixtures thereof, free from
extraneous matter, used for flavoring, seasoning and imparting aroma
in foods.
Webster describes spices as any of various aromatic vegetable
productions as pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, allspice, ginger,
cloves, etc., used in cookery to season and to flavour sauces, pickles,
etc; a vegetable condiment or relish, usually in the form of a powder;
also, as condiments collectively.
The famous spice author Rosengarten describes a spice as a product
which enriches or alters the quality of a thing, for example altering the
taste of a food to give it zest or pungency; a piquant or lasting flavoring;
or a relish. The term 'spice' is thus used to cover the use of spices,
herbs and certain aromatic vegetables to impart odour and flavour to
foods.

Herbs and spices
Reference manual.

A conventional classification of spices is based on degree of taste as:

hot spices

mild spices

aromatic spices

herbs and aromatic vegetables

Herbs and spices
Reference manual.

Though the term spice can be used to incorporate herbs, the distinction
between herbs and spices can be described as follows:

Herbs may be defined as the dried leaves of aromatic plants used to
impart flavour and odour to foods with, sometimes, the addition of
colour. The leaves are commonly traded separately from the plant
stems and leaf stalks.

Spices may be defined as the dried parts of aromatic plants with the
exception of the leaves. This definition is wide-ranging and covers
virtually all parts of the plant.

Herbs and spices have been used in foods since antiquity. ISO
document 676 lists 109 herb and spice plant species useful as
ingredients in food.

Herbs and spices
Reference manual.
Conventional classification of spices

Classes Spices
Hot spices Capsicum (chilies), Cayenne pepper, black
and white peppers, ginger, mustard

Mild spices Paprika, coriander

Aromatic spices Allspice (pimento), cardamom, cassia,
cinnamon, clove, cumin, dill, fennel, fenugreek,
mace and nutmeg

Herbs Basil, bay, dill leaves, marjoram, tarragon,
thyme

Aromatic vegetables Onion, garlic, shallot, celery

Herbs and spices
Reference manual.
Plant organs as spices

Plant organs Spice crops
Aril Mace of nutmeg
Barks Cassia, cinnamon
Berries Allspice, black pepper, chilli
Buds Clove
Bulbs Onion, garlic, leek
Pistil Saffron
Kernel Nutmeg
Leaf Basil, bay leaf, mint, marjoram, sage, curry leaf
Rhizome Ginger, turmeric
Latex Asafoetida
Roots Angelica, horse-radish
Seeds Ajowan, aniseed, caraway, celery, coriander, dill,
fennel, fenugreek, mustard, poppy seed

Organic Herbs and Spices
Background

The herbs and spices we use in cooking are often irradiated and
produced with the use of artificial chemicals and processed using more
artificial chemicals to clean, extract, bind, preserve, etc. This makes
them toxic and even though we tend to use only small amounts of
them in our cooking they deliver a toxic load into our bodies.

Organic herbs and spices are available. They are often difficult to find
and the range is not as extensive as the conventionally grown ones,
but we need to search them out. Better still, we can grow our own
range of culinary herbs and spices. Even if we live in a unit we can
have a few pots on the windowsill or on the balcony, growing our
favourite herbs and spices. Fresh and organic they contribute
wonderful flavours to our food.

Organic Herbs
Background
Organic herbs are those herbs which are grown using organic farming
practices. organic farming excludes the use of synthetic inputs, such as
synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and genetically modified organisms
(GMOs). Organic farming involves fostering natural processes.
Enhancing soil health is the cornerstone of organic farming.

A variety of methods are employed to improve soil health. These
include crop rotation, green manure, cover cropping, application of
compost, and mulching. Organic farming involves use of natural
fertilizers such as seed meal, rock phosphate and greensand, instead
of chemical fertilizers. Organic herb gardening is gaining popularity
because organic herb gardening reduce or eliminate external
agricultural inputs, particularly synthetic ones, and promote and
enhance agro-ecosystem health.

Organic spices
Background
Global awareness of health and environmental issues is spreading fast
in recent years, especially in the developed countries. Sustainability in
production has become the prime concern in agriculture development.

The organic method of farming is the best option to ensure that the air,
water and soil around us remain unpolluted, leaving the environment
safe for present and future generations.
In many countries exploitative agriculture using industrial inputs has
been the norm since the 1960s, in order to cater for an increasing
population and to combat the occurrence of famine and natural
calamities.

Organic spices

Such a system of farming has been causing imbalances in the
constituents of biosphere, bioforces, bioforms and biosources. As a
result the health of 'Mother Earth' has been deteriorating. Organic
agriculture aims to tackle the above concern, and also aims at
protecting the environment from continuous decline.
The concept of organic farming is based on an holistic approach where
nature is perceived to be more than just an individual element. In this
farming system there is dynamic interaction between soil, humus, plant,
animal, eco-system and environment.

Hence organic farming differs from industrial agriculture as in the latter,
biological systems are replaced by technical production systems with
liberal use of chemicals.

Organic spices

Organic farming improves the structure and fertility of the soil through
balanced choice of crops and implementation of diversified crop
rotation systems.

Biological processes are strengthened without recoursing to chemical
remedies, such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. In this farming
system control of pests, diseases and weeds is primarily preventative,
and if required, adopting organic products, which will not adversely
affect the environment.

Genetically modified organisms are not normally acceptable because of
the manipulations made in their natural set up.

