Seed Guide 2007 pgs 01/41 - McKenzie Seeds

— MINT —
Perennial
botanical: Mentha spp.
Mint 101353
Very Hardy
It has soft blue flowers that hug close to
the stem and deep green foliage. Plant
indoors in spring. Transplant to a location
receiving partial shade or full sun. Mint is
a very hardy perennial plant. It will
tolerate marginal soil conditions but
prefers fairly moist soil with pH 5.5-6.5.
Water generously in dry weather. A
partially shaded location is best where
soil tends to dryness. Mint repels many
kinds of pests. Deters white cabbage
moths and improves the health of
cabbage and tomatoes. People who are
unfamiliar with the pure aroma of fresh
mint are usually pleasantly surprised by
its sweet aromatic contribution to a back
yard garden. Mint tea is particularly
soothing and can be served to all family
members, young and old alike. Used for
salads, jellies and teas and cold
beverages. Because Mint is so hardy,
children can feel free to pick it for
pleasure without setting the plant back
in any way. Plant direct or start indoors.
Can be invasive and should be restrained
from moving into adjacent paths and
lawns. This can be accomplished by
removing the bottoms of old pails or
other containers, sinking the containers
into the ground and planting inside.
— OREGANO —
Perennial
botanical: Origanum vulgare
Oregano 101316
Shade Tolerant
The Oregano plant has soft moss-green
leaves. Start Oregano indoors for best
germination. The seeds are very tiny and
should not be covered as they germinate
by light. Transplant the seedlings
outdoors in the Spring. Does best in a
sunny location with light, dry, well
drained, alkaline soil pH 6.0-8.0. Excessive
moisture is likely to be harmful. Needs
moderately fertile earth but excessive
fertility may reduce aromatic qualities. It
M C K E N Z I E H E R B S
should be mulched over the winter to
improve its chances of surviving a
Canadian winter. Hardy zone 4. Plant
Oregano near your beans to enhance
their growth. The large leaves of the
beans will provide some welcome shade
for this pungent herb. It makes a lovely
border plant in a Herb garden and makes
a nice house plant. Does well in
containers and as ground cover for banks.
Oregano is the aromatic core of most
Euro-Mediterranean tomato sauces. Use
fresh or dried in all kinds of sauces,
gravies, salads, stuffings, dressings and
meat dishes. Native to the
Mediterranean. Plant direct or start
indoors. Cut stalks when plant starts to
flower; hang to dry two weeks; remove
leaves, crumble and store.
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