Herbs are great for container gardening and make it easy to group plants according to how quickly they grow and the care that is required.  

Harvest your herbs on a regular basis and remove tips before flowering to keep your plant at its optimum.   

Winter is a time you can also enjoy herbs.  Use cut off tops in mid summer, wash and hang them up just long enough for the drops of water to evaporate.  Tie the stems together and place in a paper bag with stem ends at the opening.  Close the bag with a rubber band.  Hang the bag up indoors for 2 or 3 weeks.  Remove from the bag and crumble the leaves into a pan, placing the pan in the oven at a temp less than 100 degrees.  

There are many different kinds of herbs.  Aromatic Herbs, Culinary Herbs, Medicinal Herbs, and Ornamental Herbs.

Aromatic Herbs are grown for their scent and can be used as dried arrangements for in flower vases.  The oils are often used in perfumes and candles.  Some examples are Lavender and Mint.

Culinary Herbs are used for food, without these herbs food would be pretty plain.  Some examples are Basil, Chives, and Dill.

Medicinal Herbs have been used since ancient times and are believed to cure a wide range of ailments.  

Ornamental Herbs are grown for fresh or dried arrangements.  

Now is a perfect time for great summer salad recipes and to use your fresh herbs.  Try a great recipe with your cilantro.

CARROT SLAW & CASHEW RECIPE

Carrot and slaw kicked with cilantro and Serrano chile is tossed with a vinaigrette made.  It is a deliciously different, yet easy to make recipe.

Prep Time: 15 min

Cook Time: 10 min

Ingredients:

- 3 cups carrots, shredded

- 1 quart boiling water

- 1/2 serrano chile, seeded and minced

- 2 TBSP lime juice

- 1/2 TBSP maple syrup

- 2 TBSP Cashew pieces, toasted

- 1 TBSP Cilantro, chopped

Preparation:

Place carrots in a colander.  Pour boiling water over them, drain well.  Combine lime juice and maple syrup in a bowl and whisk with a fork.  Add carrots, cilantro, and chile.  Toss to mix.  Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Yield: 4

Recipe Source: Yamuna Devi (E P Dutton)