ORGANICALLY GROWN HERBS

by Ted Taylor

Among the heartiest and most useful houseplants are several varieties of herbs that can be used for culinary purposes.  Herbs provide an interesting array of greenery, leaf texture, and form when used as houseplants.  They give character and new aromas to your cooking.  Indoor herb plants give the promise of Spring during the Winter.  The ten best herbs to grow for indoor plants (and also outside gardens) are:  dwarf basil, chives, chervil, dill (bouquet), oregano, parsley, sage, summer savory, sweet marjoram, and thyme.

Start these in 4" pots.  Seeds are planted so that multiple plants will exist.  Cover and water daily with organic fertilizer, if possible.  Fish emulsion or seaweed extract are probably the best; earthworm casings also work really well when mixed in with potting soil.

Spraying herbs with any product not safe for humans to eat should not be done.  SaferÒ brand is preferred on herbs (and on all plants).  Pyrethrum spray mix can be made easily at home and is my favorite!  Mix two tablespoons of freshly ground dried pyrethrum flowers with one gallon of hot water, and then add a little soft soap.  Let mixture stand for 20 minutes before using.  This will not harm fish, waterfowl, plants or animals.  Nichols Herb and Rare Seeds at 1190 N. Pacific Highway, Albany, OR 97321 has 100% pyrethrum powder in 5-lb. boxes and has a high .9% active ingredient.  It can be used as a dust also and has a shelf-life of approximately 2-3 years.

Local department stores (K-Mart, Wal-Mart, etc.) readily buy herbs from vendors out of their truck or van.  To get a vendor number (you need this to do business with most department stores), see the store manager.  He will get you an application to sell.  In a few weeks you will receive a vendor number from the head office.  Try to get all payments in cash, especially from the big chains.

Another profitable way is to start seeds in a tray called the "Speedling Seedling Tray" from Speedling, Inc., Sun City, FL.  This tray is made of Styrofoam with 200 1" square inverted pyramids.  Seeds are started in a peat moss and vermiculite mixture and easily transplanted into pots or hanging baskets.  Try putting four or five in an 8" or 10" hanging basket.  These will sell on sight!

Try to grow at least six varieties.  Be sure to contact all local groceries, nurseries, and health food stores.  If they are not familiar with selling herbs, one approach is to leave a few of each variety for a week, then return for your order.  A good herb book that you can leave with the manager for a couple of weeks is another great idea.

Ted Taylor is the author of Secrets to a Successful Greenhouse and Business, a 280 page book that acts as a guide to starting and operating a high-profit organic or hydroponic business that benefits the environment. You can visit his website at www.greenhousebusiness.com.