For hundreds of years, the benefits of edging beds made of thyme, lavender, chives and other herbs have been appreciated. Aromatic plants are nice, keep the neighbors he althy and enrich the taste of food.
Aphids dislike their smells very much, which is why lavender, thyme and marjoram have long been traditional plants planted on the edges of vegetable patches.In addition to repelling pests, herbal mini-hedges are distinguished by dense habit, high cut tolerance, distinctive aromas and extremely beautiful flowers. In addition, they diversify the structure and organize the appearance of the utility garden.
These values are especially valued in ecological horticulture. In favor of a he althy biological plant protection, herbs containing special substances can be used to protect other crops. Bitter chemicals protect many vegetables from herbivores.
Fragrances often effectively discourage harmful insects from settling nearby, others inhibit the growth of pathogenic fungi and bacteriaIt quickly turns out that with such a defense, the use of chemical pesticides becomes simply unnecessary.
Herbs like strong sunlight, which is why they are ideal partners for vegetable plants. In warm places, their aromatic essential oils spread especially vigorously. Good growing conditions favor the accumulation of other valuable chemical compounds in the tissues.
The best time to plant herbs is spring. It is best to create a mini-hedge of one species.Plants obtained from shoot cuttings grow the fastest.Use compost or long-acting organic fertilizer in spring and autumn.
Pruning promotes the thickening of the shoots. We make them in the spring and the second time in summer, at the latest in August, so that the plants will grow back before winter. Shorten the shoots to no more than 1/3 of their length.The cut parts of the herbs can always be used, for example, for salads, cottage cheese and teas.
The editors especially recommend
1. 'Purpurascens' Salvia officinalis is an attractive perennial with fragrant leaves that are attractive all season long. It is eagerly grown in the vegetable and herb garden. When planted along the path, it creates a wonderful dense mini-hedge.
2. Allium tuberosum tuberous garlic in its leaves contains valuable chemical compounds with bactericidal and fungicidal properties, protecting plants planted nearby against many diseases. Perfectly withstands cutting.
3. In May, Allium schoenoprasum chives produce lilac flowers gathered in spherical heads, which should be removed after they fade. Chives leaves grow back quickly, even after strong pruning.
Aromatic mini hedge
1. Salvia officinalis surrounds the flower bed with a strand of silvery-green leaves, and during flowering with purple-blue flowers.
2. Thymus vulgaris creates dense, low and fragrant pillows with tiny flowers.
3. The Italian Helichrysum italicum is decorated with silvery leaves and yellow flowers.
4. Origanum majorana marjoram also feels good in partial shade.
5. Artemisia Artemisia abrotanum is an evergreen sub-shrub that is often planted in borders.
6. Hyssop Hyssopus officinalis is 30-50 cm tall and is prized for its dense habit.
