Pruning Herbs
I had a chance to question Cecily Gill about some of the problems I've encountered in my herb garden. Over the years I've had some wonderful success in my herb garden and some miserable failures. My gardening style has been more "learn by doing " rather than "ask an expert". This time I decided to write down my questions so I would be sure to remember them when Cecily came for her interview.
One of my biggest concerns has always been when to prune back my herbs. Cecily explained that it is important to prune herbs during two critical times of the year. Perennials should be cut back in February. Removing any old, scraggly growth will make way for new, healthier spring growth. Soft perennials such as oregano, burnet, or germander should be trimmed back by about 50% during the rainy season. Remove any rank growth at this time to encourage air circulation and discourage insects. Even though I hadn't yet talked with Cecily, I can remember digging into my lamb's ears in July with the garden shears. That plant was loaded with "rank growth". Woody herbs such as rosemary, lavender, and thyme should be pruned in early spring only if absolutely necessary.
I've also wondered about plant survival from season to season. Some of my hardiest plants just seem to wither and die in late summer and nothing I do can prevent it. In Cecily's gardens plants such as lavender, sage, and curry plant are treated as annuals and replanted after they die off each summer. It's refreshing to know that I'm not the only one having trouble with these plants. For years I would spend cold winter evenings frantically covering all my basil plants. Usually, they would simply freeze anyway. Recently, I've become more tolerant of the natural cycle of growth and death in my garden. As long as I have plenty of pesto, basil seeds, and cuttings I just let them go when it's time. I may use a box or paper bag to preserve my scented geraniums or lemon verbena however.
Cecily explains that it is important to keep your personal herb garden at a manageable size and to expand as your confidence increases. My first herb garden was at an apartment complex and I only had a 3x4 foot area in which to plant. This was probably just as well. I learned a lot that first year and even though I had some disasters I was busy discovering the joy of herb gardening without being traumatized by a garden which was too large to manage. My garden was small enough that I didn't have the urge to get completely carried away. I think my neighbors enjoyed it as much as I did.
I hope that you will take advantage of Cecily Gill's expertise the next time you have a question about herb gardening. Not only is she a well spring of information, she has a wonderful personality and she will share some herb lore with you as well as gardening tips. It was a pleasure interviewing Cecily for this article. I know that I learned a lot and my garden will benefit from the fact that I finally decided to ask an expert.
By Mary Sisson EIbs
Email the author at momherb02@yahoo.com
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