Western Outdoor Aquatics
Garden
Organica is your source for organic and natural gardening products. The ingredients in our products come from natural and bio-degradable resources. We never use synthetic chemicals or toxic ingredients. Begin living a green lifestyle today with Organica.
Plant Nutrition Tablets:
Promotes Lush Foliage and Colorful Blooms
Plant Growth Activator Plus:
Stimulates root growth to accelerate plant establishment
Basil Italian Large Leaf Seed (Ocimum - basilicum)
Annual. This large-leaved heirloom Genovese type basil is particularly good for pesto and any dish that calls for fresh basil leaves. Basil has so many uses! It is wonderful in Italian foods, flavored vinegars, wih fish, poultry, rice, and vegetables. It is also easy to grow these 18?-24? tall plants outdoors in containers or in the garden. In a warm, south-facing window, you can even grow it inside during winter! (Harvest often to keep plants compact and encourage new leaf production.) This packet plants one 75-foot row or three successive plantings of 25-foot rows.
When to plant outside: Spring, 1-3 weeks after average last frost date and when soils are warm.
When to start inside: 6-8 weeks before transplanting outside.
Special Germination Instructions: Easy to grow from seed. Must have warm soil temperatures. Wait to plant until nighttime temperatures are above 50 degrees.
Sucessive Plantings Recommended. Every 3 or 4 weeks after initial planting
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Harvesting Basil leaves should be harvested before the plant flowers. The young, top leaves taste the best and should be used fresh. The older leaves may be used for vinegar and pesto. To harvest most of the plant, cut the main stem, leaving at least 3 pairs of leaves near the ground ? plant will regrow and produce additional leaves. (You can prolong the harvest period by pinching off flower buds to maintain flavor.) If there is any chance of temperatures dropping to 32 degrees, harvest crop immediately. The best time to harvest any herb is in the morning, after the dew dries, but before it gets too warm. Alternatively, you could harvest in the early evening.
Basil Napoletano Seed (Ocimum - basilicum)
Annual. Napoletano basil is one of the best varieties available for eating fresh. Sometimes called Lettuce Leaf Basil, its mild, tender, sweet leaves can reach 4”-5” long. The leaves are wide and more crinkled in appearance than other basils and have a mellow, slight anise flavor. It is easy to grow outdoors in containers. In a warm, south-facing window. You can even grow it inside during winter! (Harvest leaves often to keep these 18”-24” plants compact and encourage new leaf production.) This packet plants one 75-foot row or three successive plantings of 25-foot rows.
When to plant outside: Spring, 1-3 weeks after average last frost date and when soils are warm.
When to start inside: 6-8 weeks before transplanting outside.
Special Germination Instructions: Easy to grow from seed. Must have warm soil temperatures. Wait to plant until nighttime temperatures are above 50 degrees.
Sucessive Plantings Recommended. Every 3 or 4 weeks after initial planting.
Harvesting Basil leaves should be harvested before the plant flowers. The young, top leaves taste the best and should be used fresh. The older leaves may be used for vinegar and pesto. To harvest most of the plant, cut the main stem, leaving at least 3 pairs of leaves near the ground – plant will regrow and produce additional leaves. (You can prolong the harvest period by pinching off flower buds to maintain flavor.) If there is any chance of temperatures dropping to 32 degrees, harvest crop immediately. The best time to harvest any herb is in the morning, after the dew dries, but before it gets too warm. Alternatively, you could harvest in the early evening.
Catnip Seed (Nepeta - cataria)
Perennial. Hardy to USDA zone 3. Enjoy a cup of hot lemony-mint flavored catnip tea while watching your cats frolic in a patch of this fragrant, attractive plant. Plants can also be grown indoors on a windowsill, so cats can enjoy the fresh leaves year �round. A very hardy plant, it grows in almost any soil. (Although, most cats are �crazy� for catnip, 10-30% of the cat population does not respond to it. Though, the affinity for it is genetic, this indifference is pronounced in very young kittens and older cats.) If your cat loves catnip, you can grow your own to make him or her silly happy all year long. =^_^=
When to plant outside: : Early spring, 2 to 4 weeks before average last frost. Plant as late as 2 months before first fall frost.
