***Lemon Balm***
(Melissa officinalis)
• Full Sun, Pot Suitable, Tea, Culinary Uses, and Essential Oil.
• Ideal Soil: Well-drained.
• Parts Used: Whole plant and oil.
• Medicinal: Indigestion, insect bites, depression, headaches, herpes, feverish colds, and gout.
• Other Names: Sweet balm.
This ornamental and aromatic herb has been cultivated for more than 2,000 years. The strongly scented leaves are said to soothe coughs when taken as a syrup.
Grow lemon balm in pots and move it around the garden to attract beneficial honeybees.
Add fresh leaves to summer salads, soups, herb vinegar, and fish, or infuse dried leaves to make a calming tea.
GROWING GUIDELINES:
Sow shallowly in spring. Take cuttings or divide older plants in spring or fall. Prune old stalks in fall.
Growth Habit: Perennial; height 1-2 feet [30-60 cm].
Flowers: Summer; white, tubular blossoms.
HARVESTING AND STORING:
Collect leaves in late summer. Use fresh, or dry quickly. Cut entire plant, leaving 2 inches [5 cm] of stem.
***Mint***
(Mentha spp.)
• Full Sun, Pot Suitable, Tea, Culinary Uses, and Essential Oil.
• Ideal Soil: Well-drained, rich, and moist.
• Parts Used: Whole plant, oil.
• Medicinal: Skin irritations, minor burns, ringworm, and sinusitis.
• Culinary: Salads, meat, fruit, and tea.
Mints are herbaceous perennials that thrive in most locations. Both fresh and dried foliage provide flavor to sweet and savory dishes.
One of the many verieties of the mint genus, M. x piperita 'chocolate' emits a delicious choc-mint scent.
Chew fresh leaves to relieve bad breath; add to iced water or tea for a refreshing summer drink.
Mints are rampant spreaders. To control, plant in large pots. Water well to maximize flavor.
GROWING GUIDELINES:
Propagate from new plants that spring up along roots, or by cuttings in spring or fall. Mow large areas frequently [as you would a lawn].
Growth Habit: Perennial; height to 30 inches [75 cm].
Flowers: Summer; tiny purple or pink blossoms.
HARVESTING AND STORING:
Pick leaves as required. Just before blooming, cut stalks and habg in bunches to dry. Store in airtight containers.