Organic spices

Organic matter of various kinds, nitrogen fixing plants, pests and
disease resistant varieties, soil improvement practices such as
mulching and fallowing, crop rotation, multiple cropping, mixed farming,
etc., are freely adopted.

In brief, organic farming merges traditional and respectable views on
nature with modern insights.
Bio-dynamic agriculture is yet another approach to organic farming. It is
based on anthroposophy on the ideas formulated by the Austrian
expert, Rudolf Steiner, in 1924.

Organic spices

In this system, the maintenance and furtherance of life processes on
Earth are achieved by harnessing cosmic energy and various
influences of the sun, the stars, the moon and other planets.

Bio-dynamic agriculture most often combines animal husbandry and
crop production and use of compost and bio-dynamic preparations to
revitalize soil and plants and subsequently animals and human beings.

Sowing, cultivation and harvesting are timed according to cosmic
rhythms.

Being Organic
Benefit to Land :
Soil, being a living organism, loves to cooperate when it comes to farming
or gardening. A green thumb is prone to appear on those who ally
themselves with its requirements for health.
It improves Soil Capillarity.
Soil erosion, Percolation also controlled.
PH of the Soil will remain Neutral. (PH 6 to 7).
Improves microbial activity of micro organism and macro organism in Soil.
Water Holding Capacity also increased.
Soil becomes Light, Soil aeration also increased.

Being Organic

Organic Manure Used : Organic Pesticides and Herbicides used :
Farmyard Manure Neem Oil
Organic Compost Derris elliptica oil
Compost from dry Leaves Ocimum basilicum oil
Compost Water Plant Beauveria bassiana
Vermi Compost Metarhizium anisopliae
Green Manure Pseudomonas
Azolla Trichoderma Viride
Blue Green Algae
Bio -Fertilizer Herbicides (Weed Control)
Azospirillum Mulching
Azotobactor Manually
Acetobactor
Phosphate Solubilising
Bacteria.

Organic herbal tea

Organic herbal tea basically implies a blend of herbs that are grown
organically. So to speak these herbs contain an abundance of
antioxidants that have multiple health benefits at the physical,
emotional and mental level. In scientific terminology these herbs
contain polyphenol oxidase. This means profuse amount of
antioxidants.

Tea blends made from organic herbal blends are known to protect the
cells of the body from oxidative stress. This is a natural process
whereby the oxidation process produces free radicals. These are
known to mutilate the cells of the human body.

Organic herbal tea

Thus, though oxygen is vital for life, you need to take necessary
measures to prevent accumulation of the free radicals also known as
toxins. These toxins are responsible for the build up of ailments and
illnesses at the physical and mental levels. A proper in take of
antioxidants help flush out toxins. And this is one of the major benefits
of organic herbal tea.
Regular consumption of organic herbal tea is known to prevent cancer,
heart attack and even cataract. It is also used as a supplementary for
patients suffering from these mentioned ailments and diseases.

You must be wondering how these work. Basically organically grown
herbs contain antioxidants known as polyphenols. These can separate
the harmful bacteria from the health promoting ones that accumulate in
the body.

Organic herbal tea

Organic herbs are considered to be a healthy option, as they are grown
free off harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In fact the pesticides
and fertilizers are the natural ones. Those practicing vermiculture
across the globe have been able to cultivate some natural options for
fertilizers and pesticides.

You can grow organic herbs in your backyard, thus making your own
tea blends from these naturally growing medicinal plants. To do so the
most important thing is to plan what types of herbs you require that
would benefit you and the family.

First you should study the ideal conditions for growing these herbs and
follow certain ground rules laid by some of the experts.

Organic herbal tea

These include:
1. Remove all weeds

2. The area should be exposed to sufficient sunlight

3. Use compost as a natural fertilizer, which is available at various
organic product stores and nurseries

4. You must cycle the herbs being grown, instead of growing the
same herb at the same spot each time

5. You should be completely aware of the appropriate climatic
conditions for the herbs you intend growing

Organic herbal tea

Ideally the soil in which you grow the herbs should be well manured
with compost or other organic options. This will make the plants
resistant to disease and insects.

In fact as most organic farmers claim, the health of the herbs and plants
depend on the health of the soil.

And to go a step further a healthy and health-promoting infusion of
organic herbs will ensure a disease free life for you and the entire
family

Organic Herbs Gardening
Cultivation Tips
Are you an organic gardener thinking about growing your own herbs?
Have you been dreaming about the wonderful aroma of sweet basil; or
perhaps the taste of savory and chemical free oregano in your pasta
sauce? Even if you’re a novice gardener concerned about the use of
chemical pesticides and herbicides, you’ll be glad to know that organic
herbs are as easy to grow as they are pleasing to your senses.

The information on your way to enjoying organic herbs in your home
and garden.


THE ALLURE OF HERBS
Many things come to mind when we think of growing and using herbs.
For example, the spicy and piney scent of rosemary growing in the
garden, a steaming hot cup of mint tea, an aromatic bath with lavender,
or a delicious Italian meal with lots of oregano and garlic.

If you’ve ever come down with a cold and wanted to naturally boost
your immune system, you’ve probably relied on herbs such as
Echinacea or Goldenseal. Additionally, many herbs can be used as
coloring agents, cosmetics, and natural room deodorizers.

Not to mention that the simple act of growing herbs in your home or
garden is a relaxing and rewarding experience.


