Farm Fresh Living suggests, “When planting herbs either from seed or from established plugs and plants, always start with soil that has been amended with organic matter. For container plantings do not use garden soil as it is too heavy and will not drain properly, instead use a good quality organic potting soil that contains perilite for drainage. If you are growing herbs from seed, always use certified organic herb seed whenever possible. Certified organic herb seeds are not anymore expensive than standard herb seeds but are much healthier for you and for the environment.”

Here are a few of their basic tips for successfully growing organic herbs:

• Most herbs will grow well with the same sunlight (6-8 hours), fertility, soil, growing conditions, and cultural techniques required by vegetables grown in hardy gardens.
• The soil should not be extremely acid or alkaline; a soil nearly neutral is best for most herbs. A pH reading between 6.5 and 7.0 produces the best herbs.
• Most herbs do not require a highly fertile soil. Highly fertile soils tend to produce excessive foliage that is poor in flavor.
• Herbs grow best when soils have adequate organic matter. Add new organic matter every year to your herb beds
• Growing herbs in raised beds is an easy way to correct soil and drainage problems.
• Mints can be invasive; grow mints either in pots or in segregated areas of the garden.
• Herbs make great container plants and can be added into container plantings with annuals such as violas and verbena for added splashes of color.
• Grow herbs in a location that is convenient to harvest the herbs on a regular basis.

Happy Planting!

Youth Impact, a nonprofit agency that provides mentoring for kids in Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties, is having their 2nd Annual Recycled Art and Wine event at the Grand Ballroom in Salem.

Youth Impact’s mission is to engage youth in programs that educate, motivate and empower participants to create a positive life for themselves. To provide youth with the skills, education, guidance and support they need to pursue opportunities to build a better future.

Join us for an evening of wine tasting, jazz, and an art display of recycled art created by local youth. View and bid on the art while enjoying music, hor d’ouevres and wine tasting. The event will be Thursday, June 4th, 2009.  A beautiful evening of youth created art, delicious local wines and local musicians.  Tickets will are on sale now.

Date: June 5, 2009

Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Grand Ballroom at 187 High St NE Salem,Or 97301

Link: http://www.youthimpactmentors.com/

Price: Adults $25

For more information on Youth Impacts programs and services click here.

Still, buying local means you’re reducing your food miles (the distance and energy it takes to ship the food to your plate). You’re also helping to support small family farms and your local economy.

1.) Blueberries – South America is the main source during the winter months.

2.) Grapes – Coming from Chile and South America from December to April and from Mexico during April and May.

3.) Peaches – From November through spring peaches come from all over the globe; including Argentina and Thailand.

4.) Asparagus – During colder months they come from Peru and in the spring from Mexico.

5.) Canned Fruits and Veggies – Canned mandarin oranges are from China, canned pinapple is often from Thailand and Costa Rica, and canned asparagus is likely from Peru.

For the complete article Food Mile Secrets Revealed from MSN click here!