Southern Herb Growing

By Madalene Hill and Gwen Barclay

Book Overview

The Art of herb growing is enjoying a renaissance in this country, as more and more people are rediscovering the sensory pleasures and tangible rewards of the ancient plants we call herbs. Growers in the American South, where herb gardening can be a sometimes frustrating experience, want to know more about selecting and tending plants in the hot, humid conditions of their region. The varietal lists and cultural information emanating from England or the northeastern United States do not work for the Southern grower. English lavender and French tarragon, for instance, often languish in warm, wet conditions, and instructions that dictate planting parsley in spring in full sun will result in dead plants by August in most Southern areas. It was more than thirty years ago that Madalene Hill and her late husband, Jim, established the Hilltop Herb Farm near Cleveland-a southeast Texas area with growing conditions much like those of most of the South. Their energy and skill, both in growing and cooking with herbs, attracted a strong following in a day when herbs were thought to be strange little plants revered only by a few.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0940672413
• ISBN13: 9780940672413
• Release Date: January 1989
• Publisher: Shearer Publishing
• Length: 196 Pages
• Weight: 2.53 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.7" x 11.2"

Customer Reviews

Superb guide for Southerners who love herbs

This book goes well beyond the typical growing tips of most gardening guides. It fosters an appreciation and joy for herbs: both their growth and their culinary applications. While growing herbs is a rather simple endeavor, there is so much involved in coaxing out their subtle flavors and properties in the garden, especially when dealing with the crusty caliche in South Central Texas. From using herbs as delightful landscape enhancements to their preparation in the kitchen, this book has something for anyone with an interest and a little time.

Far and away my favorite herb book...

and I have dozens. Herb growing in the south, and gardening in the south in general, is different from anywhere else - we fight heat, humidity, flash frosts, but rarely have a long dormant period. This book not only explains how do deal with herbs in our part of the country, it is also a beautiful volume to add to your library, with photos of great gardens, recipes, and absolutely beautiful photography. I've given away several copies...makes a great gift for any southern gardener.

If you grow herbs in the South, make sure you have this book

The South has all the sun herbs need, however, we have soil that is not naturally conducive to the health of these wonderful plants. The authors have been growing most herbs for many years, and have created a book that addresses all the dilemmas that we face here in the South. If you love herbs and want to be successful with them, do yourself a favor and have this beautiful guide handy at all times. The authors show the gardener how to prepare the variety of soils that can be found in our region. It is essential that herb growers follow these procedures. Don't try to cut corners with this issue. The book illustrates and describes the necessary conditions for a huge selection of herbs. They point out very important information about what to do and what not to do. Since they are so wonderful, don't do things that the herbs won't like! A nice selection of herb gardens are displayed beautifully. The gardner may want to try the variety of knot gardens or a less formal approach. The authors give us a wonderful feast to choose from. There is a wonderful selection for drying and preserving, crafts and decorating, oils and recipes. A lovely book that offers gardners of the South a guaranteed opportunity to relish a beautiful herb garden and the delectable gifts it has to offer us!

A "Must Have" For Any Herb Grower In The South

This book has been my learning tool for years! I've lived in the upper south and the lower south. The info in this book applies to both! I recently met the authors and heard them speak about herbs. They also cooked with herbs and let us try the fare. They really know their subject!

Essential for herb gardening in the South

Breaks the topic down into designing your garden, fixing common problems before you start, recipes, and types of plants to grow in the South. More important, it lists plants NOT to grow in the South, or to try with caution.Culture requirements are detailed, and this to me is the true value of the book.