When to start inside: 6 weeks before average last spring frost for transplanting outdoors. Can be started any time of year to be grown as a houseplant.
Special Germination Instructions: Seed requires light to germinate. Either don�t cover seeds at all and mist them regularly to keep them moist or cover them very lightly so seeds can still receive light. Seed germinates best in cool conditions. Important note: If you don�t want your cats or the neighbor�s cats to roll over or eat your plants, start with seed. Cats seem to go after transplants right away, but don�t seem to notice seeded plants as quickly.
Special Care: Cut back stems and blooms after the first flush of flowers: this will encourage additional fall flowers.
To Make Tea: : Pour 1 cup of boiling water over dried catnip and let steep. Use a little more catnip than you would regular tea leaves.
To Harvest Leaves for Cats or for Tea: In late morning, after the dew has dried, cut stems 3�-4�from the ground. Tie branches in small bunches with rubber bands or twine and hang upside down in a brown paper bag (to keep dust off). In 3-4 days or shortly thereafter (depending on the humidity of your climate), the leaves will be dry and can be stripped from the stems. Store thoroughly dried leaves in an airtight container in a cool, dry location
Chamomile-German Seed (Matricaria - recutita)
Annual. What could be more soothing than curling up at bedtime with a good book and a cup of chamomile tea made fresh from your garden? A staple of any herb garden, the dried daisy-like flowers are easy to grow for a delicious calming apple-scented tea. The flowers can be dried for floral arrangements, pressed for crafts, or woven into charming wreaths, and their edible petals can be tossed into salads. A beautiful herb to grow in the vegetable garden, chamomile enhances the growth of cucumbers and onions, and attracts beneficial insects. Drought tolerance makes it a great choice for dry sunny areas. Self-sows in ideal conditions.
When to plant outside: Sow in early spring, as soon as soil can be worked OR late fall when soil is too cold for seed to germinate (seed benefits from cold exposure).
When to start inside: 8-10 weeks before last spring frost.
Special Germination Instructions: Seeds are very small and should be scratched into the ground just below the soil surface. Chamomile can be planted in rows, but looks best in mass groupings.
Harvesting: Pick flowers when fully opened and dry on a screen covered with cheesecloth in a cool, dark well-ventilated area. Plants may also be hung upside down to dry.
Chives Common Seed (Allium - schoenoprasum)
Perennial. Hardy to USDA zone 3. With beautiful edible lavender-pink flowers and delicate onion-flavored foliage, chives should be in every garden. Not many plants do as many things as this plant does AND are easy to grow, maintain, and come back every year! The edible flowers make a tasty pink-tinted chive vinegar (recipe inside packet), look & taste great in salads, and dry well when chopped for use on baked potatoes or left whole for dried floral arrangements. The foliage and flowers are an excellent garnish for most foods. Chives are easy to grow in almost any soil, containers, or a sunny indoor windowsill for use year-round. With chives on hand, your fish, chicken, vegetable, and baked potato dishes will never be lacking in flavor!
When to plant outside: : In early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or as late as 2 months before first fall frost.
When to start inside: 6 weeks before average last spring frost.
Special Germination Instructions: Seed requires darkness to germinate. Make sure seed is planted at a depth of ¼” – ½”.
Harvesting: Cut the outer spears of the chives when they are at least 6” long and cut back to 2” above ground. Once or twice a season, shear the plants to 2” above ground. This will keep the new, tender foliage available. The flowers can be harvested when in full bloom. A recipe is included inside the packet for Chive Blossom Vinegar.
