USEFUL HERBS 173 



Sow seeds in autumn, which will germinate in spring, on 

 well-dug and manured ground. Water, hoe, and thin 

 as for carrots. The foliage dies down in August when 

 the roots are ready for the kitchen. Leave them in the 

 ground until required for use, as with parsnips. 



Thyme. Two varieties are commonly grown of this 

 fragrant herb, the garden and lemon-scented thyme. 

 The garden variety is raised from seeds, cuttings, or root 

 divisions, but the lemon-scented should be propagated 

 by either of the two latter means only. With both 

 species a warm sunny position and a fairly dry soil are 

 necessary. The shoots should be picked as the flowers 

 form and dried in the sun for subsequent use. 



Sage. This herb is of Southern European origin and 

 accordingly requires a warm sheltered aspect for proper 

 growth. Propagation is usually practised by means of 

 cuttings taken in April or May. These young shoots are 

 potted in a sandy soil and stood in a cold frame where 

 they must be well watered until root action commences. 

 When the plants are established, they should be trimmed 

 constantly, though not drastically, to promote a bushy 

 growth. 



