Stones River Market
Murfreesboro, TN

Organic coconut oil, sunflower oil, fresh goat milk, lye, shea butter, castor oil This complex, floral scent is sure to leave you begging for more.  Rose, lavender, patchouli, and vanilla combine to create this intoxicating aroma.  Be careful though.  This soap has been known to cause otherwise mild mannered folks to let loose with a full-throated Robert Plant impersonation.  
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Organic coconut oil, sunflower oil, fresh goat milk, lye, shea butter, castor oil This complex, floral scent is sure to ... more

Similar to my Sour Cherry Jam but using wonderful purple grapes. Limited supply until fall.

Grown on our own property, these concord and muscadine grapes were fresh off the vine and the passion fruit was freshly harvested from a vine near our property. A hint of rosemary, because it has to have an herb, makes for a little twist on yummy. You will be glad you tried it.
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Grown on our own property, these concord and muscadine grapes were fresh off the vine and the passion fruit was ... more

We now have delicious whole lamb legs available! Our lambs are raised on pasture with their moms for 6-8 months. We do not feed them grain or medicate them. They are naturally grown on mom's milk and fresh grass.
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We now have delicious whole lamb legs available! Our lambs are raised on pasture with their moms for 6-8 months. ... more

Grass fed fillet, approximately.45lbs - .56lbs per package

85/15 blend Grass fed All natural
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85/15 blend Grass fed All natural more

Delicious ground lamb meat now available! We grow our lambs out on the pasture with moms for 6-8 months. Never grain fed or medicated, only mom's milk and grass.
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Delicious ground lamb meat now available! We grow our lambs out on the pasture with moms for 6-8 months. Never ... more

We now have delicious lamb arm chops available! This cut is from the animal's upper arm, and is similar to a thin steak. Each pack contains two chops. Our lambs are raised on pasture with their moms for 6-8 months. We do not feed them grain or medicate them. They are naturally grown on mom's milk and fresh grass.
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We now have delicious lamb arm chops available! This cut is from the animal's upper arm, and is similar to ... more

We now have delicious lamb blade chops available! This cut is from the animals shoulder, and is very tender. Each pack contains two chops. Our lambs are raised on pasture with their moms for 6-8 months. We do not feed them grain or medicate them. They are naturally grown on mom's milk and fresh grass.
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We now have delicious lamb blade chops available! This cut is from the animals shoulder, and is very tender. Each ... more

We now have delicious lamb loin chops available! This is the choicest cut on the animal, and comes from thew back. Each package contains 4 small chops. Our lambs are raised on pasture with their moms for 6-8 months. We do not feed them grain or medicate them. They are naturally grown on mom's milk and fresh grass.
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We now have delicious lamb loin chops available! This is the choicest cut on the animal, and comes from thew ... more

We now have delicious lamb loin chops available! This is the choicest cut on the animal, from the back. Each package contains 4 small chops. Our lambs are raised on pasture with their moms for 6-8 months. We do not feed them grain or medicate them. They are naturally grown on mom's milk and fresh grass.
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We now have delicious lamb loin chops available! This is the choicest cut on the animal, from the back. Each ... more

We now have delicious lamb available! This cut of meat is a radial cut of the animal's neck. It is great for soups, or pan-fried. Our lambs are raised on pasture with their moms for 6-8 months. We do not feed them grain or medicate them. They are naturally grown on mom's milk and fresh grass.
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We now have delicious lamb available! This cut of meat is a radial cut of the animal's neck. It is ... more

We now have delicious lamb available! This cut of meat is a radial cut of the animal's neck. It is great for soups, or pan-fried. Our lambs are raised on pasture with their moms for 6-8 months. We do not feed them grain or medicate them. They are naturally grown on mom's milk and fresh grass.
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We now have delicious lamb available! This cut of meat is a radial cut of the animal's neck. It is ... more

We now have delicious lamb sirloin chops available! This cut is from the animal's leg, and is incredibly tender and delicious. Each pack contains two chops. Our lambs are raised on pasture with their moms for 6-8 months. We do not feed them grain or medicate them. They are naturally grown on mom's milk and fresh grass.
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We now have delicious lamb sirloin chops available! This cut is from the animal's leg, and is incredibly tender and ... more