Cilantro/Coriander Seed (Coriandrum - sativum)
LARGE PACKET
Annual. The foliage (cilantro) and the seeds (coriander) of this herb are widely used throughout the world. Fresh cilantro has an intense, tangy flavor that balances well with other strong-flavored ingredients. Also called 'Chinese Parsley', it is an essential ingredient in many dishes, including Chinese, Indian, Southeast Asian, and Latin American recipes. It has a thousand uses from as simple as a sprig in chicken soup (tasty!) to chopped in Mexican food. Dried crushed coriander seeds add a spicy, nutty, citrus-y flavor to pickling spice, curry and chili powders, salads, eggs, pastries and breads. Santo is a slow-bolting variety. It won't flower and go to seed as quickly as other varieties when hot weather approaches. It is a good container variety. You can also grow it indoors in a sunny window in the winter for fresh leaves. This packet plants thirteen 10-foot rows.
(Cilantro is a special herb polarizes us into those that absolutely ‘love’ it and those that ‘hate’ it (saying that it has a soapy, metallic taste). Truly, there seems to be a genetic predisposition towards it.
When to plant outside: Spring, after the average last day of frost. Successive plantings every 3 weeks until 4 weeks before first fall frost.
When to start inside: Not recommended. It does not transplant very well. (If you do want to try starting inside, sow in peat pots that can be directly moved into the ground without disturbing roots.)
Special Germination Instructions: Easy to grow. Seed required darkness to germinate. Plant at recommended depth of ½”. If sowing directly outdoors, note that the long taproot does not transplant well, so sow it where you are sure you want it to be for the season.
Harvesting: Foliage can be harvested anytime. The seeds (coriander), should be harvested after they begin to turn brown and when outer coat cracks, but before they drop off the plant and scatter. Cut stem and place in a brown paper sack to collect the seeds. Rubbing the seeds will cause the outer shell to drop off.
Dill Bouquet Organic Seed (Anethum - graveolens)
Annual. This organic dill is the most widely grown variety. Bouquet dill has early, large seed heads, making it an excellent choice for pickling. Its fresh foliage is wonderful on new potatoes, tomatoes, grilled salmon, spinach, green beans, cucumbers, squash, and lamb chops. The robust, but airy plants reach 30"-36" tall and have 6" wide yellow umbel-shaped flowers. Be sure to plant extra for the Swallowtail butterflies! Their caterpillars love dill (along with parsley, fennel, and carrot foliage).
When to plant outside: RECOMMENDED. Spring, after the average last frost. Successive plantings every 2 to 3 weeks until hot weather will assure a continual fresh supply of foliage and seeds.
When to start inside: Not recommended. Dill does not transplant well.
Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: Seed required light to germinate. Press into soil surface and mist or water lightly very regularly. When the dill plant flowers in summer, it uses a lot of energy; the foliage usually suffers. Successive plantings every 2 to 3 weeks until hot weather will allow you to have fresh foliage and seed on a regular basis.
Harvesting: Fresh foliage can be harvested anytime until the plant flowers. Cut leaves as close to the stem as possible. Seeds should be harvested 2-3 weeks after flowering begins. Cut flower heads with stem and place in a paper bag BEFORE the seed becomes too mature and falls to the ground. Heads should be placed in the bottom of the bag and the top of the bag should be tied shut around the stems (so seeds will fall to the bottom of the bag). When completely dry, store seeds in an airtight glass jar.
Echinacea angustifolia Organic Seed (Echinacea - purpurea)
Perennial. Hardy to USDA zone 3. An easy to care for North American native wildflower, this more potent narrow leaf species of Purple Coneflower was used by Native Americans to treat snakebites and other maladies. This plant is still used today by herbalists for its suspected medicinal value as an immune system stimulant. Yet, there are many other reasons to have Prairie Coneflower in your garden. It is a long-lived plant with a long blooming period (30-60 days) and will grow well in a variety of conditions. The 1'- 2' tall plants have pink flower with drooping petals and a large cone-like dark purple/brown center. An excellent perennial for borders, it makes a beautiful cut flower. It attracts butterflies, and birds enjoy the seed heads in winter.
