16 Comments

May I ask - in the photo with many different basil varieties + red shiso - what is that wrinkly, almost-chartreuse one in the middle?

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I never answered you! The is "lettuce leaf Basil". This was the first year I saw it. It was mild and you could actually throw it in a salad. I also used it in other dishes.

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Thank you! Added it to my list!

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Love these three recipes!! Exactly what I want to be eating this week.

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Thanks Sarah! I can't get enough snap peas!

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My entire garden this year has been through seed and I've been doing tons of companion planting. We're finally having the heat wave in Northern California and things are popping. I've planted tons of French marigold and calendula which are pest deterrents and while agree not favorite flowers they are best supporting/defending tomatoes and herbs. My basil seeds are doing amazing. Dill in shade did really well (now just deciding which variety of dill we like best). Cilantro grows quickly too! and nasturtium flowers in a salad are pretty and tasty! Like your approach since we too rely on CSA boxes for fun variety.

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I have no luck with dill or cilantro! Maybe I'll try dill again in the shade!

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By no means do I consider myself to be a gardener, my husband is.....however....have you planted lovage? it is so delicious, must be related to celery and it’s very hardy.

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I have in the past but didn't this year. I've enjoyed it, so thanks for the reminder!

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This is so helpful, Susan!

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Thanks Ali! I assume you have an herb garden?

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Embarrassingly, I do not. I get a ton of basil from my CSA, and my neighbor reliably has chives and sage. But still! I need my own. I am feeling inspired.

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You’ve inspired me! This will be my weekend project. Aside from the lovely fragrance and taste of freshly cut herbs, the cost and quick decay is another reason for me to plant an herb garden. Many thanks!

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Agreed! I hate throwing away spoiled herbs! Let me know how it goes!

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Thanks for the great article and recipes. I can’t wait to try them. I love the suggestion of positioning a marigold adjacent to our basil plant. I’m definitely doing this.

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Of course! Good luck!

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