WHAT IS AN HERB?
Herbs have so many uses and play such a vital role in our lives, but
how exactly do we define what an herb is? According to one dictionary,
an herb can be defined as "a seed-producing annual, biennial, or
perennial that does not develop persistent woody tissue but dies down
at the end of a growing season."

Furthermore, we can define an herb as "a plant or plant part valued for
its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities.“

Savory, aromatic, and medicinal, these are the basic properties we
speak of when we talk about herbs. We can also think of the joy of
using herbs as ornamentals. So let’s move on and begin exploring this
wonderful, healthy, and exotic world of organic herbal gardening!


HERB HISTORY
We can look to practically every culture around the world to learn
something about the history of herbs. The Chinese have a long history
of using herbs for medicinal purposes.

Some Chinese herb books date from about 2700 B.C. and have
extensive lists of medicinal plants. India is the home of Ayurvedic
herbal medicine which is based on long-established Hindu traditions
and is still practiced today.

Indigenous cultures throughout the world have used herbs for centuries
for anything from tanning leather to curing hair loss. When we think of
aroma, Italy, India and Thailand may come to mind for a proud history
of using herbs in the kitchen.


The Greeks and Romans had the unusual practice of crowning their
heroes with dill and laurel. The Greeks also used mint leaves as a
soothing bath lotion for their athletes. Greek physician Hippocrates
(460 - 377 B.C.) used herbs extensively in his medical practice.

You don’t have to look far from home to learn something about the
history of herbs.

You can think about your favorite recipes and their origins and maybe
even ask a parent or grandparent the story behind their culinary secrets
regarding herbs.


GROWING ORGANIC HERBS
The Secret to Organic Herb Gardening
People have been growing herbs organically for centuries. It is only
recently with the advent of chemical pesticides and herbicides that
we’ve lost this knowledge and have chosen the convenience of
chemicals.

Traditionally, herbs were harvested in the wild from their native habitats
and then later they were domesticated to be grown in gardens.

So really , the secret to successful organic herb gardening, or organic
gardening of any kind, is to understand how nature works and how
these plants grow in their natural setting. If we try to approximate the
environment in which plants grow in the wild, we tend will have a
healthier and more natural garden.


The Nature of Plants and Herbs
When you look at your garden, consider that your herbs, trees, flowers
and other plants all share common properties. They always try to
maintain equilibrium—the point of perfect balance. Water and nutrients
are absorbed into the root system and pulled up through the stems into
the leaves.

The plants then use Photosynthesis with the raw ingredients of water
and energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates
that plants use for growth and other plant functions.

Carbohydrates are stored in the branches and stems of herbs and
other plants. These stored carbohydrates are used as reserve energy
for the plant. When a crisis occurs, such as a broken stem or
pathogenic attack, a plant can use these stored carbohydrates. Stored
carbohydrates are also used in the spring to create new stems and
foliage.


Soil organisms, from earthworms to fungi, provide needed nutrients to
plant roots. A healthy root system allows herbs and other plants to
create chemicals that repel pathogens and chemicals that attract
beneficial bacteria and other soil organisms. Yes, your herbs do have
an immune system.

A pathogenic attack, whether it is white flies or a fungal infection, is
always caused by the same problem—an imbalance in the plant. When
herbs or other plants are near the point of perfect equilibrium,
pathogens are less likely to attack them.

When your plants are sick, they are out of balance. If you find out the
cause of the imbalance and fix it, the disease will generally go away.


The most frequent problem we see with herbs and other garden plants
is with the soil. The fix-all for most soil problems is to add organic
material to the soil. Composting and mulching is a great way to recycle
organic waste material from you home and use it as hummus in your
garden.

Other common problems that affect plant health are root damage, a
build-up of chemical fertilizers or pesticides, over-pruning, and too
much or too little water. A good way to prevent over or under watering
is with a Soil Moisture Tester. Giving your plant too much or too little
light can also affect their health.


One more important thing to look at is what other plants can be found in
your garden and their compatibility with the herbs you wish to grow.
Plants in the wild often grow close together because they share a
mutually beneficial relationship.

You can duplicate these relationships at home. Many herbs will actually
benefit the health of your garden, attracting beneficial insects of
repelling pests with their strong scent.

However, some plants won’t get along together in your garden and are
not recommended to plant together. This concept is known as
companion planting.


Companion Plants
Simply put, some plants grow well together and some don’t. If you start
to grow certain herbs in your flower or vegetable garden, the resulting
combination of plants may help all the plants to be healthier. If you
have a garden of strictly herbs, the addition of flowers or vegetables
can also be beneficial for overall garden health.

A classic example of companion planting long known to Native
Americans is the “Three Sisters” combination of corns, beans, and
squash. The beans serve as nitrogen-fixers for the other plants, the
beans climb the stalks of corn, and the squash shades the ground to
hold in moisture.


Planning your Herb Garden -- Where to Begin?
Your herb garden can take many forms—from a couple of potted herbs
in your kitchen, to a large and diverse plot in your yard.

The most challenging part of growing herbs can actually be deciding
which to plant! Answering the following questions may also be helpful:

Do you want herbs mostly for culinary, ornamental or medicinal
purposes?
How much room do you have to plant your herbs?


• Will you plant them with vegetables or flowers? If so, you may
want to consider texture, height, color, fragrance, and any other
factors that affect the appearance and attractiveness of your
garden.

