411 On Growing Herbs How To Grow Peppermint Mentha x piperita How To Grow Spearmint Mentha spicata Image Credit: File: Mint-leaves-2007.jpg Hardy perennial herbs of the Mint Family, Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) and Spearmint (Mentha spicata), grown for their leaves which are used to flavor vinegar and jelly (often served with roast lamb and other meats), and to enhance thirst-quenching cooling beverages. Growing the Herb Mint Mints should be planted where they will not encroach on other plants, as they spread so readily that, unless curbed, they are likely to become a pestiferous weed. Mint revels in deep, rich, moist ground and requires little care except manicuring or fertilizing in the spring. Orange spots on the backs of mint leaves are caused by a rust which can be controlled by using an organic garden dust. Growing Cultures Outdoors, in containers, and hydroponics. Plant Height Peppermint and spearmint usually grow to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30-45cm). Plant Spacing
How to Grow Garlic Soil preparation: Garlic will tolerate some shade but prefers full sun. While I've seen cloves sprout in gravel pits, garlic responds best in well-drained, rich, loamy soil amended with lots of organic matter. Raised beds are ideal, except in very dry regions. Planting: To grow garlic, you plant the cloves, the sections of the bulb; each clove will produce a new bulb. Spacing: Place cloves in a hole or furrow with the flat or root end down and pointed end up, with each tip 2 inches beneath the soil. Watering: Garlic needs about an inch of water each week during spring growth. Scape Sacrifice: By mid-June, your garlic will begin sprouting flowery tops that curl as they mature and ultimately straighten out into long spiky tendrils. Harvesting Hints When half to three-quarters of the leaves turn yellow-brown, typically in late June or early July (depending on the variety and the weather), it's harvest time. Go Green Using Tips From America's Top Organic Experts!