Agriview
by Rick Hirsch County Extension Agent

Herbs are plants that are used as flavoring agents. The common herbs used in cooking are referred to as culinary herbs. Mild or savory herbs impart a delicate flavor to food while the stronger or pungent herbs add zest to foods. A number of additional are used for medicinal or ornamental purposes.

The leaves of most herbs are the part of the plant that is used although the seeds or roots of some herbs can also be used. Herbs are used in small quantities, so usually only a few plants are necessary to provide sufficient fresh and dried herbs for the entire season.

Herb gardening is becoming popular throughout Texas. New enthusiasm for "natural" foods has heightened this interest. In addition, herbs add flavor and zest to creative cookery. Most food recipes can be accentuated with proper use of culinary herbs.

The ornamental value of herbs enables them to be grown in flower beds, in rock gardens as borders or as corner plantings. Some herbs are annuals while others are perennial or come up year after year. One can locate annual herbs in annual flower gardens or vegetable gardens. Locate perennial herbs at the side of the garden where they won't interfere with next year's soil preparation.

Many gardeners establish a small herb garden near the home. Generally, a 6 to 10 foot square or rectangular area is sufficient. Circular or free-form designs can also be used.

Care for the herb garden is similar to a vegetable or flower garden. Select a sunny, well-drained location. Apply a balanced fertilizer but avoid excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers. Consult the county Extension office for soil preparation, fertilization and other good garden cultural practices.

Water as necessary during dry periods. Generally, about 1-inch of water is needed per week, if not supplied by natural rainfall. A mulch helps conserve soil moisture and reduces weed growth as well. Mints prefer moist soil so they require more frequent watering.

Establish annual and biennial herbs by planting seeds directly in the garden or starting seeds indoor for later transplanting to the garden. Save seed produced by the herb plants for next year's crop, or obtain seed from your local garden center or seed catalog.

To save your own seed, harvest the entire seedhead after it has dried on the plant. Then allow seeds to dry in a protected location that is cool and dry. After the seeds are thoroughly dry, thresh the weed from the heads and discard the trash. Store in labeled jars in a dark, cool, dry location.

Some herb seeds such as dill, anise, caraway or coriander can be used for flavorings.

Perennial herbs can be propagated by cuttings or by division. Divide plants every 3 to 4 years in the early spring. Dig up the plants and cut into several sections. You can also cut 4- to 6-inch sections of the stem, and root these by placing the cuttings in moist sand in a shady area. In 4 to 8 weeks roots should form on these cuttings. Herbs such as sage, winter savory and thyme cn be propagated by cuttings.

RABIES:

Texas state law requires that you have your dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies once a year by a veterinarian. Rabies is a killer. It is present in wildlife, especially bats, skunks, foxes, coyotes and raccoons. Pet dogs and cats do not have to leave their yards to be exposed to rabies by a wild animal. Wild animals can easily enter your yard. If a pet develops rabies, the people most likely to be exposed by them to this fatal disease are the owner's family. An annual rabies vaccination is a very inexpensive life insurance for the pet and its owner. Rabies is a killer disease that attacks the nervous system, resulting in paralysis and almost certain death once the symptoms appear. The rabies virus is present in the saliva of the rabid animal. The most common way the disease is spread is by a bite from an infected animal. Though rare, rabies also can be spread if the infected animal's saliva comes in contact with fresh scratches, open wounds or mucous membrances such as the lining of the eyelid.

Improved rabies vaccination and animal control programs and better treatment for people who have been bitten have dramatically reduced the number of human rabies cases in this country. The majority of recent human cases acquired in the United States are due to the type of rabies virus found in bats. If you see a bat that's on the ground or acting strangely, do not touch it. Immediately report it to local animal control authorities.