• Where do you plan or planting your herbs? Is it a sunny or
shady place? Note that most herbs need at least six hours of
light, and others like shade.

• Do you plan on growing herbs in containers or in the ground?

• Answering these questions may generate others that will help
you plan out your garden. Writing out your ideas and making
sketches is a great way to start visualizing your garden.


Creating your Garden
You can begin creating your herb, herb/vegetable, or herb/flower
garden now that you know the basics.

Adding a few herbs to your vegetable or flower garden is easy. Just
pick some herbs out at the nursery and consider the issues of
companion planting previously mentioned.

Experiment with the herbs to see what looks good with your existing
plants and continue trying different combinations.


If you want to create a new plot, you will need to do a little more
planning. A good sized kitchen garden will take up around 90 square
feet. When you begin planning, take a look at your house and its colors
and shapes, as well as existing lawns, driveways, walkways, etc.

Keep colors and heights of the other plants in yard in mind as you plan.
Also think about the possibility of adding raised beds, borders,
walkways, benches, trellises, and other peripherals to the space you
have to work with.


You can consider purchasing several samples of each of the herbs and
other plants you are thinking of using and placing them in the
appropriate locations in your mapped-out garden. You can take back
the ones that aren’t quite right and purchase others.

After designing your plot, the next step is to start preparing your soil so
that it’s ready to receive your plants. As mentioned above, one of the
best things you can do to insure a healthy garden is to have healthy
soil.


Soil Basics for Herb Gardening
Soil is often divided into various categories, such as clay, sand, silt,
loam, and peat, although there are actually an infinite number of soil
varieties. Soil compositions vary in organic matter, large and small
rocks, minerals, pH, and other factors.

Most gardeners consider soil that has a combination of sand, silt, clay,
and organic matter to be good soil. Measuring the pH of your soil is
also a good indicator of how your herbs will perform and will help you
determine if you need to make changes to the soil composition.


pH and Herb Gardening
pH is a scale used to measure the concentration of hydrogen ions in a
solution. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. Acidic substances have
smaller pH numbers and more hydrogen ions.

Alkaline substances have larger pH numbers and fewer hydrogen ions.
0 is extremely acid; 7 is neutral; and 14 is extremely alkaline.
Limestone is an example of a very alkaline mineral. Sulfur is an
example of a very acidic mineral. Note that arid regions tend to have
alkaline soils and regions with heavy rainfall tend to have acidic soils.


Although the pH scale only has a 0 to 14 range, it is a logarithmic scale
that is designed to measure vast differences. Think of the Ritcher Scale
of earthquake magnitude as another example of a logarithmic scale.
For example, a pH of 7 is neutral, but a pH of 6 is ten times more acid
than a neutral 7. A pH of 5 is a hundred times more acid than a neutral
7, and a pH of 4 is a thousand times more acid than a neutral 7.

Likewise, a pH of 8 is ten times more alkaline than a neutral 7. A pH of
9 is a hundred times more alkaline than a neutral 7, and a pH of 10 is a
thousand times more alkaline than a neutral 7.

A pH of 6.5 is considered the point where nitrogen, phosphorous,
potassium and the trace minerals that plants need to grow are most
easily available to your herbs.


Testing Your Soil
To test your soil, it is a good idea to dig out samples from several
places to see what the soil is like. Soil that hasn’t been worked is
seldom ready for new plantings. It may have too much clay, too much
sand, tons of rocks, very little organic material, a high or low pH, or
other issues that you’ll need to deal with before you plant.

A good way to test the texture of your soil is with the “Ribbon Test.”
After you take a soil sample, roll it back and forth in your hand. If it
sticks together easily, it is high in clay, if it simply falls apart, it is
probably has a lot of sand.

Clay soils don’t drain well and are difficult for the roots to penetrate.
Sandy soils drain well but don’t retain nutrients. Adding organic material
will help both sandy and clay soils
You can test the pH of your soil with a simple pH testing kit.


A good quality pH test kit is worth the extra expense because
inexpensive ones are often inaccurate. Remember that most herbs
grow well with a soil pH between 6 and 7, although a pH of 6.5 is ideal
for most herbs.

The most accurate way to test the overall health of your soil is with a
Garden Soil Testing Kit. These kits are relatively inexpensive and come
in various styles.

You can even buy an electronic soil tester that will also test the pH, as
well as fertility, how much light you are getting, and other aspects of
herb gardening.


The Magic of Humus
If your soil is extremely acid, which can happen in an area with heavy
rainfall, or with soil that has had overdoses of chemical N-P-K fertilizer,
you may need to add limestone to ‘sweeten’ the soil.

Adding compost can also work wonders if your soil is out of the ideal
pH range. This technique will also improve soil that is too sandy, has
too much clay, or is low in the organic material that plants need to
thrive. If you don’t know much about composting, don’t worry. You can
find more information on composting at the Compost Guide.

Soil drainage is also critical to herb gardening. Mixing in compost is the
best way to improve drainage. You can also try digging out a good
quantity of the soil, around 16 inches deep, and placing a layer of fine
gravel at the bottom.


Mulch
If you don’t have humus available from well composted material, you
can help your garden through mulching. Mulching is nature’s way of
composting. Forests provide a good example of nature’s mulching and
composting system.

Forests are a complete growing community. Everything in a forest is
related and works together. Leaves and dead branches fall from trees
and other forest plants.

