Showing posts with label Herb. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Herb. Show all posts

Saturday 4 April 2015

Five Of The Most Effective Mosquito Repelling Plants

Don't let the bugs of spring and summer get you down! Invite these 5 plants into your garden for not only their colorful and fragrant display, but also their ability to keep those uninvited mosquitos out.  
Most insect-repelling plants do so with their naturally occurring fragrances. Not only will these plants keep annoying insects at a minimum, they will also introduce wonderful scents all throughout your garden or patio. Place these plants in areas where guests will be often such as by a seating area or a doorway.

1. Citronella

Citronella is the most common natural ingredient used in formulating mosquito repellents. The distinctive citronella aroma is a strong smell which masks other attractants to mosquitoes, making it harder for them to find you. Although citronella is used in many forms, such as scented candles, torches and citronella ‘scented’ plants, the living plant is more effective because it has a stronger smell.
Citronella is a perennial ‘clumping’ grass which grows to a height of 5 – 6 feet. It can be grown directly in the ground in climate zones where frost does not occur. If grown in the garden or near the patio, it should be planted in the ‘background’, behind small decorative flowers and shrubs. In northern climate zones citronella can be grown in a large pot or planter, ideally with casters, so it can be rolled indoors during winter.
Gardening centers usually sell citronella as small plants in pots, ready to transplant to a larger pot or into raised garden beds on the ground. Once established, new plants can be propagated in early spring by splitting large clumps into smaller sections and replanting the new ‘starts’ in pots or other areas of the garden. Citronella plants are considered low maintenance, like most grasses, and they do best in full sun and well-drained locations. Periodic applications of nitrogen-rich fertilizers will ensure vigorous growth, but this treatment only needs to be applied once a year, preferably in early spring.
When purchasing citronella, look for the true varieties, Cybopogon nardus or Citronella winterianus. Other plants may be sold as ‘citronella scented’, but these do not have the mosquito repelling qualities of true citronella.

2. Horsemint

Also known as Beebalm, Horsemint is an adaptable perennial plant which repels mosquitoes much the same as citronella. It gives off a strong incense-like odor which confuses mosquitoes by masking the smell of its usual hosts.
Horsemint is a fast growing, shade-tolerant and drought-resistant plant which reaches a height and width of 2 – 3 feet. It does well in dry, sandy soil and can tolerate salty conditions, which is why it is often found in coastal and beach areas. Horsemint seeds can be sown indoors in trays for later transplanting, or sown directly into the ground in late summer in colder climate zones. Midwest and Eastern growing zones are favoured for growing horsemint.
Mature horsemint plants can be divided in spring and fall by dividing into small sections and transplanting into permanent locations. Horsemint can also be planted in pots for moving indoors in cold climate zones.
Horsemint leaves can be dried and used to make herbal tea. Its flowers will also attract bees and butterflies to your garden.

3. Marigolds

Commonly grown as ornamental border plants, marigolds are hardy annual plants which have a distinctive smell which mosquitoes, and some gardeners, find particularly offensive. Marigolds contain Pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents.
Marigolds prefer full sunlight and reasonably fertile soil. Although marigolds can be planted from seed, starter plants are inexpensive and readily available at most garden centers. Although an annual, marigold will often reseed itself in favourable conditions, or the gardener can easily collect seeds for future germination. Established plants will need to be thinned, and flowers should be dead-headed to promote additional blooms.
Potted marigolds can be positioned near entrances to your home and any common mosquito entry points, such as open windows. The smell may deter mosquitoes from going past this barrier. While marigolds can be used as border plants around the patio, we do not advise putting marigolds on the patio table since the bright blooms may attract wasps.
Besides repelling mosquitoes, marigolds repel insects which prey on tomato plants, so you may want to plant a few marigolds in your tomato bed for added protection.

4. Ageratum

Also known as Floss Flower, Ageratum emits a smell which mosquitos find particularly offensive. Ageratum secretes coumarin, which is widely used in commercial mosquito repellents.
Ageratum is a low-lying annual ornamental plant which reaches heights of 8 – 18”, and is easily recognized by its blue flowers, although there are varieties with pink, white and violet blooms. This plant will thrive in full or partial sun and does not require rich soil. It is often displayed in rock gardens where low-lying plants are favoured.
Although the leaves of Ageratum can be crushed to increase the emitted odor, it is not advisable to rub the crushed leaves directly on the skin.

