So 2024 has rolled around and we are already halfway through January. Our New Year’s
resolutions: exercise more, eat healthier, lose a few pounds and go green have been made
and we are wondering how to achieve them. I have one amazing solution for all of the above…
Start growing your herbs! Grow them in pots, old tires, herb boxes or directly in the ground
but get outside in the garden and grow.
The time is perfect right now to plant new seeds like Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Dill, Rocket and
Parsley and cuttings from Rosemary. By the time the seedlings are mature the weather will have
cooled and the plants will be nice and healthy and may even go through winter if protected.
This month we are working with the letter D, so I thought of Dandelions, Dill and Dianthus. All
herbs packed with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins.
Let’s start with the humble Dandelion, it gets its name from the French “dent de lion” or lion’s
teeth because of the jagged leaves. They are very tough little plants with bright yellow
flowers coming up in the middle of our lawns. They are wonderful for bees and butterflies so we
should be leaving them in our lawns. The leaves, flowers and roots can be used to make teas
and tinctures. Dandelions are good diuretics and are full of potassium, beta- carotene and
vitamins. They help to lower blood pressure, control cholesterol, lower inflammation, and
improve liver health. The young leaves and flowers are delicious in salads.

Dill, a delicate herb used in salads, pickling, fish and chicken dishes. From the celery family, the
leaves and seeds have a slight aniseed flavor. Health benefits are many, including lowering
high blood pressure, and anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and anti-asthmatic properties. Dill has been
used for centuries to help relieve coughs and phlegm.

Recipe
Salmon or Tuna Nicoise salad with Dill
Ingredients:
700g baby potatoes with skins.
1 punnet green beans.
1 punnet baby tomatoes.
4 eggs
Fresh Tuna or salmon steamed and flaked, you can use tinned if you like, use enough for 4
people.
¼ cup olive oil.
Juice of 1 lemon.
2 tsp of Dijon mustard.
1 pkt of calamata olives.
4 fronds of Dill chopped roughly.
Method:
Boil potatoes till tender and halve, boil green beans lightly so still crisp( boil for 2 to 3 mins then
place in ice water). Boil eggs for 7 mins, run under cold water and peel and halve. Rinse baby
tomatoes and halve. Mix olive oil, lemon juice and mustard. Place potatoes, green
beans, eggs and tomatoes on a large serving plate, arrange olives on top, then the Dill. Drizzle
the dressing over the top and serve.

Lastly, we have Dianthus, also called Pinks, Sweet Williams or baby Carnations
A pretty, perennial, edible flower. They can be grown in semi-shade or full sun and will happily
go through winter in a protected corner. They can last up to 6 years in a pot or your garden. The
flowers can be used in tea for respiratory relief and to clear congestion. Also great for blood
circulation. They make an attractive garnish on your salads or as a decoration for cakes.

Now a few words from Ginger Biscuit
who says it’s time to plant some pet grass, you can buy a packet of seeds from your local
nursery or hardware store. Grow the seeds, as per instructions, in a nice container your dog or
your cat can eat from easily and within 30 to 40 days your grass will be strong enough for them
to nibble. The grass helps your pets digest their meals more easily and stops them from munching on
Mommy’s and Daddy’s plants.