Deer Proof Your Garden with these 10 Herbs - Herb of the Week

Gardening in Deer Country depends on a number of factors including weather, attitudes of neighbors, and the season.  If your neighbors feed the deer in winter, you will have more deer closer to your home.  They are creatures of habit and once they find someplace they like, they will keep returning. But having a fragrant herb garden is a confusing place for deer. They use scent to keep track of predators, so the scents in the garden can overpower that making them shy away.

Having a dog in the yard, even a small one can also deter deer.  Solutions with blood meal, urine, peppers, garlic, eggs and mint also keep away unwanted animals.  Applying these products around your property edge can work wonders.  However, they will need to be reapplied after rain or heavy watering.

If you have a floral landscape you many want to incorporate some of the plants in the following list to add the kinds of scents deer tend to avoid. Here is a list of 10:

1. Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) - A hardy perennial that grows to about 2 1/2 feet; deer generally dislike the foliage because of its bitter menthol-like flavor.  It will self-seed, so dead head the blooms.
   

2. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) - This native plant comes in many varieties and any will work.  Blooming in the fall it will send out 3 foot panicles in late summer.  You can start form seed or plants.

3. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) - Grow this in a container so you can bring it inside for winter.  You want an upright variety that will be a deer nose level, as they dislike the scent.

4. Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) Another Native perennial in the mint family, the dense spikes of purple flowers are very fragrant on 3-to-4-foot stems.  Not only will it attract bees and other pollinators, the scent keep deer at bay.

5. French Tarragon (Artemesia dracunculus) This perennial can get to 2 to 3 feet in the second year it has bittersweet leaves with an anise scent deer dislike.

6. Poppy (Papaver orientale) - This reseeding annual has pretty blooms in a myriad of colors and forms.  It is easy to grow, just scatter the seed throughout the garden.

7. Lavender (Lavendula spp) - Many varieties and species to pick from choose the stronger scented ones for deer resistance and the lighter scented ones to cook with.  Start them from plants and stick to the ones hardiest in your area.

8, Santolina (Santolina spp) comes in both gray and green leaf forms, it is a small shrub with strongly scented leaves.  Only 12 to 16 inches tall is makes a nice evergreen edging that can create a nice barrier.

9. Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) another hearty shrub, it has bright red berries and sharp spines.  It is easy to grow as a hedge  and can reach 8 feet tall in ideal conditions.  Place it in the back of the garden where deer like to slip in and they will think twice.

10. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) a hearty native milkweed, it has yellow, red and orange blooms that butterflies adore.

The key to making these plants work for you is allowing them to get to a mature size, so protect the young seedlings from rabbits and deer with small cages.

Triple Happiness Tea - Tea Blend of the Month

(adapted from Kathleen Kips of the Village Herb Shop)

This tea is refreshing and great both as a hot or iced tea.  The medicinal properties of the ingredients include increased happiness, comfort and emotional balance.

• ½ cup loose black tea
• 1 Tbls. Rose buds
• 1 Tbls. Rosemary
• 1 Tbls crushed, dried Rose Geranium leaves
• 1 Tbls. Hibiscus
• 1 Tbls. Seedless rose hips
• 1 tsp. whole cloves

Combine ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake well to combine.

To Use:  Add 1 level tsp. per cup of hot water and steep 3 to 4 minutes.  

Shopping Smart at the Garden Center

A small tutorial on how to prep for a trip to the garden center, spot healthy plants and slect the right tools.

Don't go without a Plan

Survey your garden site. Determine how much space is available, how much sun it gets and whether it is dry or moist.  

Take pictures.  Are you growing along the foundation? Bring a photo for reference that shows utility connections, window locations and existing plants.

Measure, take photos or even bring along any containers you want to fill.  Garden center staff can be helpful with choosing plants to go together and in the right size container.

Make a list of plants you want, use the internet catalogs to gaze at photos and get spread requirements.  Make your wish list based on space and don't let it get too long.

Plan your visit for a weekday if you can, staff will be less harried and better able to assist you.

What to Look at in Plants

Admire plants in full bloom, but buy those that are just budding.  They will last longer and give you the best show.

Grab a wagon, pick out the plants that catch your eye. You will see how they go together and begin to formulate a detailed plan.