Bacteria, fungi, nematodes, earthworms, and other habitants of the soil
help break down the leaves and other debris into humus. Humus is a
natural living environment that benefits tree and plant roots.


To reproduce the mulch that forests naturally create, you can use
garden waste from your home, such as shredded leaves, hay,
shredded bark, or other similar substance.

By spreading the material over the top of your garden dirt, you are
mimicking the decomposing leaves and branches that make up a forest
floor.

Mulching helps to keep weeds from growing and facilitates moisture
retention in the soil. Mulching also begins the process of natural
composting. Between treatments, soil organisms help to decompose
the mulch that is closest to the ground.

Earthworms and other critters that live in the soil pull composted
material into the ground and naturally feed your plant’s roots.


You should add a little more mulch each year to your garden to keep
the process going. You can use mulch even when your soil is in
excellent shape.

The mulch will keep the soil healthy and productive. You can further
support your soil by adding a dose of organic fertilizer

Your mulch will work best when you add this natural fertilizer over the
entire herb/flower/vegetable bed so that the whole area will gradually
become healthier.


PLANTING YOUR HERB GARDEN
Tips for an outdoor herb garden
An easy way to get started with your garden is to purchase starter
plants from your local nursery and plant them in your garden in the
spring. It can however be difficult to find a nursery that hasn’t already
treated their starter plants with chemicals. Ask around to find a nursery
dedicated to organic gardening. There are more and more popping up
every day.

The best way to ensure that your garden starts out chemical free is to
grow your own starter plants. Most herbs are easily grown from seed.
Plant your seeds indoors in shallow containers a month or so before
the start of spring.

Use a well-drained soil specifically designed for seedlings and make
sure not to plant the seeds too deeply.


As a general rule, the bigger the seed, the deeper you should sow
them. Some herbs such as coriander and fennel don’t transplant well
so it’s best to sow them directly in your garden.

A light, well-drained soil is good for starting the seedlings indoors.
Water with a fine mist sprayer to avoid uncovered the seeds with the
force of the water. When your herbs have good growth and appear
firmly rooted in the soil, transplant them to your garden and give them a
good drink right after transplanting.

You can also grow some herbs through cuttings or divisions taken from
other organically grown plants. Lavender is a good plant to grow
through cuttings. You can divide and replant some herbs that tend to
spread out, like mint.

This is also a good way to keep mints, which spread easily, from taking
over your garden.


A light, well-drained soil is good for starting the seedlings indoors.
Water with a fine mist sprayer to avoid uncovered the seeds with the
force of the water. When your herbs have good growth and appear
firmly rooted in the soil, transplant them to your garden and give them a
good drink right after transplanting.

You can also grow some herbs through cuttings or divisions taken from
other organically grown plants. Lavender is a good plant to grow
through cuttings. You can divide and replant some herbs that tend to
spread out, like mint. This is also a good way to keep mints, which
spread easily, from taking over your garden.

As far as pests are concerned, there are only a few you need to worry
about with most herbs. Be on the lookout for red spider mites and
aphids particularly. If you plant mints, check periodically for rust. You
can mix a little castile soap with water and use a fine sprayer to wash
off your herbs periodically to prevent these common pests.


Tips for an indoor herb garden
Again, soil is the key for growing herbs indoors. You can cut a standard
potting soil with a little sand or gravel to ensure proper drainage.

You can quickly kill potted herbs by leaving their feet wet. A good way
to avoid this problem is to use a mist sprayer to give your herbs just a
taste of water every now and then without drowning them. This will
allow you to give them a deep watering less frequently.

Placing your herbs by a south-facing window will insure that they get
enough light. If you don’t have much light in your home or apartment,
you may want to invest in a growing lamp, especially if you’re interested
in growing a large number of herbs indoors.


You can place potted perennial herbs outdoors during the summer to
give them a little extra light and fresh air, but annuals will do fine if they
stay indoors. As your perennial herbs grow, keep an eye on the roots to
make sure they don’t get root-bound.

This problem is easy to solve by repotting your plants in a larger
container as they start to get bigger. It’s also a good idea to change out
the soil from time to time even if your plants aren’t root-bound.

Tips for using your herbs
Herbs can be used fresh or dried. Air and oven drying are two simple
methods described below to prepare your herbs for future use.


You can also extract the essential oils of herbs by soaking the leaves,
stems, roots, flowers, etc. in a bottle full of oil, such as olive oil. See
below for details. Other methods of preparing your herbs include with
salt or silica gel, but we recommend the above mentioned methods
which are simple and effective.

It’s best to use your herbs before they flower for maximum potency. If
you’re harvesting an annual, you can choose to use the entire plant, but
if you’re using a perennial, prune off less than half of the plant to
ensure that it will regrow.

After collecting the part you’re going to use, wash off any soil, and pat
the herbs dry with a paper towel. Let the herbs air dry until the
remaining moisture is gone.


Tie clusters of herbs together and hang them upside down in a dry,
dark place that maintains a warm temperature. Check that the herbs
are ready to use by testing to see if the leaves crumble, around two
weeks of drying. If you decide to dry your herbs in the oven, use a low
heat for a prolonged period of time. Try around 150 degrees Fahrenheit
for three hours.

In the case that you’re harvesting seeds, place the seeds on a sheet of
paper and let them dry out for a few days. Then, rub the seeds
vigorously between your hands to remove the shells.