When to plant outside: Early spring, 3-4 weeks before average last frost is best. Plant as late as 2 months before first fall frost.
When to start inside: 6 weeks before average last frost (may bloom the first year if started indoors).
Special Germination Instructions: Prairie Coneflower is easy to grow from seed. Started indoors or early outdoors, it may bloom the first year.
Oregano True Greek Seed (Origanum - heracleoticum)
Perennial. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9. This is the true culinary Greek Oregano that is prized by Italian chefs. Aromatic, flavorful, and more pungent than Common Oregano, it can really jazz up many dishes. The flavor creates a wonderful synergy with tomatoes (fresh or sauce), pizza, egg/cheese combinations (omelets, quiches), marinated vegetables, meats, and of course many Italian foods and sauces. It combines well with thyme, garlic, parsley, and olive oil. Also a good container variety.
When to plant outside: Spring, 2-4 weeks after average last spring frost. Plant as late as 2 months before first fall frost.
When to start inside: RECOMMENDED. 6-8 weeks before average last frost.
Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: Seed requires light to germinate. Press seeds into soil surface and mist or water frequently.
Harvesting: Cut branches when needed after the plant is at least 6” tall. Some Oregano experts claim the best flavor comes just before the plant flowers. Pruning off the branches also encourages fullness and fresh, new growth on the plant
Parsley Italian Dark Green Flat Seed (Petroselinum - crispum)
Parsley is a biennial that is grown as an annual, because the flavor is best in the first year. Italian Dark Green Flat parsley has superior flavor that is tantalizing for omelets, salads, stews, vegetables, fish, sauces, eggs, soups, and mixed with soft cheese such as ricotta or cottage cheese. Abundant in Vitamin C, iron, antioxidants and other nutrients, it is an excellent digestion aid and freshens breath. Grown near roses, it is said to improve their scent and health, and it makes a good companion plant for tomatoes and asparagus. Parsley is easy to grow in containers or window boxes and makes an attractive edging plant. For a novel use, try it is as a refreshing bathwater addition.
When to plant outside: Early spring, 3 to 4 weeks before average last frost or when soil temperatures reach 50 degrees.
When to start inside: 8 weeks before last frost.
Special Germination Instructions:According to legend, parsley seed has to go to the devil and come back 7 times before germinating. Thus, parsley can take as short as 15 days to and as long as 6 weeks to come up. To speed germination, soak seeds in water for 24 hours before planting. After seeds are sown, water with warm water. An old time gardener recommends sowing in furrows, watering with boiling water, then covering the seeds with ¼” soil (seeds germinate better in darkness). Note: Replant every year. Even though parsley is a biennial and comes back the 2nd year to flower and produce seed, the foliage does not taste as good in the 2nd season.
Harvesting: Pick the outside stalks as needed.
Parsley Moss Curled Organic Seed (Petroselinum - crispum)
Biennial. Parsley is so undervalued - we usually leave it on our plate, thinking that it is just a garnish that it isn't meant to be eaten. Actually, parsley can't be beaten for an herb that freshens breath and provides amazing nutritional benefits including rich antioxidants, vitamins A, B, C, and calcium. Due to its cold hardiness, you can grow parsley in your garden for much of the year, even in the coldest climates. The 12" mounds are attractive in herb pots or even grown indoors in a sunny window. It also makes an attractive edging plant and looks great in window boxes. Use it as a garnish if you must, but don't forget its culinary uses. It both enhances and dilutes strong flavors such as garlic and onions and goes well with other herbs. Sprinkle fresh parsley over salads, soups, and stews. Try mixing it into butter, soft cheeses (including cottage cheese), or using with fish and poultry. The Swiss and Belgians like to deep-fry it, and it is an ingredient in Mexican Salsa Verde.
When to plant outside: Early spring, 3-4 weeks before average last frost or when soil temperatures reach 50 degrees.