We now have delicious lamb roast available! Our lambs are raised on pasture with their moms for 6-8 months. We do not feed them grain or medicate them. They are naturally grown on mom's milk and fresh grass.
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We now have delicious lamb roast available! Our lambs are raised on pasture with their moms for 6-8 months. We ... more

We now have delicious lamb sirloin chops available! This cut is from the animal's leg, and is incredibly tender and delicious. Each pack contains two chops. Our lambs are raised on pasture with their moms for 6-8 months. We do not feed them grain or medicate them. They are naturally grown on mom's milk and fresh grass.
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We now have delicious lamb sirloin chops available! This cut is from the animal's leg, and is incredibly tender and ... more

We now have delicious lamb rack available! Our lambs are raised on pasture with their moms for 6-8 months. We do not feed them grain or medicate them. They are naturally grown on mom's milk and fresh grass.
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We now have delicious lamb rack available! Our lambs are raised on pasture with their moms for 6-8 months. We ... more

We now have delicious whole lamb legs available! Our lambs are raised on pasture with their moms for 6-8 months. We do not feed them grain or medicate them. They are naturally grown on mom's milk and fresh grass.
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We now have delicious whole lamb legs available! Our lambs are raised on pasture with their moms for 6-8 months. ... more

Our green cabbage is never sprayed with pesticides and is so delicious! We use it for cabbage wraps, stir fries, sauerkraut, and coleslaw! These cabbage heads have small-medium heads.
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Our green cabbage is never sprayed with pesticides and is so delicious! We use it for cabbage wraps, stir fries, ... more

1st of the year green cabbage
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1st of the year green cabbage more

Linwood Ground Lamb is a diverse product. Ground lamb offers a long list of possibilities for quick and easy weeknight dinners: meatballs, burgers and sliders, shepherd’s pie, and meatloaf. Add aromatic seasonings to impart delicious flavor and variety to any meal made with ground lamb.
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Linwood Ground Lamb is a diverse product. Ground lamb offers a long list of possibilities for quick and easy weeknight ... more

Ground Pork Approx. 1LB Per Package
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Ground Pork Approx. 1LB Per Package more

USDA, non-GMO: Ground Pork in a 1-pound package. From outdoor-free-range, heritage breed pigs raised on non-GMO, non-corn, non-soy feed and fresh produce. No antibiotics, hormones, or animal by-products. Comes frozen and unseasoned. USDA inspected.
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USDA, non-GMO: Ground Pork in a 1-pound package. From outdoor-free-range, heritage breed pigs raised on non-GMO, non-corn, non-soy feed and ... more

A popular pan-fired green tea, gunpowder green has a slightly baked, crisp, and vegetal green flavor. Gunpowder green, called zhu cha (pearl tea) in China, is preferred by many who have switched from coffee to green tea for health benefits. Steep for 2-3 minutes depending on desired strength. Add honey or your choice of sweetener, or none at all. Make a quart or more of tea and drink throughout the day or over several days. Drink hot, at room temperature, or iced. Avoid boiling the water with the tea leaves in it. Consider using a French press or easy to clean loose tea device (like those we offer in brewing accessories). Full of antioxidants, tea has been proven to lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.  Many people drink tea for its ability to assist with weight loss.
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A popular pan-fired green tea, gunpowder green has a slightly baked, crisp, and vegetal green flavor. Gunpowder green, called zhu cha (pearl ... more

Pork Ham Hocks Approx. 2LBS 1 Ham Hock Per Package
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Pork Ham Hocks Approx. 2LBS 1 Ham Hock Per Package more

Head throbbing — too much noise? Try this combination of lemon balm, fever few, and lavender to reduce stress, mute your headache, and limit anxiety and insomnia. Lemon Balm has been used to reduce stress and anxiety, and. to treat indigestion and nausea. Feverfew has been used for the prevention and treatment of migraine headaches. fever, irregular menstrual periods, arthritis, allergies, asthma, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Lavender has been used to treat anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and skin irritations. Steep for 10-20 minutes depending on desired strength. Make a pint or quart of tea and drink 1/4 cup every 30 minutes until headache is gone, up to 4 cups daily. Drink hot, at room temperature, or iced. Avoid boiling the water while the herbs are present. Consider using a French press or easy to clean loose tea device (like those we offer in brewing accessories).
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Head throbbing — too much noise? Try this combination of lemon balm, fever few, and lavender to reduce stress, mute ... more