Dispose of the debris and continue to dry the seeds for a few more
days before using.

As described above, you can extract the essential oils of herbs by
soaking the fresh or dried herbs in a caped bottle of oil. A sterilized
glass bottle that has been boiled in water for 10 minutes is
recommended.

Olive oil works great as a base. Place the bottle in the sun for several
days, and then strain the oil through cheesecloth, disposing of the used
plant in your compost bin. The oil can be used for cooking, or in the
case of medicinal plants, to make massage oils or salves.

GROWING HERBS
ORGANICALLY
The best conditions for organic herbs are well-drained soil with plenty
of organic matter (compost, shredded leaves, well-rotted straw, for
example ), and plenty of room and sun. If you don't have a well-drained
site, raised beds work great, as do containers.
Organic matter improves soil texture and drainage in clay soil and
improves water-holding capacity in sandy soils. It also creates an ideal
pH range of 6.5 to 7.

The organic matter should be added several months before planting to
allow it to break down and mix with the soil. Of course, fine compost
can be added and planted shortly thereafter. You can see that herbs
require the same garden and soil conditions that vegetables and
flowers prefer.

GROWING HERBS
ORGANICALLY
Once your herbs are in the soil, don't forget to mulch to reduce
evaporation, wind damage, and to keep soil temperatures constant.

Organic mulches have the added benefit of breaking down and
contributing organic matter to the soil. Herbs that spread by runners,
such as thyme, pennyroyal or oregano, should be mulched lightly,
because of their expansive nature.
Herbs that tolerate damp soils: Angelica, beebalm, boneset,
meadowsweet, mints, lovage, and sweet flag (calamus).

GROWING HERBS
ORGANICALLY
Herbs that tolerate shady sites: Borage, chamomile, chervil, dill,
evening primrose, goldenseal, lemon balm, oregano, parsley,
pennyroyal, sweet cicely, sweet woodruff, valerian and violet .
Herbs for dry locations with lots of sunlight: Common oregano, hyssop
rosemary, sage, thyme,and winter savory.
Herbs that tolerate poor dry soil: Rosemary, sage, sweet marjoram,
thyme and winter savory.

BASIL
Basil is an annual herb that has delicate aromatic leaves, is very frost
sensitive and is wonderful to eat when paired with tomatoes.
Plant basil in a sunny spot in well-drained soil. Basil does not like cool
weather--so plant it once the weather has warmed up. Basil can be grown
quite easily from seed, or you can buy plants at the nursery.
Removing any flowering shoots will ensure continued growth of fresh
young leaves.

BASIL

you use basil to make pesto, you can freeze some in glass jars for later
use. Or you can dry the leaves to use crumbled in pasta dishes, tomato
sauces or on pizza.
Basil is native to India, Africa and Asia. It is a member of the mint
family and basil tea is used to quell digestive upsets such as
indigestion or stomach cramps, and to reduce headaches and
nausea. The French call basil "herbe royale."

BAY LEAF

Wreaths of victory have historically been made of leaves from the bay
laurel tree. It has long been considered a symbol of glory, honor and
greatness.

In ancient Greece and Rome, laurel wreaths crowned kings, priests
and revered poets, as well as the victors of battles and of scholarly
contests.
Garlands woven of laurel were given to the champions of the first
Olympic games in 776BC.

Bay is indigenous to the
Mediterranean area and Asia Minor.

Did you know?

Herbalists recommend using bay leaf oil for snakebites, wasp and bee
stings, bruises, scrapes and many other ailments, including
rheumatism.

Studies of the essential oils show it does contain properties that kill
bacteria and fungi. An infusion of bay leaf is said to soothe an upset
stomach and relieve gas pains.
The bay tree is evergreen and can grow ten feet tall or taller, in the
ground. You can grow bay trees in areas with mild winters and warm
summers.

If your climate includes harsh winters you will have to take extra
precautions, such as planting the tree in a large container and moving it
indoors in the winter.

Did you know?

Bay leaf is called for in many recipes for soups, stews, sauces and
marinades. Some cooks add a rubbed bay leaf to lentils, beans, rice or
other grains.
If you wonder why most recipes call for removing the bay leaves before
serving, it's because a sharp-pointed leaf may get stuck in a diner's
throat, which could be uncomfortable and painful!
Some people scatter bay leaves in drawers to repel cockroaches and
other pests.

Why Buy Organic Seeds?

For Your Personal Health…
Organic farming produces plants that are free of pesticides, herbicides
and their residues.

For Your Children…
Children receive four times the exposure of adults to at least eight
widely-used cancer-causing pesticides in the food chain. The choice
you make now will impact your child's health in the future.

For The Health Of Your Garden…
Organic gardening encourages diverse plantings, works with crops that
promote beneficial insects, and recycles nutrients with earthworms,
composts and green manures.


For Healthier Farm Workers…
A National Cancer Institute study found that farmers exposed to
herbicides had a six time greater risk than non-farmers of contracting
cancer. Farm worker health also is a serious problem in developing
nations, where pesticide use can be poorly regulated.

For Small, Family Farmers…
Although more large scale farms are making the conversion to organic
practices, most organic farms are small independently owned and
operated family farms of less than 100 acres. It's estimated that the US
has lost more than 650,000 family farms in the past decade.


For Better Flavour…
There's a good reason many chef's use organic foods in their recipes.
They taste better. Organic farming starts with organic seeds in the
nutrients of the soil which leads to the nourishment of the plant and
ultimately our palates.

