Question
I live in Florida zone 9, not blessed with good soil, just sand, dries out daily. I try to compost, but not very good at it yet. I made raised beds for the veggie garden, and would like to grow more herbs in the landscape. I have lots of rosemary doing well. Can you suggest other herbs that will survive our heat and sand?

Answer
Violet:
Must work on that sand. Try well composted manure and mix well with sand. Most herbs need the drainage. If you have rosemary growing then you are doing well. Other varieties might be winter tarragon(florida tarragon, mexican mint marigold) it loves the heat, but need good soil. Cilantro varieties are called 'slo bolt' and 'long standing'. It must have sunny ,cool location. Grow mints in large pots or buckets with composted soil and keep it cut to stimulate new growth at least every 3 weeks. All others are trial and error. Aloe will take the morning sun, but no west. Water once a week or less if it rains. Good luck.

Leroy

The Herbman's Newsletter

This is my first Newsletter, so I will try to make it short and interesting. After becoming sick in Aug., 2003, I have decided to take 1 year off from growing herb plants at The Smile Herb Shop. I also will not be at David's in Columbia or Sun Splash in Baltimore. I will be available for workshops. Send for details by e-mail.  I plan to be back in 2005. The Baltimore Herb Festival will also take a year off and return in 2005. I have published a book called 揟he Herbman's Journal? It is a loose leaf formatted book with lots of unusual info about your favorite herbs and the unknown ones. The Journal cost is 19.95+ 3.95 shipping and handling. Deduct $3.00 if you do not want a loose leaf cover. Send check or money order or thru PayPal.com to the address below. Your order will be sent within (3) days.
There is one for cilantro and it can't be beaten for flavor. Did you know cilantro is used to protect the body from certain metals For cilantro lovers only. It is called culantro; shad a beina; Recao plus72 more names. These are listed in the Journal. If you need more info on where to purchase it, just e-mail me. If you have problems growing some of the favorite varieties send questions. Check my web site for more info: www.askthisherbman.com. Or go to Allexperts.com E-mail [email protected]. If I did not remove your name from this list, please type 揜emove?in the subject heading. Thank you.

Leroy J. Wilton
5517 Nome Ave.
Balto., Md. 21215

410-358-0557