• ·         Generally plants are organized by style: Perennials, Annuals, shrubs, and trees.  Herbs can fall into multiple categories, so sometimes and Herb section, but also among the annuals and perennials, especially if they are pollinator friendly or have showy flowers.
• ·         Be aware perennials may be organized by scientific name (like Echinacea for Purple Cone Flower) ask for help or use google to translate as needed.
• ·         Annuals are usually separated by shade and sun, so look for shade plants to be kept in a separate area.  
• ·         Pay attention to the tags provided look for details like "sunny/dry," "shade tolerant," and the climate zone so you can plan for their use and survival in your garden. 

Decide the size you wish to start with .  Individual plants in 4 inch pots are generally larger and have a headstart on seedlings in packs.  However seedling annuals will grow very fast and spread nicely so may be worth the savings when buying in pack multiples.

Pick Healthy Plants

The most important thing you can do to insure a great garden is pick healthy viable plants.  Take a moment and look at them. Scrutinize the leaves and stems.  Compare different pots of the same variety. Are the bushy?  Do they have any stems?  Are the stems green and firm?  Avoid any with dark spotting or a mushy feel or look.  Is the plant tall and spindly?  This is a sign of overcrowding and lack of care in the greenhouse.  Do not buy a pack with missing cells.  Look for lush green (unless the plant it purposefully variegated.)

Root bound vs. Good root growth

Check the roots. Roots are essential for successful transplant from nursery pot to your garden soil.  Gently tip the plant to one side and slide it out.  If the roots are cramped or curling around  and around the plant is root bound which can cause problems down the line.  However, if there is a large amount of soil and not many roots, the plant is underdeveloped and will probably not flourish.  If you have a great balance of soil and roots, grab that and put it in your wagon.

Never Buy Plants with --

    1. Brown, crispy leaf edges

    2. Yellowing leaves

    3. Papery, bleached leaves

    4. Holes or cut edges that can indicate insect damage

    5. Too many broken stems

    6. Dark scars or trails on the underside of leaves, indicates insect infestation

    7. Wilted, brown or spotted leaves, indicator of fungal disease that can spread

    8. Webbing or time dark spots on stems and leaves, indicates active insect infestation

Use the Right Tools

Where I live, I have enough room to make compost and we save food scraps, leaves and grass clippings to use in the compost piles and bins.  When I am filling containers or raised beds, I mix this compost with a healthy amount of topsoil and some other mulch.  I buy bags of topsoil or in some cases have a truck deliver unbagged soil to my garden.  

To calculate the cubic feet of soil needed for a project, use this formula -- 

•  Measure the length, width, and depth of the area in feet.
• Multiply the length by the width to find the area in square feet.
• Multiply the area by the depth to find the volume in cubic feet.
•  If the area is irregular, break it into smaller rectangles, calculate each volume, and sum them up.
• Consider adding extra soil for settling or compaction, typically around 10-15%.
• Use the formula: Volume (cubic feet) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft).
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You get what you pay for is true in garden tools. A hand-forged trowel may cost more, but it will outlive a more cheaply made one.  I have a cast aluminum hand trowel that will not bend and has an edge I can sharpen to help cut the soil nicely, even it the soil is not worked.

You will need your basic arsenal of long handled tools.  A spade (pointy shovel), a rake, a fork, a flat end shovel, are the basics.  You may need edging tools and others once you get involved.  I like a handled weeder too.  There are many kinds of these, so shop around for the best for you.  I have a Cobrahead https://www.cobrahead.com/ that I just love.  I can stand and weed and don't have to kneel as much.

You need watering cans and hoses.  Drip irrigation hoses help save water and do require some preplanning, so think about if you want to use them before you start planting. Get a watering can with a rose (the sprinkle head with the little holes.) You do not want to water a stream of water if the plants are young or if you planted seed, as it can dislodge everything from the soil.  The sprinkle effect of the rose helps spread the water and keep if from rutting the soil. You need a hose of the right length.  Measure the distance from the faucet to the garden area and purchase accordingly.  You may also want a hose attachment (trigger sprayer.) My favorite are the wands because they give me the versatility to water hanging baskets as well as fill watering cans or water beds and containers.

What about Containers

There is a great deal of information on containers and their uses and what works best. I will say that I choose based on an aesthetic of terra cotta, but I use a mixture of real clay pots and plastic painted terra cotta for those herbs that need more water during the day.

my scented geraniums near the door.

Here are two articles that I feel will help you choose the right containers for your garden.

Firs,t from just last year, on LivetoPlant.com help you choose. 

