I was going to ask these of Rosehaven, but due to email restrictions owl have to ask here. Anyone is free to respond of course with whatever knowledge, experience, or suggestions you might have.

I have a lot of lemon balm growing in my front yard. Can I bring that in over the winter? If so, what's the best way to bring it in?

The plants seem quit large to be digging up roots. The tops seem to be far healther than the bottoms also during this fall season. So I was thinking about bringing in cuttins and seeing if I can get to them to root.

So my main question is with how to best get cuttings to root?

Should I go out and buy some Rootone?

Does anyone have any recipes, potions or suggestings for getting cuttings to root? Do some herbs root better than others from cuttings?

What's the chances of getting Lemon Balm to root indoors under fluorescent grow lights?

Should I start it in water first, and then put it into soil after roots form?

So many questions. So much lemon balm!

Also, since I have so much of it, can I bring it in and dry it for later use? Any suggestions on dehydration methods? Will just hanging cuttings from a hook on the kitchen ceiling work? Or should I force dry in the sun, or some other means?

Does lemon balm dehydrate well?

Would freezing be a better option? I do have a large freezer.

Oh goodie! An herbalism thread!

That's a lot of lemon balm you got there, Abra.

I couldn't grow anything on my patio in my last apartment because the patio faced west and everything fried in the afternoon sun. But, now I have a south facing patio and this spring I will be planting. Although, I have this overwhelming urge to go buy a basil plant for my kitchen now. Weird.

Always listen to the plant spirits! If you have an overwhelming urge to get or use a plant do it! Its purpose will reveal itself soon enough. As for Abra's lemon balm;you can hang bunches from the ceiling in a dry,well ventilated area for 4 weeks then store in an airtight container. Use in teas for sleep and or relaxation.You can keep lemon balm in the ground thru winter if you cover well and cut back to about 5in. we get 2-3 cuttings thruout the season but plants after the 3rd year get too woody and need to be replaced. You need to find off shoots or runners of small plants and can bring those in roots and all to try under a grow light. Lemon balm does best in partial sun,it does not like the full noon sun so be careful or it will burn. It also likes moist,rich soil best.

Okay, I will take your advice and get one.

So, I went to the store because I needed a few things for my ritual tonight. It has been a very long time since I have done a full blown ritual by myself. The last one was Samhain and that was at a friend's house so I didn't have to bring any supplies.

Anyway, I thought I would check and see if they had any basil seeds or plants, but not really expecting any of the stores to have them since it's fall. And, sure enough, the gardening section was bare. Actually, non-existent. On a whim, I decide to check out the $1 aisle for Halloween stuff. There, in a basket, are little starter kits for various plants and flowers including..........you guessed it, basil. Right smack in the middle of the Halloween stuff. I've never seen anything so bizarre in my life.

So, I got one for basil and one for lavendar.

The universe always answers our desires!!

If you need fresh herb now you can check your local farmer's market and get "clearance" plants cheap. In a pinch Chia Herb gardens will grow nicely in the winter months. Also check your local supermarkets,sometimes they sell potted herbs in the floral or produce sections. If all else fails I order dry herb from Mountain Rose Herbals or Sage Mountain Herbals.Both are online.

I was looking into the magickal meaning of basil and it is primarily for protection,repelling negative energy,anti-sorcery,exorcism. It is also very powerful in love spells and drawing in money. Sooo,make a wonderful meal with fresh basil like pasta and a garden primavera sauce to win over that special someone. Once you have accomplished that keep those basil laced dishes coming to keep away your new mother in law! Sorry,just a little witchy humor!

cool.

So does it do well in the shade?

Can I plant it all through my woods to keep the mother in law away permanently.

That's where I get most of my dried herbs from. I have always really liked them.



I looked into to it, too, since I was feeling such a strong need to get a plant. I've used it in prosperity spells, but didn't realize it was a protection herb as well.

Well, whatever the reason, I've got the seeds planted and I feel better already.