Hawthor and Hibiscus come together to help lower the blood pressure and Milky Oats is a calming nervine to help it all out. Contains alcohol Those on blood pressure medicines need to be careful that does not bring the pressure dangerously low. People with low blood pressure should not use this product
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Hawthor and Hibiscus come together to help lower the blood pressure and Milky Oats is a calming nervine to help ... more

Celebrate Valentines Day with the birds! Measuring 4"L x 3"W x 1 1/2"H, this freshly made ornament is made with wholesome ingredients that leave no mess behind. No fillers added! It comes with twine for hanging. Show a little love to the bird lover in your life on this special holiday.
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Celebrate Valentines Day with the birds! Measuring 4"L x 3"W x 1 1/2"H, this freshly made ornament is made with ... more

Heirloom tommy toe tomatoes
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Heirloom tommy toe tomatoes more

Nepeta cataria attracts pet cats, and causes them to rub on the plant, roll on the ground, drool, be sleepy or anxious, or consume much of the plant. Catnip has a history of human medicinal use for its soothing properties. It has also been known to have a slightly numbing effect. The plant has been consumed as a tea, juice, tincture, infusion or poultice. Nepetalactone is a mosquito and fly repellent. Catnip oil is a repellent against mosquitoes, cockroaches and termites.
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Nepeta cataria attracts pet cats, and causes them to rub on the plant, roll on the ground, drool, be sleepy ... more

Chives belong to the same family as onion, leeks and garlic. They are a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial growing to about 10-12 inches tall. They grow in clumps from underground bulbs and produce round, hollow leaves that are much finer than onion. In mid-summer, they produce round, pink flowers similar in appearance to clover. Chives prefer a full sun location and are tolerant of a wide variety of soils but will grow best in soils that are high in organic matter. Chives are most commonly propagated by dividing the clumps in early spring. Clumps should contain about 4-6 bulbs. Plants that are harvested frequently benefit from supplemental fertilizer during the season. Chives can self-sow and overtake a garden unless flowers are removed before they fade. Chives also make attractive edging in the perennial border and flowers can be cut for arrangements.
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Chives belong to the same family as onion, leeks and garlic. They are a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial growing to about ... more

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), considered a "calming" herb, is a member of the mint family. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, & improve appetite. Nowadays it is used extensively as a mosquito repellant and to attract bees. Chewing a leaf will freshen your breath, or you can soothe a bug bite by placing a leaf of lemon balm on it. It's delicious sprinkled on fruit salad, mixed into muffins, or made into tea. Use it to flavor water or butter. Vigorous grower with scent of lemon.
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Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), considered a "calming" herb, is a member of the mint family. It was used as far ... more