This article is from Epic gardening with lots of details. 

Choosing your container is just as important as selecting the plants themselves. It needs to be functional as well as beautiful. Consider all the pros and cons of each container before purchasing one. Take your time to decide.

So you have your plan, follow the steps and get ready for a great growing season, whether it is just a few pots or a grand garden bed.

Spring Cleaning -- Bath Blend of the Month

Here are two recipes to clean the shower that can give you a sparkly clean shower and bath so you can enjoy your bath blends.

My hubby uses bar soap to wash, which leaves tremendous amounts of residue in the bathtub and shower walls.  He loves to spray a shower spray as he gets out of the shower to stop the possible build up and it works very well to cut down the number of times we have to scrub clean the shower.

Get your shower and bath spring cleaned and enjoy the bath blend we share next month!

So here are the two items we use:

Shower Spray

• 1 tsp liquid dawn or castile soap
  
• 1 T jet dry / Finish
• ½ cup hydrogen peroxide
• ½ cup rubbing alcohol
• (the rest) 3 cups water

Add active ingredients, then add water to fill a 32 ounce spray bottle.

To USE: Spray the shower after each use and spray water on the walls the next time you get in to cut down on the build up of soap scum on the walls, shower doors and shower curtains.

Shower Cleaner

• 1 cup dawn or liquid castile soap
• The rest white vinegar

Fill a 32-ounce spray bottle.  Shake well to combine.

To USE: Spray on shower let sit 30 min and rinse away. If the surface is super dirty, get a scrub brush or scrubber on a stick and scrub the walls after you spray them, then re-spray wait 30 minutes and rinse.  Repeat as needed.

Six Herbs for Spring

Spring is the season of beginnings — tender leaves, fresh flavors, and gardens waking up after winter’s rest. While many gardeners rush toward tomatoes and peppers, experienced herb growers know that the real magic of spring starts with herbs.

These early-season herbs do far more than flavor your kitchen. They improve soil health, attract pollinators, repel troublesome insects, and support neighboring plants through natural companion planting. In many ways, herbs act as the quiet caretakers of the garden, creating balance long before summer arrives.

 

Planting a thoughtful mix of herbs in spring sets the tone for the entire growing season. The six herbs below are hardworking companions that nurture both your garden ecosystem and your spring table.

 

Basil: Basil can benefit the growth petunias and the flavors of tomatoes, asparagus, peppers and oregano; it should not be planted near common rue or sage, and it will kill rosemary. To increase the essential oils in your basil, plant chamomile or anise.

 

Borage: Borage acts as a deterrent to tomato hornworms and cabbage worms and is known to attract bees and wasps. It also improves soil composition and helps any plants near it be more resistant to both pests and disease. Plant borage with strawberries, tomatoes or squash to enhance both the flavor and amount of your fruit or vegetable harvest.

 

Chamomile: In addition to increasing the essential oils of any nearby herbs, chamomile can help basil, wheat, onions, cabbage and cucumber plants. This herb also attracts hoverflies and wasps, which assist in pollination and prey on aphids and other pest insects.

 

Chives: A long-term investment, chives are often planted in conjunction with tomatoes, carrots, apple trees and roses. At first growth they will repel aphids from tomatoes, mums and sunflowers, and after about three years they have known to prevent apple scab and rose black spot.

Cilantro / Coriander: This familiar kitchen spice will deter aphids, potato beetles, and spider mites. It’s a good companion to anise, caraway, spinach and dill. If you have continued problems with spider mites, a tea made from coriander can repel them.

 

Dill: Companion to lettuce, cabbage, onions, sweet corn and cucumbers, dill should not be planted near carrots, caraway, lavender or tomatoes (it attracts tomato horn worms). This herb will keep aphids, spider mites and squash bugs from taking over your garden and will attract hoverflies, wasps, and honeybees. To avoid cross-pollination, don’t plant dill near fennel.

 

Simple Recipes Using Your Six Spring Herbs

One of the joys of growing herbs is walking from garden to kitchen with fresh ingredients in hand. These easy recipes celebrate the bright, clean flavors of spring and encourage frequent harvesting — which keeps plants thriving.

Spring Garden Herb Butter

Perfect for vegetables, grilled meats, potatoes, or warm bread.

• 1 stick softened butter
• 2 Tbsp fresh chives, minced
  
  
  
• 1 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh dill
• 1 tsp chopped cilantro
• Pinch lemon zest
• Optional: edible borage flowers for garnish

Directions
Mix all ingredients until smooth. Roll into parchment paper to form a log and chill. Slice as needed.

