I need some herbs and other plants that an organic gardener might grow - I have in mind the pest-control and companion planting ideas, as well as eating - which are also the kind of thing that anyone wanting to do a spot of benign magic now or in the past would find useful. Ideally also they'd be plants that would be visible in April or May.

As you may have guessed, I'm a non-gardener, who can't wait for the departure of climbing-frame and football--needing inhabitants, so I can swap my 70ft of depressing grass for a balcony and some pots. Help!

Emma

Nightshade are hemlock are widely considered to be magical plants, as is foxglove, sage, rosemary and yes, thyme.

This link may help:

http://witches.monstrous.com/witchcraft_herbal_lore_.htm

JB

Thanks, JB, that's a big help. What would I do without WW?

Emma

Emma, the best known combo is tomatoes and basil. Grow them together and each deter the other’s pests.

Here’s a link for companion planting:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basics/techniques/organic_companionplanting.shtml

For witchy stuff you need Encyclopaedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham. – a fascinating book from an American witch who sadly died a few years ago, but he wrote lots of good books on basic witchcraft stuff.

If you want gardening with a difference, try Heritage Vegetables by Sue Stickland (1-85675-033-7)

Dee

Dee, thank you, that's really useful, and so kind to bother when you're dead on your feet!

Emma