Lovage, Levisticum officinale, has been long cultivated in Europe, the leaves being used as a herb, the roots as a vegetable, and the seeds as a spice, especially in southern European cuisine. This herb is native to western Asia, parts of the Middle East, and the Mediterranean region. It has been cultivated around the globe for centuries, and has naturalized in some areas of North America and most of Europe. Packed with vitamin C and various B-complex vitamins, it also contains quercetin, a plant pigment with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. The entire plant is edible, from root to tip, and it has a bright, fresh flavor that tastes a bit like citrusy celery. It’s also hardy, fuss-free, and reseeds readily without becoming invasive. The dark green, frilly leaves make an impressive showing in the garden on plants that can reach six feet tall at maturity. The bright yellow flowers are marvelously fragrant in July. It’s purported to have some powerful medicinal qualities, as well. Its een used as a diuretic, a stimulant, an anti-inflammatory, to regulate menstrual cycles, and as a treatment for jaundice. It is often made into infusions, tinctures, and essential oils, as well as lozenges and vinegars. It’s also been used cosmetically, and a tincture or salve made from the leaves can be applied to the skin to soothe rashes and psoriasis, and help to clear up acne. Sponsored by Marshalls Fabulous Brands. Feel good prices. Make everyday Extra with Marshalls. Shop now at Marshalls.com. LEARN MORE A close up of lovage growing in a container with a variety of other herbs on a soft focus background. There have been a few studies that support the claim that lovage can act as a diuretic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory agent. Because it appears to have some diuretic properties, anyone with heart or kidney problems, or pregnant or lactating women, shouldn’t ingest it. There’s also some question about whether consuming the plant can raise blood pressure by impacting sodium levels in the body, so exercise caution. It can also interact with diuretic medications like Lasix and Diuril, causing individuals who take these to lose too much body fluid, and it may interact with anticoagulants. Consult with your doctor if you’re on any of these medications and plan to add lovage to your diet or herbal treatment plan. Consuming or using lovage on the skin can sometimes cause photodermatitis, a condition that increases light sensitivity, resulting in an inflammatory skin condition. A Note of Caution: Lovage should not be taken medicinally during pregnancy or those who take diuretics or other prescription medications. Always consult with a medical professional or trained herbalist before beginning any herbal treatment. It is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Propagation Lovage may be propagated by planting seeds or through root division. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to find plants at your local nursery, though I’ve had some luck now and then. By Seed Direct-sow lovage seeds outdoors once soil temperatures are above 60°F. Sprinkle the seeds on prepared soil and lightly cover them with sand. Alternatively, start seeds indoors 5-6 weeks before the last frost. Place seeds on top of fresh seed starting mix and cover lightly with sand. Maintain even moisture, but don’t allow soil to become waterlogged. Keep in mind that saved seeds can suffer from low germination rates, and they can take up to 20 days to emerge. Only use fresh seeds that are under a year old, as they don’t store well. Seedlings and Transplants When your seedlings have at least 2 sets of true leaves – or if you have purchased nursery starts – and all risk of frost has passed, you can transplant them into the garden. Work in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure to your soil, and dig a hole the size of the root ball. Tamp the soil down and water in well. Root Division You can also propagate lovage through root division. In the spring, after the plant has grown to about a foot tall, dig it up. To be sure that you’re getting enough of the roots, dig down a foot deep and dig out as wide as the plant’s crown. Lovage has a large and vigorous root system, with taproots up to 35 inches long. While you don’t need to dig up the entire thing, you do want to get enough of the roots for the plant to thrive after it’s replanted. I’ve had success so long as I’m able to keep at least half of the root structure intact. Shake off any excess soil and carefully divide the crown and roots into two sections, using a garden spade, hori-hori knife, or a pair of trimmers. Remove any dead roots or branches from the plant, and then replant one half back where it was. Plant the other half in prepared soil in its new location. How to Grow Plant lovage in a part to full sun location. It does best in full sun, but it can tolerate a few hours of shade during the day, particularly in warmer growing zones. A close up of the foliage of Levisticum officinale growing in the garden, pictured in bright sunshine on a soft focus background. The soil should be well-drained with a slightly acidic pH of around 6.5. It prefers sandy, loamy soil. Add plenty of organic matter when planting – unlike other Mediterranean herbs, it likes rich earth. Keep the soil moist to the touch at all times, but not wet. If the soil dries out, the leaves tend to get bitter. Add an inch or two of leaf mold, peat moss, or grass clippings as a mulch to help retain water. Space plants 18 inches apart. They reach maturity 85-95 days after planting. You can grow lovage in containers, but keep in mind that with its large root system, you’ll need a fairly large pot, at least 12 inches deep and wide. I get around the problem by growing lovage in my potted tree containers. That way, they have plenty of room, with the added bonus of getting a little shade in the heat of the day. A vertical close up picture of a young Levisticum officinale plant, growing in a container, with a blue wall in the background in soft focus. Photo by Kristine Lofgren. The plants themselves don’t need protection from the sun, but I found that doing this when I lived in a hot desert climate helped to keep the soil moist, so the flavor of the leaves didn’t turn bitter. When I get desperate for the flavor of lovage in the winter, I’ll succession plant. Start seeds every few weeks indoors in 8-inch pots, and harvest all the leaves when the plant is about a month old. Lovage gets too large to grow indoors permanently, but it grows quickly enough that you can get a small harvest every few weeks by succession planting. While you don’t have to prune lovage, particularly if you’re harvesting the leaves regularly, it won’t hurt to trim large plants a bit to maintain the shape and size. To do this, take some sharp pruners and cut the stems back to a spot just above a leaf node. To keep the plant