When to start inside: 8 weeks before average last frost.
Special Germination Instructions:According to legend, parsley seed has to go to the devil and come back 7 times before germinating. Thus, parsley can take as short as 15 days to and as long as 6 weeks to come up. To speed germination, soak seeds in water for 24 hours before planting. After seeds are sown, water with warm water. An old time gardener recommends sowing in furrows, watering with boiling water, then covering the seeds with ¼” soil (seeds germinate better in darkness). Note: Replant every year. Even though parsley is a biennial and comes back the 2nd year to flower and produce seed, the foliage does not taste as good in the 2nd season.
Harvesting: Pick the outside stalks as needed.
Rosemary Seed (Rosmarinus - officinalis)
Perennial in USDA zones 8 or warmer. (Will not tolerate temperatures below 20 degrees F) This classic heirloom herb has a piney flavor that is a must for lamb, pork, poultry, carrots, and peas. The very aromatic scent of rosemary will make you fall in love with this herb. Try using it to freshen your bath water, steeping it in boiling water and inhaling to clear your head when you have a cold, and to scent potpourris. In cooking, it has a nice synergy with other herbs such as chives, thyme, parsley, and bay. Both leaves and flowers are edible. An excellent container variety you can bring it indoors and put it in a sunny window to have fresh leaves and let it ride out the winter. This is the upright variety, reaching 2'-4' tall in mild climates.
When to plant outside: In USDA zones 8 or warmer (winter temperatures NOT below 15-20 degrees F), sow in spring after the average last frost. In climates that are colder, sow seed in pots to grow outside during summer and inside during winter. (Rosemary is very slow growing and will not reach harvestable size if not brought indoors during the winter.)
When to start inside: RECOMMENDED. 8-10 weeks before average last frost.
Special Germination Instructions: Starting seed indoors is recommended as germination can be very slow and erratic. (All Botanical Interest seed lots are pretested to make sure you are only getting the best quality.) Once seedlings have sprouted, Rosemary is also VERY slow growing and usually does not get to harvestable size in the first season. Bring indoors during the winter.
Harvesting: Remove sprigs as needed. Best flavor occurs just before flowering.
Excellent Wedding Favor – Ancient Greek brides wore rosemary in their bridal crowns, and it has been used as a traditional symbol of remembrance and fidelity ever since. In the Middle Ages, sprigs of gold-dipped rosemary tied with a ribbon were popular wedding favors and were meant to symbolize the fact that the bride and groom were starting a new life, but would never forget their past acquaintances. English brides also wore it on their veils as a symbol of love and marriage. “There’s rosemary that’s for remembrance. Pray, you love, remember.” ---William Shakespeare.
(Seed packets make beautiful ‘green’ wedding favors and will inspire your guests to plant something beautiful in remembrance of your love and commitment. We can usually accommodate orders for as much as 100 or 200 packets or more for wedding favors of any variety all year.)
Thyme Common English Seed (Thymus - vulgaris)
Perennial. Hardy to USDA zone 5. This is the herb for cooks who don't know which herb to use. Thyme will go with almost anything! It plays a part in many French dishes and also goes great with fish, poultry, vegetables, mushrooms, omelets, quiches, soups, bean and lentil casseroles, rice, and seafood chowders just to name a few uses. With small leaves and delicate, edible flowers in early summer, this herb is a lovely 12" tall landscape plant. You can plant a hedge of thyme around your herb, vegetable, or flower garden, and grow it in containers outdoors or on a sunny windowsill.
When to plant outside: Spring, 2 weeks after average last spring frost or when soil is 70 degrees or warmer.
When to start inside: 8 weeks before last frost. Seed 10-15 seeds per 4" pot and plant that way."
Harvesting: Pick sprigs when you need them during the season. A one time shearing 4” above ground is appropriate. Plant will re-grow. Do not cut into the woody part of the plant, and don’t do this in fall – it might adversely affect winter hardiness.