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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 02 2017 : 09:15:44 AM
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Angie - I know this is late coming, I apologize. Just wanted to let you know that although I do not use essential oils, I do use freshly cut mint. Basically, I trim down the plants (that is, if friends and neighbors and passers-by don't get to it first!), and lay the cuttings down around my plants - stems, leaves, flowers and all. Not only does it deter bugs (they don't like it at all), but it's a great mulch and really seems to nourish the soil as it decays. Plus, because we grow it ourselves, it's a renewable resource. By trimming the plants, you're encouraging more growth. We usually get several new shoots for each cut we make! I love it!
If you don't grow mint yet, I highly recommend it; but please know it can take over your entire garden. Many times people recommend planting it in pots in the ground to prevent it from spreading. But since we use so much of it (dried, fresh, or in the garden), and since so many people in our lives love it, we have it growing in between and all around our lilacs (which seem to love it!), and then the garden bed is surrounded by a recycled brick border. That really does the trick.
Hope this helps!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Essential oils and the garden