healthy, don’t take more than half of the leaves at a time. If you are not harvesting regularly, you should prune once in the middle of the growing season to help promote air circulation and to remove any dead or damaged portions. A close up of two hands from the left of the frame harvesting Levisticum officinale greens and stalks in light sunshine on a soft focus background. If the plant bolts and starts to develop a flower stalk, cut this off unless you want the plant to flower and set seed. Lovage tends to get scraggly looking after it bolts, and the leaves can be unpleasantly bitter. Companion plant L. officinale with tubers like potatoes. Also keep in mind that lovage flowers attract beneficial parasitic wasps and tachinid flies to the garden, which may help you to battle caterpillars that damage crops. Growing Tips Grow in full to part sun Plant in rich, well-drained soil Keep moist but not wet Where to Buy If you want to get a jump start on the growing season, you can buy seedlings to transplant into your garden. A close up of the leaves of Levisticum officinale on a soft focus background. Lovage 3 Seedlings You can find a set of 3 plants available at Burpee. Or, if you prefer to start your own plants from seed, you can buy a half-ounce packet or a one-pound bag of seeds from True Leaf Market. Managing Pests and Disease Lovage is generally fortunate to not be bothered much by pests and disease. That doesn’t mean it’s immune, however. There are a few things to watch out for. Insects The main insect pests to be aware of are: Aphids Aphids can attack lovage plants (and a ton of other plants in the garden, as well). If you see tiny little green, brown, yellow, black, gray, or pink, soft-bodied, wingless insects on your plants, you may have an infestation. A close up of aphids on a green leaf showing a large adult and a number of immature insects. If you have ants on your lovage plants, this can also be an indicator that you have aphids, because they like to munch on the honeydew that aphids leave behind. Aphids suck the juices out of plants, so you may see stunted, yellowing, curling, or misshapen leaves. You may also see black mold that grows in the sugary honeydew. Even if they don’t harm your plant, they can spread disease, so you don’t want them around. The first line of attack is to regularly spray your plant with a blast of water from the hose to knock them loose. After that, you can try dusting your plant with diatomaceous earth to kill off any lingering aphids. If things are still looking bad and you can’t get rid of them, use neem oil or spray plants with a mix of 1 part dish soap to 5 parts water. Spray either neem oil or soapy water every few days for 2 weeks. See this guide to learn more about managing aphids in your garden. Leaf Miners Leaf miners chew tunnels into the leaves of plants, and this can cause some serious damage. You’ll know that you have them if you see telltale squiggly tunnels that look kind of like a maze on your plant leaves. The miners themselves are tiny little worms – the larvae of small flies – and they are difficult to observe. So the best way to know if you have this pest is to look for the tunnels. You can control leaf miners by spraying neem oil on plants starting in the early spring and continuing through summer. You can also purchase Diglyphus isaea wasps to battle leaf miners. A close up of a beneficial wasp, Diglyphus isaea, on a white background. Diglyphus isaea Live Beneficial Wasps These beneficial insects are available from Arbico Organics. I personally find the most effective method is to crush the leaves along the miner trails between my fingers, or to clip damaged leaves off of my plants and dispose of them. If you decide to go the pesticide route, you’ll need to figure out the right time to spray. Grab a few infected leaves and put them in a sealed, clear bag. Once the flies emerge, start spraying your plant every day for a week. Use a spinosad spray or a spray that contains Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Keep in mind that if you use a chemical pesticide or neem oil, you risk killing off the beneficial bugs as well. For more information, read our guide on leaf miner control. Parsley Worms The parsley worm, Papilio polyxenes, is a pest that eats plants in the parsley family, as its name implies. This worm is the larvae of the beautiful swallowtail butterfly. The larvae are actually pretty attractive as far as pests go, with bright green, yellow, and black stripes along their two-inch-long bodies. You’ll likely spot this colorful worm before you start to notice the damage to your plants, but keep an eye out for missing or nibbled-on leaves and frass as well, indicators that you have an infestation. Parsley worms aren’t all bad. The swallowtail butterfly is a pollinator of native plants, and some people plant parsley and dill to attract them. For this reason, I advocate using cautious measures to get rid of the larvae. A close up of a black, yellow, and green caterpillar on the stem of a plant pictured on a soft focus background. Handpick any worms that you spot and relocate them if you can, rather than disposing of them. Planting a “trap crop” – a few dill plants, perhaps – for the larvae to feed on, and bringing the worms over to this plant when you find them on your food crops, is a workable solution that will help to maintain pollinator populations. Use floating row covers in the late spring to prevent the adult butterflies from landing on your plants and laying their eggs. If you really can’t stand having them on your plants, use a spray that contains Bt. Tarnished Plant Bug The tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris, is an ugly little beetle (if you ask me!) with yellowish-brown spots and black lines on its backs and legs. They’re about a fourth of an inch long as adults, and have long legs and antennae. A close up of a tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris feeding on the foliage of a plant, on a soft focus background. Not only does it use its needle-like mouthparts to puncture plants, it spreads disease as well. If you have an infestation of this bug, your plant will likely have distorted, yellowed leaves and growth can be stunted. Plants may fail to form flowers, as well. It’s important to keep weeds like goldenrod, vetch, wild carrot, clover, and dock away from your lovage, because they are host plants preferred by this insect. Beyond that, you can cover plants with floating row covers and place white sticky traps around the garden two feet above the ground. Disease This herb is mostly untroubled by disease, but there are a couple that can cause problems. Early Blight Early blight is a fungal disease caused by Alternaria solani. If you see circular brown spots on the leaves and stems of your plants, either with or without yellow halos around them, it could be early blight. You can remove infected branches and