Page 49 - The Lost Garden of Eden
P. 49
The Lost Garden of Eden
Tarragon will usually grow to roughly two feet hire if grown indoors. It enjoys the light
but does not like full sunlight; it should not be placed in a south facing window. It does
need to be in a well draining pot with good quality soil. Like many herbs tarragon is
not tolerant of very wet conditions; it is better to let the plant dry out before watering
it again.
Parsley
Parsley can look fantastic on your windowsill and
provides a delightful fragrance every time you pass
the plant. There are many different types of
parsley although they are all easy to grow
indoors. In common with most herbs Parsley likes
a south facing position with at least six hours of sunlight every day. You can help to
keep the plant healthy in the winter and on dull days by using fluorescent tubes to
mimic the sunlight. It is advisable to turn your pot regularly as this will ensure your
Parsley grows straight and doesn’t angle towards the sun. You will need potting soil, a
reasonable sized pot with drainage holes and something to catch the water which drips
through. Parsley does like humidity which makes it the perfect plant to keep in your
kitchen; next to where you will need it. If you keep it in another room it is worth
spraying a mist of water over the plant every few days. Parsley grows best when you
plant seeds in your container; it does not generally like being moved. You will need to
water it every couple of days and always remember to empty the water catcher; this
will prevent the roots from sitting in water which will kill the plant.
Parsley is fantastic when chopped fresh and added to your food. However, you can
chop it and dry it to store for future use. What may surprise you is that currently
parsley is the most popular herb in the world!
Parsley is also a rich source of anti-oxidants and the oil inside the plant is said to be
helpful at preventing tumors forming, particularly in the lungs. It is also recognized
as a good source of vitamins A, B and C; in fact, it contains folic acid which will help
improve cardiovascular health and can even provide some protection against
rheumatoid arthritis!
49