5. Catnip

Catnip is a natural mosquito repellent. In August 2010, entomologists at Iowa State University reported to the American Chemical Society that catnip is ten times more effective than DEET, the chemical found in most commercial insect repellents. According to Iowa State researcher Chris Peterson, the reason for its effectiveness is still unknown. “It might simply be acting as an irritant or they don’t like the smell. But nobody really knows why insect repellents work.”
In the laboratory, Peterson put groups of 20 mosquitoes in a two-foot glass tube, half of which was treated with nepetalactone, a biologically active characteristic constituent of catnip. After 10 minutes, only an average of 20 percent – about four mosquitoes – remained on the side of the tube treated with a high dose (1.0%) of the oil. In the low dose test (0.1%) an average of 25% – five mosquitoes – stayed on the treated side. When the same tests were conducted using DEET (diethyl-meta-toluamide), approximately 40 to 45% – eight to nine mosquitoes – remained on the treated side. A ten-fold higher concentration of DEET was required to obtain results similar to those of the Catnip.
Catnip, Nepeta cateria, is very easy to grow. This perennial herb is related to mint, and grows readily both as a weed and a commercially cultivated plant in most areas of the US.
While catnip will repel mosquitoes in close proximity to the plant, some people apply crushed catnip leaves or catnip oil for more robust protection. Bear in mind, however, that cats will respond to you similarly as they would respond to the plant itself. Cat owners may want to choose an alternative plant for repelling mosquitoes.
While the plants mentioned in this article have been shown to have mosquito-repelling properties, there are environmental variables that can mitigate their effectiveness. A breeze may direct odors in the opposite direction if advancing mosquitoes, reducing the plant’s effectiveness. New formulations of non-toxic mosquito repellents are commercially available, and are advised for people who want to enjoy the outdoors without the annoyance of persistent mosquitoes.

Monday 12 January 2015

How to grow Basil

Botanical name: Ocimum basilicum
Sweet Basil
Plant type: Herb
Sun exposure: Full Sun
Soil type: Loamy
Basil is a leafy, fragrant annual with a bushy appearance. The most common type of basil is sweet basil; other types include purple basil (less sweet than common basil), Lemon basil (lemon flavor), and Thai basil (licorice flavor). Basil is easy to grow and works well in Italian dishes, but it only grows in the summer, so plan accordingly.
Basil, fresh
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy94 kJ (22 kcal)
Carbohydrates
2.65 g
Dietary fiber1.6 g
Fat
0.64 g
Protein
3.15 g
Vitamins
Vitamin A equiv.
beta-carotene
(33%)
264 μg
(29%)
3142 μg
Thiamine (B1)
(3%)
0.034 mg
Riboflavin (B2)
(6%)
0.076 mg
Niacin (B3)
(6%)
0.902 mg
Pantothenic acid (B5)
(4%)
0.209 mg
Vitamin B6
(12%)
0.155 mg
Folate (B9)
(17%)
68 μg
Choline
(2%)
11.4 mg
Vitamin C
(22%)
18.0 mg
Vitamin E
(5%)
0.80 mg
Vitamin K
(395%)
414.8 μg
Trace metals
Calcium
(18%)
177 mg
Iron
(24%)
3.17 mg
Magnesium
(18%)
64 mg
Manganese
(55%)
1.148 mg
Phosphorus
(8%)
56 mg
Potassium
(6%)
295 mg
Sodium
(0%)
4 mg
Zinc
(9%)
0.81 mg
Other constituents
Water92.06 g
Percentages are roughly approximated usingUS recommendations for adults.
Source: USDA Nutrient Database

Planting

  • To get a head start, start the seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last spring frost.
  • Ensure your outdoor site gets 6 to 8 hours of full Sun daily; soil should be moist and well-drained.
  • After the last frost date, plant the seeds/seedlings in the ground about 1/4-inch deep. The soil should be around 70ºF for best growth.
  • Plant the seeds/seedlings about 10 to 12 inches apart. They should grow to about 12 to 24 inches in height. For smaller plants, plant farther apart (about 16 to 24 inches).
  • During the dry periods in summer, water the plants freely.
  • Remember to pinch out the flower heads as soon as they appear to make sure that the leaves will continue growing.
  • If you're planning on cooking with these plants, plant in clean soil (don't use fertilizers that leave harmful residues) and grow them away from driveways and busy streets so that exhaust won't settle on the plants.
  • Tomatoes make great neighbors for basil plants in the garden.

Care

  • Make sure that the soil is moist. Basil plants like moisture. If you live in a hot area, use mulch around the basil plants (the mulch will help keep the soil moist).
  • Make sure to pick the leaves regularly to encourage growth throughout the summer.
  • After 6 weeks, pinch off the center shoot to prevent early flowering. If flowers do grow, just cut them off.
  • If the weather is going to be cold, be sure to harvest your basil beforehand, as the cold weather will destroy your plants.

Pests

  • Aphids
  • Variety of bacterial and fungal leaf, stem, and root diseases

Harvest/Storage

  • After the seedlings have their first six leaves, prune to above the second set.
  • Every time a branch has six to eight leaves, repeat pruning the branches back to their first set of leaves.
  • The best time to harvest is right when the plant starts to bud (before the flowers bloom).
  • Basil is most pungent when it is fresh.
  • If pruned regularly, twelve basil plants will produce 4 to 6 cups of leaves per week.
  • The best method for storing basil is freezing. Freezing will prevent the plant from losing any of its flavor. To quick-freeze basil, dry whole sprigs of basil and package them in airtight plastic bags.
  • Another storage method is drying the basil (although some of the flavor will be lost). Pinch off the leaves at the stem and place them in a well-ventilated and shady area. After 3 to 4 days, if the plants are not completely dry, place them in the oven on the lowest heat setting with the door slightly open. Remember to turn the leaves (for equal drying) and check them frequently.

Recommended Varieties

  • Cinnamon basil, to add a hint of cinnamon to a dish
  • Purple basil, to add some nice color to your garden (when steeped in white vinegar, it creates a beautiful color)
  • Thai basil, to add a sweet licorice flavor to a dish.

Recipes

  • Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella Sandwiches
  • Roasted Basil Chicken