Q: How do I know if and when I should water my herb garden?
Martha: I never water my herb garden unless we don't get rain in 2 monhts!  Your plants will develop a strong, deep root system down to where there is water all by themselves.  If you are a perpetual watering person, your plants become dependent on it and your water.  They form shallow roots that spread out laterally just under the surface.  If you stop, they don't do well in a big wind storm or  summer thunder storm.

Q: What edible flowers can I grow to use in salads and to add color to the garden?
Martha: I have a few favorites that I like to grow that add color and texture to the landscape.  Calendula is a bright daisy-like flower in color ranging from light yellow to bright, deep orange.  If allowed they self sow well, so no need to plant them each year.  A perennial favorite is bee balm or Monardo.  This lovely, tall, fragrant plant comes in shades of purple. red and blue.  I also use this plants' leaves and flowers in my tea mixtures.

Nasturtiums can easily be grown from seed in the garden or in a container.  their peppery tasting leaves and flowers add a great accent to a salad.  Other edible flowers include lavender, viola, johnny jump ups, roses, cilantro and chamomile.  A work of caution, do not ever eat a plant or flower you aren't absolutely sure of!

Q: What part of the chamomile plant do you make tea out of?
Martha: There are two kinds of chamomile, German and Roman.  German chamomile, the annual plant grows to about 2 feet and the white daisy-like flowers are what tea is made out of.  Simply pick the small delicate flowers and either dry them or use them fresh for tea.

Keep your questions coming, we love to answer them.
Happy Gardening!!