jekka
From: bristol ukabout me
Jamie’s mate and the Queen of Herbs
Lemon Grass
Hi
Sorry I have been away launching my revised herb book ‘ Jekka’s Complete Herb Book ’, which I am proud to say has been endorsed by the RHS, in South Africa, followed by here in the UK this last Friday 9th Nov. Both Mac and I had an amazing time in S.A. everyone was so generous and friendly. So many many thanks to all those who came to the Herbal Happenings at St Peter’s Gate Herb Farm, Natal and Doonholm Herb Farm just outside Johannesburg . It was wonderful to meet so many people who use herbs in so many ways. For me it was amazing to see so many of the herbs that I struggle to grow in the UK growing wild and to see herbs like Lemon Grass growing naturally in the garden.
For those of you in the UK do use the leaves of Lemon Grass not only in cooking but also to make an amazing fresh tea. Cut 3-4cm lengths of leaf added it to a mug, pour over boiled water, leave for 5 mins covered, then sip and enjoy. It is wonderful for settling a nervous or upset stomach.
If you are growing lemon grass at home in the UK now is the time to cut the grass part of the plant off. I freeze it so I can use it through the winter. Move the plant into a frost free environment , not central heating, so a garage, shed with window, cool greenhouse, cool conservatory. Cut the watering of the plant right back to the minimum until the following spring. Then in the spring repot, start watering regularly and the new leaf growth with start to sprout.
I will try and post more useful herb tips as the winter progresses.
Keep growing. Jekka
Open Days and fennel seed
Hi,
So sorry to all that have asked me questions and I have not answered I have been working away from the farm creating gardens for the past few days.. and now I am busy getting the farm ready for our opendays which Jamie kindly mentions in his diary. If you manage to get down to visit us please make yourself known . It will be great to meet you. I am around every day.
Here is a picture of fennel, if you have never tried eating the seed fresh you are in for a pleasurable surprise. It is just perfect at this time of year in the UK.
Happy gardening.
Jekka
Dill
Hi
Here is one of my favourite herbs Dill. It has been used for over 2000 years as a culinary delight and a medicinal must have.
My mother taught me to use it. She always used the leaves with potatoes and the seeds always with cucumber and courgettes. Not only did it taste good but the seeds helped digestion and stopped flatulence.
It is an annual herb sow it in either a large pot, or direct into the soil.
Take care
Jekka
Picture of Herb Farm
Opps
ops: didnt send picutre last time. Well I will get this cracked.
The sun is shinning I am now off on to the farm it is a beautiful morning.
J
I am new to blogging
Hi Guys
Still a bit of novice to blogging.ops: That picture showing herbs outside tunnels is of my herb farm in South Glos. Our internet connection is very erratic ever since the floods cuts in and out.
The white strawberry is a wild form which can be found in Scotland, the flavour is wonderful. The great thing about this herb is that the birds leave the fruit alone because it is white leaving more for you.
Takecare, enjoy the garden.
J