Tip: Freeze extra herb butter for summer grilling season.

Herbal Spreads and butters were among the first blends I created and are still the most popular, see a list of all of them here: Herb Butters

Chamomile & Basil Spring Tea

• 1 Tbsp fresh or dried chamomile flowers
• 3–4 fresh basil leaves
• 2 cups hot water
• Honey or lemon (optional)

Directions
Steep herbs for 5–7 minutes. Strain and enjoy warm or chilled.

Of if you want a more rounded tea flavor featuring Chamomile, check out these teas from Backyard Patch Herbs.

Fresh Spring Herb Salad Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice or herbal vinegar
  
  
  
• 1 Tbsp chopped dill
• 1 Tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 Tbsp chopped chives
• ½ tsp honey
• Pinch black pepper

Directions
Whisk together and toss with fresh greens, cucumbers, or roasted asparagus.

For A set of our Salt-free Salad Dressing mixes, check out this: Salad Dressing bundles

Borage Blossom Strawberry Salad

• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Baby greens
• Borage flowers
• Goat cheese or toasted nuts
• Light vinaigrette

Directions
Combine ingredients and top with borage blossoms just before serving. Their cucumber-like flavor highlights spring fruit beautifully.

Spring herbs remind us that gardening is not just about harvest — it is about relationships. These plants feed pollinators, protect neighboring crops, enrich soil, and reward us with fresh flavor long before the main garden reaches its peak.

By planting basil, borage, chamomile, chives, cilantro, and dill, you create a garden that works with nature instead of against it. A few thoughtfully placed herbs can transform both your garden beds and your meals, inviting you to slow down, harvest often, and celebrate the season of renewal.

Plant generously, harvest freely, and let spring begin with herbs.

 

Rose and Anise Tea - Tea Blend of the Month

This month we have a couple of uncommon herbs to use in our tea. Yarrow and Anise hyssop.  The both make a sweeter, yet earthy tea flavor and are great compainons to the added citurs flavors of this blend.

Yarrow has a number of surprising benefits, including helping wounds heal faster, reducing inflammation and lowering blood pressure.  It assists with blood clotting and regulating asthma symptoms. It also helps maintain a regular period. It has also been know to reduce anxiety.

Anise Hyssop - Used as an infusion in tea and cold remedies will relieve congestion. It is also used to strengthen a weak heart. A hot infusion will induce perspiration and is therefore useful in treating fevers. A cold infusion of Agastache foeniculum leaves is used to relieve pains in the chest from excessive coughing.

Rosehips- Rosehips are the seed-filled bulbs that grow at the base of the blossom of a rose. They have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Native Americans have used rosehip tea to soothe sore throats and indigestion.  Rosehips contain vitamins C, E, and B as well as other minerals and antioxidants.  They also contain a substance that may ease inflammation.

Bee Balm – a native of North America the possess vibrant, tube-shaped flowers, in shades of red, pink, purple which attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. In tea it is great for digestive problems and boosting immunity. An antioxidant it is also supportive to the respiratory and urinary systems.

Rosehip and Anise Hyssop Tea

• 2 parts Rose Hips
• 3 parts Anise Hyssop
• 3 parts Yarrow
• 1 part Bergamot

Combine ingredients and use 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup of hot water. Allow to steep 5 to 7 minutes.

Stimulating Tub Tea - Bath Blend of the Month

This blend is perfect for energizing in the before spring doldrums.  It has lavender and lemon verbena as well as citrus peel.

The lavender is balancing and will rejuvenate when combined with citrus scents. With lemon verbena the scent is relaxing and the effect is anti-bacterial.  Add to that the antibacterial and anti-viral properties of the citrus peel and you have a blend that will stimulate as well as heal. And the lemongrass essential oil is a great germ-fighter.

Stimulating Bathtub Tea

• ½ cup lavender flower buds
• ½ cup lemon verbena (or lemon balm) leaves
• ½ cup chopped lemon or orange peel
• 10 drop lavender essential oil
• 6 drops lemongrass essential oil

Mix well in a large bowl.  Add essential oil.  Place ¼ cup of mixture into a cotton sachet or the center of a wash cloth and tie shut. 

To Use: Place sachet in hot bath water for 3 to 5 minutes before sliding in to enjoy the bath.