"Christmas Herbs"

Growing Christmas herbs in July really is worth thinking about. Pottering around with new plants from summer through the autumn is rewarding and healthy!

And as a bonus - when it comes to Christmas present shopping, some gifts will already be taken care of... less stress emotionally, physically and financially!

Okay I know you shouldn't be thinking about Christmas in July but they say Christmas comes earlier every year, and this year, as usual, most of us will be wondering how to get through the long shopping expeditions as well as stressing over the bank balance.

Not necessary! Give friends and family potted Christmas herbs to grow in the kitchen or plant outside the following Spring. Herbs are always welcome as they are practical and attractive in the house as well as in the garden.

Earn loads of Brownie points in the kitchen by adding fresh mint leaves to new potatoes!

During the summer months, you can often find herbs and small shrubs in garden centres at reduced prices. Make sure they are healthy though. Even the un-reduced plants aren't particularly expensive.

To save even more money, use your own plants. Take cuttings from healthy shrubs, push cut end down into pots of fresh compost and keep warm and watered so that when you give them away as presents they are growing well and developing roots. I bought an aloe vera plant last year that has so far produced 8 new plants and the original is still growing well! (Aloe Vera plants are perfect Christmas herbs)

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Growing herbs in the US with Thompson and Morgan. They have a vast selection of quality seeds, including a couple of herb collections. Growing Christmas Herbs in the US

and in the UK Thompson & Morgan have this delicious collection...



Christmas Herbs at Thompson & Morgan UK This link takes you directly to this collection.

..and for all other countries start from their homepage Thompson and Morgan Worldwide

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Some of the best herbs to grow as Christmas Herb gifts are:

Aloe Vera Find out more about growing aloe vera here... Growing Aloe Vera

Bay Find out more about growing bay here... Growing Bay

Chives Find out more about growing chives here... Growing Chives

Garden Mint Find out more about growing mint here... Growing Mint

Rosemary Find out more about growing rosemary here... Growing Rosemary

Sage Find out more about growing sage here... Growing Sage

Thyme Find out more about growing thyme here... Growing Thyme

Look around for different varieties. For example there is a new hybrid mint that smells like chocolate, and would be perfect to garnish an ice cream dessert.

Some herb varieties differ in the colour of flowers or leaves. Rather than buying the first one you see, check for healthy growth. If the plants are drooping or have brown leaves, discard and find a healthier one. The idea is you want to keep them alive and kicking until Christmas, after that they are their new owner's responsibility!

Keep the plants on a windowsill or warm bright place in the house and don't let them dry out. If you have to re-pot them, make sure the new pots are well-drained and use fresh compost to give them a good start.

Then all you need to do is buy a pretty container. Clay pots can be hand-painted with a simple daisy design and sealed with a clear varnish. Tie a bow round the pot and you have an instant Christmas present, that has taken you months to grow! Find out more about growing herbs in containers on this page.. Container Herb Gardening

Happy Gardening!

Herb Gardening: Herbs are becoming recognised more and more as superfoods, as if we didn't know that really! 'Herb Gardening' has been beautifully put together by the publisher (Crowood Press) into a well presented book with full colour photos.

You'll also find gardening advice as well as some ideas on planning a herb garden. Order it now direct from the publisher... Herb Gardening

http://www.flower-and-garden-tips.com/christmasherbs.html