Herbs have been valued for centuries, for their fragrance, their flavor, their beauty and for their medicinal properties. People enjoy herbs and herbivorous pets enjoy herbs. Did you know that Ohio is the home to the Herb Society of America, located in Kirtland? Are you aware that Cincinnati is home to The Lloyd Library? Did you know that many herbs are perennials, even in Ohio, and will faithfully come back year after year? Many of these herbs will be available for sale at The Tenth Life plant sale later this month.
You can plant many herbs, including thyme, oregano and mint, just as soon as the soil can be worked (now); others need to wait until the danger of frost has passed (May). Herbs like a sunny spot with decent drainage and they do NOT like fertilized soil. You can, of course, grow herbs in garden pots, which is a great idea if you want to bring the herbs into the house for a winter supply of herbs.
The more you use the herbs, the better they will grow – cutting encourages branching and new growth. Ideally, cut your herbs early in the day, after the dew dries but before the sun bakes their essential oils.
In addition to providing flavor for your meals, your teas, and your Bare Rabbit Soaps, herbs are a beneficial addition to the diet of small pets. Bunnies and other herbivores love fresh herbs (although if you have a pregnant pet, please consult with your veterinarian before offering unlimited herbs). Growing your own herbs insures that your pet is eating herbs that have not been sprayed with pesticides. Floating an herb leaf in your pet’s drinking water may encourage your pet to drink more water and ingest some of the healthful qualities of the herb (change the water and the leaves after a couple hours).
Calming herbs are especially useful during stressful situations, such as when a trip to the veterinarian is forthcoming. Calming herbs include catnip, oregano, and cilantro.
------------
Tenth Life plant sale
The Tenth Life cat rescue is taking orders now for their springtime plant sale. Profits from these sales benefit the more than 450 homeless cats at The Tenth Life. Flowers, plants, and baskets are supplied by Furst Florist and Garden Center; The Tenth Life offers a huge selection of annuals, perennials, bedding plants, veggies, herbs, and hanging baskets; plants are available for pick-up the week before Mother’s Day in May. The Tenth Life has all of the herbs mentioned above, and many other herbs, vegetable plants and flowers. The Tenth Life can help you plan a springtime garden for you and your pet! For more information, see their newsletter or call The Tenth Life at 937-376-5550. Orders should be placed by March 16, 2013 for pickup on May 7, 2013, just a few days before Mother's Day which is May 12, 2013. You can see the list of herbs, vegetable and herb plants, and flowers available for order here.
The Tenth Life is also having their annual pie sale and bake sale; pies should be ordered by March 16 for pickup on March 30, 2013.
-------------
Subscribe!
To receive email notifications when my new articles post to the Dayton Small Pets Examiner page, please use the "Subscribe to Email" link (under the headline, above), or follow me on Twitter to receive notification of all of my articles. If you have questions, comments or suggestions please email me at bunnybinks@gmail.com for the timeliest response.
Comments