Build And Protect Top Soil…
Soil is the organic farmer's most revered tool. Rather than relying on
synthetic fertilizers, they build their soil through natural amenities, such
as composted manure, and by planting diverse crops. Organic farmers
respect the soil and view it as the foundation of the food chain.


Protect Water Quality…
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that pesticides have
contaminate ground water in 38 states, polluting the primary source of
drinking water for more than half the country's population.

Organic growers and processors use practices that eliminate polluting
chemicals and nitrogen leaching, and thus protect and conserve
precious water resources.


Preserve Biodiversity…
Many organic growers have been collecting and using heirloom seed
varieties for decades. On the other hand, many conventional farms still
grow hybridized vegetables and fruits, bred for uniformity, ease of
shipping and cosmetic appearance.

Such "modern" concerns have ignored the value of preserving a
diversity of seed varieties, and therefore a more balanced ecosystem.


Represent A 'True' Economy…
Current prices for conventionally grown foods do not reflect the costs of
federal subsidies to conventional agriculture, the cost of contaminated
drinking water, loss of wildlife habitat and soil erosion, or the cost of the
disposal and clean up of hazardous wastes generated by the
manufacturing of pesticides.

For The Health Of Our Planet…
When you buy organically grown seeds, your dollars cast a vote for a
more sustainable environment & healthier planet.

Indian Herbs

Indian herbs are renowned all over the world for their medicinal
properties. India is the second highest producer of medicinal herbs in
the world after China. Himalayas, Aravalis, and Nilgiri mountains are
the greatest reserves of medicinal herbs in India.

Ayurveda, the traditional Indian form of medicine, has been using herbs
for thousand of years. These Ayurvedic herbs are very effective in
increasing the body resistance and are used in the treatment of various
diseases.

India –
the land of spices
India grows over 50 different varieties of spices. Total production is
around 2.7 million tonnes. Of this, about 0.25 million tonnes (8-10 per
cent) is exported to more than 150 countries. The Indian share of the
world trade in spices is 45-50 per cent by volume (25 per cent in value
terms).

Organic cultivation

In recent years, organic agriculture has been gaining considerable
importance. Many farmers today show interest in organic cultivation.
Several of them have begun switching to this traditional method of
cultivation as a means to produce safe foodstuffs and preserve the
environment. The concept of sustainable farming has caught on in
India.

World Demand for organic foods

The world demand for organically produced foods is growing rapidly in
developed countries like Europe, USA, Japan and Australia.

The current estimated share of organic foods in these countries is
approximately 1 to 1.5 per cent. Worldwide, food trends are changing
with a marked health orientation.

Since organic foods are free from chemical contaminants, the demand
for these products should steadily increase in the new millennium.


According to the ITC,
UNCTAD/GAT, more than 130
countries produce certified
organic foods. 100 of them are
from Asia and Africa.

Internationally, there's a definite
shift towards traditional / ethnic
medicines. Since spices form part
of many of these medicines, the
demand for organically produced
spices should grow.


Organic cultivation is nothing new to India.
The country has always been practicing
the traditional ways of using indigenous
technologies and inputs mostly in line with
modern organic farming principles.

The per capita consumption of fertilizers
and pesticides in India is far below that of
developed countries. Which means, it is
very easy for Indian farmers to embrase
organic spice farming in its true sense.

Spice Board of India has taken a major
initiative in promoting the production and
export of organic spices in a big way.

The Indian Initiative

Export of organic spices from India has started in right earnest. The country at
present exports around 50 tones of different varieties of organic spices. Exports
will get a significant boost in the coming years as more farmers switch to
organic methods.

The Indian Initiative

Spices Board India has prepared a document on production of organic
spices. It features the organic concepts, principles, basic standards,
production guidelines, documentation, inspection and certification. The
document has been published after approval by the National Standards
Committee constituted by the members of IFOAM in India.

Research Programmes on organic cultivation of important spices have
commenced. The work is carried out at the Spices Board's Indian
Cardamom Research Institute at ldukki District in Kerala. Besides
organizing demonstrations to educate and motivate prospective organic
spice growers, the Board is simultaneously involved in training
Programmes to existing spice growers on organic principles and
practices.

Indian Herbs
Abrus Precatorius
Aloe Vera
Cinnamon
Basil
Guggal
Safed Musli
Ashwagandha
Lemongrass
Piper Longum
Manjishtha
Sandalwood

Abrus Precatorius
Family Name: Fabaceae

Botanical Name(s): Abrus precatorius

Popular Name(s): Rosary Pea, Jequerity, Crab's Eye, Precatory
Bean, Tento Muido, Cain Ghe, Graines Reglisse, Weesboontje,
Rakat, Hint Meyankoku, Hung Tou, Jequerit, Liane Reglisse, Ma Liao
Tou, Paratella, Paternoster.

Parts Used: Seeds, leaves

Habitat: Throughout Central India

Description & Uses

Abrus precatorius is a twining herb with delicate feathery leaves.
Flowers are rose to purple growing at the end of a stalk. Fruits are short
pods containing hard, shiny, scarlet and black seeds.

Abrus precatorius roots are used for gonorrhoea, jaundice and
haemoglobinuric bile. The oil extracted from seeds is said to promote
the growth of human hair. Abrus precatorius is also used as an
abortifacient, laxative, sedative and aphrodisiac.

