Takes just a little space but give so much pleasure!

Peppermint herb photoPeppermint, M. Piperita, is a wandering, invasive herb with a deep purple, square stem and deep green leaves. Peppermint has been used for centuries for it's culinary, medicinal, and aromatic properties.

A summer-growing, perennial aromatic herb, Peppermint is a hybrid of Mentha spicata (spearmint) and M. aquatica (watermint). The Peppermint herb grows wild throughout Europe and North America in moist areas and is thought to be of Mediterranean origin.

Growing peppermint indoors is so easy, as unlike other culinary herbs, mint practically grows itself.
Culture

Pot Size                    6 to 8 inches container.

Seed Spacing             Sow seeds 2" apart approximately 1/2" to 1/8" deeps.

Plant Spacing             Push one seed a half inch into the center of the pot.

Preferred pH Range     For ideal growth recommended pH range is from 6.0 to 7.5.

Seed Germination       14 to 21days.

Soil Requirements       Well drained and rich fertile.

Growing Mix                Mix a little sand in with a good food-friendly potting soil.

Fertilizer                     Fertilize once a month with a liquid organic fertilizer.

Sun & Lighting             Moderate exposure to sunlight daily

Water Requirements     Keep the soil moist but not wet constantly.
Uses

Peppermint plant pictureThere are many ways to use the Peppermint in a variety of culinary recipes. One is to float some fresh Peppermint leaves in chilled summer drinks or add the herb as an ingredient in different fruit punches. The Peppermint must always be added as crushed leaves before use to bring out the optimum flavor in the dishes, unless of course, you are making use of the herb as a garnish for various salads and greens.

The classic application for mint of course is for roast lamb. However, the herb goes equally well with all meats including chicken and fish and especially with the hearty taste of wild meats such as venison, particularly if served with a berry sauce. Most vegetables also will be enhanced with the addition of mint, notably new potatoes, peas and carrots.

A Peppermint tea can be brew, this tea is very soothing and having a cup of peppermint is the perfect relaxing drink. Peppermint tea is one of the best insomnia solutions you can find.

Peppermint is commonly used to sooth gastrointestinal tract by relaxing the muscles in the intestinal wall. It increases the saliva, which increases swallowing making it possible to improve appetite, relieve cramps, and reduce pain associated with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, or motion sickness. Peppermint has also been used to reduce muscle spasms.

And you definitely have heard about peppermint oil. Peppermint oil like other herbs and spices has great medicinal properties. It has been used for years to clam digestion as it is an excellent digestive aid. Just a few drops in a glass of water make it a refreshing drink that has not only a good taste but also improves digestion. Peppermint oil fights against upset stomachs, stops the growth of unnecessary bacteria, calms and relaxes the muscles. Peppermint oil abandons gas, bloating and abdominal cramps and increases the formation of digestive fluids.


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World's most popular herb

The delicious and vibrant taste and wonderful healing properties of Parsley herb are often ignored in its popular role as a table garnish. Parsley, Petroselinum crispum, a member of the carrot family, is the world's most popular herb. It derives its name from the Greek word meaning "rock celery" (parsley is a relative to celery). The plant is of South European (probably East Mediterranean) origin and became popular in more Northern latitudes in the Middle Ages, when it was commonly grown in monasteries and Imperial gardens.
Parsley is prized both for its looks and for fresh, grassy flavor. There are two common varieties: the mild curly parsley and the more flavorful Italian parsley. Use curly parsley if you want looks and Italian parsley if you want flavor. It combines very well with other herbs (Dill, Cilantro and Thyme), and tends to enhance food flavors.
           
 Parsley herb grows well in a deep pot, which helps accommodate the long taproot. Parsley grown indoors requires at least five hours of sunlight a day.

Culture

Container Size              8" - 10" depth, 8" to 10" diameter (if planted alone).

Plant Height                  Parsley plants grow to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 - 45cm).

Seed Spacing               Soak seeds overnight to improve germination. Sow about 1" apart and cover them with a ¼" layer of the moist soil.