spray plants with a copper-based fungicide to try to control it, but prevention is best. To prevent this infection, rotate crops regularly and give your plants plenty of space. Prune them regularly to improve air circulation. Also, be cautious about adding too much mulch to the soil, as this can cause it to become waterlogged. Leaf Spot Leaf spot may be caused by a variety of different types of bacteria and fungi. You’ll know you have it if you see black water-soaked spots on leaves. Left uncontrolled, the spots will merge together, and entire leaves can turn yellow and drop. The pathogens that cause leaf spot prefer warm temperatures and lots of moisture. Wind and water can transmit the bacteria and fungi between plants, and they can overwinter in garden debris and soil. That’s why it’s important to keep your garden clean. Rake up any plant debris, and add a layer of mulch to prevent water from splashing up onto your plants. Water at the base of plants and avoid overhead irrigation. There is no cure, but a mix of 1 part baking soda, 3 parts vegetable oil, and 1 part liquid soap, added to a gallon of water and sprayed on plants, can help to slow its progression. Harvesting In the first year, only harvest the leaves of your plant. In the second year, you can start to harvest the stalks and roots. If you plan to harvest the entire plant, roots and all, do it in October when the plant has reached its full size. A close up of a hand from the right of the frame harvesting Levisticum officinale stems and leaves with a garden scene in soft focus in the background. Young leaves taste best. Harvest them in the morning, after the dew has dried. Take leaves from the outside of the plant first. New growth will resprout from locations where you harvest. Don’t wash the leaves until you’re ready to use them, as it can cause them to rot. Fresh leaves can be kept in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator for up to a week. A close up top down picture of a freshly harvested bunch of Levisticum officinale, set on a white fabric on a wooden surface, with a pair of metal scissors to the bottom of the frame. Photo by Kristine Lofgren. Harvest seeds when the seed heads turn brown. Snip off entire heads and put them in a paper bag to dry. Once they’re dry, roll the seed heads in your hands to remove the brown casings. Harvest the roots by digging them up with a garden fork. Brush the dirt off, but don’t wash them immediately. You can store them in the refrigerator for several weeks before using. Preserving You can preserve lovage roots by washing the roots, slicing them thin, and drying the pieces in a food dehydrator at its lowest setting or in the oven for 6 to 8 hours. You can also dry the leaves slowly at a low temperature setting, but they don’t retain much of their flavor when dried. If you do choose to dehydrate the leaves, you can grind them for use as a powdered spice. Find more info on drying fresh herbs here. A close up of a freshly harvested lovage on a wooden chopping board with a knife, a small ceramic bowl and glass jars in the background. Preserve the leaves by freezing them. You can do this by blanching them in boiling water for about 30 seconds and then shocking them in cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain, and dry the leaves off on a paper towel then lay them on trays and put them in the freezer. After they have frozen, transfer the leaves to airtight freezer storage bags. The stems can be preserved by pickling. Use a ratio of three parts water to one part vinegar, plus 1 tablespoon of salt per cup of vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, and stir until the salt is dissolved. Remove from the heat and allow the brine to cool. Add a sliced shallot, some pink peppercorns, or celery seeds. Fill a canning jar with the lovage stems, leaving an inch of room at the top. Fill the jar with brine mixture, covering the stalks. Refrigerate and use within 2 months. You can also chop up the stems and freeze them. They’ll be good for up to six months. Recipes and Cooking Ideas When it comes to cooking, you can use the roots of 2-year-old plants, as well as the leaves, stems, and ripe seeds of the plant. Lovage tastes like celery, a bit sweeter with a stronger flavor. It has hints of anise and parsley, too. The leaves are a bit milder than the stems. A close up of a bunch of freshly harvested Levisticum officinale set on a gray surface with an unpeeled onion to the right of the frame. While lots of people recommend using it as a substitute for celery, I find that this herb has a flavor all its own. I’ve even found that celery-hating friends adore lovage. You need to taste it to appreciate the unique flavor. That said, you can use the stems in any recipe where you would typically use celery or celery leaves. You can use the stems in egg salad, potato salad, pasta salad, and omelets. You can even saute them in garlic as a vegetable side dish. Keep in mind that they have a bold taste, so experiment to figure out your preference in terms of how much to add. You can even take your Bloody Marys up a notch and use long, hollow lovage stems as straws. The seeds and any oil extracted from them can be used to make liqueurs, flavored oils, and sweet treats. You can also bake them into bread as you would caraway seed. I like to crush the seeds and mix them with salt to make a seasoning for veggies and meat. Peel and grate the roots over salads or sandwiches, or cook them as you would salsify. You can use the leaves to make a refreshing tea, or add them to salads. They also make an appealing pesto or vegetable dip. Quick Reference Growing Guide Plant Type: Perennial herb Water Needs: High Native to: Western Asia, Middle East, Mediterranean Maintenance: Low Hardiness (USDA Zone): 3-9 Soil Type: Sandy, loamy Season: Spring-fall Soil pH: 6.5-7.0 Exposure: Part to full sun Soil Drainage: Well-draining Time to Maturity: 85-95 days for leaves, 1 year for stems/roots Attracts: Parasitic wasps, swallowtail butterflies, tachinid flies Spacing: 18 inches Companion Planting: Tubers Planting Depth: Surface, cover lightly (seed) Family: Apiaceae Height: 4-6 feet Genus: Levisticum Spread: 32 inches Species:: officinale Common Pests: Aphids, leaf miners, parsley worms, tarnished plant bugs Common Disease: Early blight, leaf spot Give Some Love to This Unusual Herb I’m a huge fan of lovage, not just because of its unique flavor, but also because I’m a sucker for a plant that doesn’t need constant maintenance. I also appreciate that it attracts some beneficial insects, and I’ve noticed that I battle fewer caterpillar problems in the areas of my garden where I have lovage plants (with the exception of the occasional visit from a parsley worm).
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Lovage, Levisticum officinale, has been long cultivated in Europe, the leaves being used as a herb, the roots as a ... more