Manjishtha

Family Name: Rubiaceae

Botanical Name(s): Rubia Tinctoria

Popular Name(s): Indian Madder, Manjishtha, Manjit Gandari,
Manchatti, Manjishta.

Parts Used: Root and Fruit

Habitat: This is a climbing plant found in the Himalayas and hill
stations in India

Description & Uses
A very variable, prickly creeper or climber. The leaves are very
variable. The flowers are small, white or greenish or in shades of red
and yellow, sweet-scented in terminal panicles of cymes; the fruits,
globose or slightly 2-lobed, dark-purplish or black, fleshy with 2 small
seeds.

This herb is also used to cleanse and regulate liver, spleen, pancreas,
and kidneys. The fruit is useful in hepatic obstructions. Root paste
removes freckles, and discoloration of the skin. It helps in blood
circulation and purification, cancer and diarrhea.

Piper Longum

Family Name: Piperaceae

Botanical Name(s): Piper Longum

Popular Name(s): Indian Long Pepper, Long Pepper, Dried Catkins,
Pippali, Pipal, Tippli, Pihal

Parts Used: Fruit, Root and Stem

Habitat: Mostly deciduous to evergreen forests

Description & Uses

Piper Longum is a slender, aromatic, climber with perennial woody
roots, creeping and jointed stems and fleshy fruits embedded in the
spikes.

Piper Longum is most commonly used to treat respiratory infections
such as stomachache, bronchitis and diseases of the spleen, cough,
tumors and asthma.

Cinnamon

Family Name: Lauraceae

Botanical Name(s): Cinnamomum Zeylanicum

Popular Name(s): Cinnamon, Tvak, Dalchini, Daruchini Karuva,
Vazhana, Tamalapatra

Parts Used: Bark

Habitat: This plant is indigenous to India and Sri Lanka.

Description & Uses

The cinnamon is an evergreen tree with light brown, papery bark and
leathery leaves. The tree shows small, yellow-white clusters of flowers
in summer, after which oval, purple berries appear.

Cinnamon is used internally to stop digestive problems - especially
when accompanied by flatulence and cramping, as well as diarrhea,
vomiting and gastroenteritis. Its warming action is used to treat cold
and flu as well as arthritis and rheumatism.

Lemongrass

Family Name: Poaceae

Botanical Name(s): Cymbopogon Citratus, Cymbopogon
Flexuosus

Popular Name(s): Lemongrass, Ginger Grass

Parts Used: Lemongrass leaves, lemongrass oil

Habitat: Cultivated in North India.

Description & Uses

Lemon grass is a long thick grass with leaves at the top and a solid
portion several inches long at the root end. The lower portion is sliced
or pounded.

As a medicinal plant, lemongrass has been considered a carminative
and insect repellent. Lemongrass is used in herbal teas and other
nonalcoholic beverages in baked goods, and in confections. Oil from
lemongrass is widely used as a fragrance in perfumes and cosmetics.

Sandalwood

Family Name: Santalaceae

Botanical Name(s): Santalum Album

Popular Name(s): Sandalwood, Chandana, White sandalwood,
Yellow Sandalwood, Chandan, Chandanam, Srigandha

Parts Used: Wood and Oil

Habitat: Sandalwood is a small tree that grows primarily in India.

Description & Uses

The wood of its stem grows from 20 to 30 feet high, is heavy and
straight-grained and varies in color. It is white when young and yellow
and orange in color when it is old. Its oval leaves are covered with a
whitish bloom; its small flowers are varying in color.

On the skin, sandalwood essential oil helps to moisturize and hydrate
ageing, dry or flaky skin, relieving itching and inflammation and its
astringent action balances oily skin conditions. It helps to clear up a dry
cough and boosts the digestive system, especially helpful in diarrhea. It
is used to treat general chest complaints.

Guggal

Family Name: Burseraceae

Botanical Name(s): Commiphora Mukul

Popular Name(s): Commiphora, Mukul, Guggul, Balsamodendrom
Mukul, Indian Bdellium Tree, Moql, Moqle-arzagi

Parts Used: Whole Plant

Habitat: Rocky tracks of Western India and Eastern Himalayas.

Description & Uses

Guggul is a resin, which is produced by the stem of the commiphora
mukul tree, a relatively small, thorny plant native to India. Historically
Guggul has been used in connection with a wide variety of conditions,
including rheumatism and obesity.

It is Carminative, Anti suppurative Gum resin used for treatment of
rheumatoid arthritis. It is a potent drug for cardiac disorders high
cholesterol. It is an ingredient for over fifty compounds.

Ashwagandha

Family Name: Solanaceae

Botanical Name(s): Withania somnifera

Popular Name(s): Withania, Winter cherry, Indian winter cherry,
Indian ginseng, Ashwagandha, Ashgandh, Achuvagandi Ashgandh.

Parts Used: Root and Leaves

Habitat: Cultivated throughout drier parts of India.

Description & Uses

Ashwagandha is an important herb used in Ayurveda. Ashwagandha is
an erect branched shrub with greenish or lurid yellow flowers.
Ashwagandha in India is akin to ginseng in other parts of the orient.

It is official Indian Pharmacopoeia. It is popularly known as Indian
Ginseng. It gives vitality and vigor and helps in building greater
endurance. It has been used in diseases such as rheumatism, leprosy
and arthritis.

Organic Herbs Gardening Manual

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