Seed Germination         21 to 28 days. Darkness aids germination.

Plant Spacing                Parsley plants should be spaced 9 to 12 inches (22 - 30cm) apart.

Soil Requirements         Tolerates most soils, but rich, well-drained, moist, with pH between 6 and 7 is best.

Growing Mix                  Soilless peat based potting mix.

Fertilizer                        Use a liquid fertilizer. Fertilize parsley every other week during watering

Sun & Lighting                Parsley prefers full sun and can tolerate some shade. It requires at least five hours of sunlight a day.

Water Requirements   Average water needs. Keep parsley well-watered at all stages of growth; do not ever let it really dry out.
Uses

Fresh parsley photoWhen taking leaves for use (or freezing), snip stalks off close to the ground, starting with the outside ones (that practice best encourages new growth).
Parsley is often used for sauces; the famous German Green Sauce is an example. Chopped parsley and garlic in olive oil make for a wonderful Mediterranean sauce, to be served to broiled fish.

As an alternative, especially in France, chervil leaves may serve the same purpose. French cooks frequently combine parsley with other fresh herbs (e.g., chervil or lemon balm) or use a classical composition, the renowned fines herbes (see Chives); this mixture may substitute pure Parsley leaves for any application, thus giving the dishes a richer aroma and somewhat Mediterranean character. The famous French recipe sauce béarnaise also makes use of fresh parsley leaves.

As parsley aroma suffers from any prolonged heat treatment, parsley leaves should not be cooked if distinct parley fragrance is desired; quick frying in olive oil, though, is acceptable.

An excellent source of vitamins A and C, it also contains niacin, riboflavin and calcium. Rich in chlorophyll, Parsley is also a breath freshener. Parsley can also act as a medicinal herb for diuretic and digestion properties. Parsley is also known to purify the blood and strengthening the immune system. It is known to be good for bladder infections, kidney and gall bladder complaints, arthritis and it alsoaids blood circulation.


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Culinary Herb Garden
Start a garden in your own kitchen. The Indoor Culinary Herb Garden Kit is designed to help you start herbs in your own kitchen or windowsill with a neat little 12" x 12" x 5" greenhouse. This herb greenhouse provides the perfect climate for fast herb propagation and growth. In just a few weeks you will have herb plants.

Herb Seeds - best seed your ever need
Open-pollinated, Organic herb seeds will help you grow beautiful borders, plots and pots of flavorful culinary and healing medicinal herbs. Unique variety of favorite standards such as Lime, Thai and Persian Anise Basil, Dotted Mint, and Mexican Tarragon just to highlight a few. Hard to find heirloom and traditional varieties to help bring diversity to your garden and excitement to your palate.


Medicinal Herb Kit
The Indoor Medicinal Herb Kit is designed to help you start medicinal herbs in your own kitchen with a neat little 12" x 12" x 5" greenhouse. This greenhouse provides the perfect climate for fast healing herb growth. Once you get your medicinal herbs started you can transfer them to a large pot for indoor growing. Twelve different types of medicinal herbs included for you to try. You will be growing your own medicinal herbs in just days.

Wet Pots
Pot imageSelf watering plant pot. Water-Filled Pots Keep Houseplants Healthy. Even with the best of intentions, it's easy to forget to water your houseplants. That's why we like these ingenious self-watering planters from Sweden. You simply fill the clear glass outer pot with water and let your plant absorb moisture as needed through the porous clay inner pot. These are also ideal plant tenders for people who travel frequently.

Branch Plant Stand
Plant stand imageGet all winter sun! Plants and cherished curios take center stage when displayed on this handsome, nature-inspired plant stand. The sturdy steel frame has a rustic bronze finish and holds three beveled glass shelves. The compact footprint fits easily into any indoor living space. Sturdy stand with a delicate appearance. Folds flat for easy storage.Weighs just 9 lbs. For indoor use Gardener's Supply Exclusive.




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