Plant Chocolate Mint in the spring after the last frost, or in the fall 2 to 3 weeks before your first frost and have beautiful well-established, rapidly growing plants come up in the spring! It is easy to grow, & spreads rapidly. Water regularly until well established and provide about a half day of sun. When first frost approaches mulch to protect from the winter weather. The leaves of the Chocolate Mint plant die back in winter, and the plant resprouts early the next spring. It is virtually care-free. This is a very strong mint used for teas, with a smell like a peppermint patty. Add fresh leaves to strawberries for a special treat! It's great dried and added to black tea or used by itself.
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Plant Chocolate Mint in the spring after the last frost, or in the fall 2 to 3 weeks before your ... more

Plant Chocolate Mint in the spring after the last frost, or in the fall 2 to 3 weeks before your first frost and have beautiful well-established, rapidly growing plants come up in the spring! It is easy to grow, & spreads rapidly. Water regularly until well established and provide about a half day of sun. When first frost approaches mulch to protect from the winter weather. The leaves of the Chocolate Mint plant die back in winter, and the plant resprouts early the next spring. It is virtually care-free. This is a very strong mint used for teas, with a smell like a peppermint patty. Add fresh leaves to strawberries for a special treat! It's great dried and added to black tea or used by itself.
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Plant Chocolate Mint in the spring after the last frost, or in the fall 2 to 3 weeks before your ... more

