It is easy to grow herbal and herb plants. But just watering
these like decorative plants will not assure the nutritional benefits that we
expect to get from it. Herbs are just like vegetables. They need extra care to be able
to supply good health.
Organic Soil Mix
Most herbal and herb plants need a good mixture of soil to
be healthy. Garden soil is loose when wet, but too tight when dry. Adding sand loosens
up soil - providing aeration and also good drainage to bring out excess
water. It is important to note though that there are some herbs which prefer just sand with compost. An example of
this is chamomile. But regardless of soil mix, organic fertilizer should be
applied monthly so as to give the herbs, herbals and vegetables that required
proper nutrition. (Visit Plant Care for
more information).
Insects
Insects are part of the food chain. Although there are beneficial insects,
non-beneficial insects need to be driven away to prevent infestation for the
herbs to survive. When I water my herbs,
I add crushed Oregano or any minty herb. When I pour it on the leaves, stems
and soil, I often see insects flying away. Even herbs that do not need daily watering surely wouldn't mind a little water trickling down their leaves and stem just
to get rid of insects affecting them. Oregano water can also be sprayed or be
squeezed out from a recycled dish washing bottle.
Insect Bites on
Leaves
Insects are obvious when you see these black hairy creatures lying
down on the leaves comfortably or hiding under leaves by pairs or in groups.
But some insects are trickier to spot because they are too small. When non-beneficial insects are not very
visible, their presence can manifest in the reaction of the leaves. Leaves with
insects and eggs tend to have a different form as compared to others. These can
curl up, have a different color, or may even stick together. Some stems may
even have black spots on them.
If any of the leaves or stems have insects and eggs, just
remove the infected parts so that the plant will survive. Crushed oregano may also be applied directly
on the plant to prevent further infestation. Any minty herb may be used as natural
pesticide. Also, the infested stems and
leaves can be soaked in water overnight to kill the pests and eggs. These may
be used as mint water for the plants the next day.
According to Dr. Shinya, author of The Enzyme Factor, there is no such thing as “harmful
insects” since everything in this world is interconnected. This
is why I retain leaves with insect bites (as long as it has no eggs) because the insect’s
body, hands and feet, while in contact with the plant, leave an enzyme called chitin-chitosan. This enzyme is
found in the hard covering of an insect’s body which is the same enzyme
found in the shell of shrimps and crabs. Chitin-Chitosan enzyme is an
additional nutrient for herbs and also vegetables. It is a factor that is
absent in edible plants that are contaminated with chemicals and pesticides.
Gardening is challenging with the presence of insects. But it is good to know that insects, whether helpful
or termed as “harmful” have such a valuable, nutritious and delicious
contribution.
EM-EM TINASAS, MBA
The Gardener
The Gardener
Source:
Shinya, H. (2014). The enzyme factor: Diet for the future. New
Delhi: B. Jain Publishers (P) Ltd.
Photo from: www.atlanticavenuegarden.com
Photo from: www.atlanticavenuegarden.com