Mentha spicata. Mint Julep is a popular variety of Spearmint with small aromatic leaves smelling much like mint julep. Though this is a wonderful mint variety for culinary and tea purposes, to avoid confusion, it is not the mint most commonly used to make the famous mint julep drink, which is Kentucky Colonel Spearmint. Easy to grow. Perennial zone 4-9.
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Mentha spicata. Mint Julep is a popular variety of Spearmint with small aromatic leaves smelling much like mint julep. Though ... more

Mentha spicata. Mint Julep is a popular variety of Spearmint with small aromatic leaves smelling much like mint julep. Though this is a wonderful mint variety for culinary and tea purposes, to avoid confusion, it is not the mint most commonly used to make the famous mint julep drink, which is Kentucky Colonel Spearmint. Easy to grow. Perennial zone 4-9.
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Mentha spicata. Mint Julep is a popular variety of Spearmint with small aromatic leaves smelling much like mint julep. Though ... more

Monarda citriodora is a member of the mint family. Some other common names for lemon bee balm plants are purple horsemint, lemon mint, plains horsemint, and horsemint. Lemon bee balm is an herbaceous annual native to the central and southern U.S. and northern Mexico. It’s fairly common along roads and in pastures or prairies in these areas. Lemon mint grows to about 30 inches (76 cm.) and produces tight, spike-shaped clusters of lavender flowers. There are several good reasons to grow lemon bee balm plants in your garden. Many gardeners choose this plant for its ability to attract pollinators and for its delightful, lemony aroma. As an herb, it also has some culinary uses. The leaves add a lemon flavor to cooked foods, salads, and teas. They can also be used in potpourri mixes.
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Monarda citriodora is a member of the mint family. Some other common names for lemon bee balm plants are purple ... more

Lime mint is a culinary mint variety with large dark green rounded leaves and tall upright growth habit. It has a citrus-lime scent and flavor. Good tea mint or served with fruit punch, margaritas or other drinks. Easy to grow perennial hardy in zones 4-9.
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Lime mint is a culinary mint variety with large dark green rounded leaves and tall upright growth habit. It has ... more

Lime mint is a culinary mint variety with large dark green rounded leaves and tall upright growth habit. It has a citrus-lime scent and flavor. Good tea mint or served with fruit punch, margaritas or other drinks. Easy to grow perennial hardy in zones 4-9.
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Lime mint is a culinary mint variety with large dark green rounded leaves and tall upright growth habit. It has ... more

This mint has fuzzy leaves with a sweet orange flavor, and green, branching stems tinged with red that reach 2 feet when growing in full sun to part shade. Leaves are round to oval, smooth and dark green with a red edge. White and pink flowers in short spikes bloom from mid to late summer. Very fragrant, citrus-like scent. Orange mint thrives alongside water gardens or in damp spots in the yard, but will also survive in drier soil. Lushest growth occurs in moist soil in partial shade, where you may want to leave it in its pot to help curtail its wandering ways. Crush fresh leaves into water for a refreshing beverage, or add to iced tea or cold drinks. Use fresh leaves in salads or to make mint sauce for fish or lamb. Try making orange mint jelly and orange mint vinegar. Pick leaves frequently. Plants open pink blooms in late summer.
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This mint has fuzzy leaves with a sweet orange flavor, and green, branching stems tinged with red that reach 2 ... more