News & Articles

Merry Marigolds

Explore the rich history and diverse uses of marigolds, from their sacred significance in Aztec traditions to their vibrant presence in modern gardens. Learn about African, French, and Mexican marigold varieties, their medicinal benefits, culinary potential, and natural pest-repelling properties. Whether for color, flavor, or organic gardening, discover why marigolds remain a timeless favorite.

Industry Watch: FDA Ban on Ephedra

The FDA banned ephedra-based dietary supplements in 2004, citing health risks from the alkaloid ephedrine. Despite initial challenges and a brief legal reprieve for low-dose products, a 2006 appeals court reinstated the full ban. Growing ephedra for personal use remains legal, but all supplements with ephedrine are prohibited.

Autumn Is for Raising Herbs

Fall isn’t just for bulbs—it’s perfect for herbs too! Hardy perennials like oregano, thyme, and lavender can be planted now for a spring head start. Harvest and preserve herbs for vinegars, oils, and salts. Bring pots indoors with care: wash plants, provide bright, cool conditions, and water deeply.

Industry Watch: Codex Guidelines Threaten Herbal Supplements

The Codex Alimentarius Commission's 2005 guidelines on vitamins and minerals could restrict their levels in foods, potentially forcing supplements into the drug category, where stringent regulations may drive many products off the market. Critics warn this shift may harm consumer access and favor pharmaceutical interests.

Try Some Herbal Magic

Explore the vibrant world of herbs with insights from Richters Herbs, a Canadian gem offering 600 varieties. From lavender-infused dishes to versatile recipes like Panzanella and Chicken Sage Kebabs, discover how fresh herbs can elevate your cooking and gardening.

The Name Game

Herb names often reveal their rich histories and uses through their etymology, blending ancient traditions with modern applications. This guide explores the fascinating origins of herb names, highlighting culinary, medicinal, and symbolic connections.

Edible Flowers

Edible flowers have evolved from mere garnishes to flavorful ingredients, adding vibrant colors and unique tastes to dishes. Learn how to grow, harvest, and use favorites like nasturtiums, pansies, calendula, and squash blossoms to elevate your meals and gardens alike.

Everybody Has Trouble with Finicky Rosemary

Struggling to keep rosemary alive indoors during winter? Sandra Henry of Richters Herbs shares tips on acclimating your plant to indoor light and maintaining it as a potted herb year-round for optimal health.

Parsley... Sage... Rosemary... and Thyme...

Herbs bring flavor and health to Canadian gardens. Conrad Richter of Richters Herbs shares tips on growing favorites like basil, oregano, and rosemary, emphasizing light, drainage, and proper care for thriving plants.

Mesclun is a Feast for the Eyes and Tongue

Late summer is perfect for sowing leafy greens like mesclun mixes for a quick fall harvest. Richters Herbs offers special blends with lettuces, arugula, radicchio, mizuna, and more. Add red and frilly greens for a gourmet touch, and include floral garnishes like nasturtium or chive blooms.

Indoor Herb Garden: Starting Your Own from Seeds

Starting an indoor herb garden is easy and rewarding, even in small spaces. With a sunny window, pots, and seeds or cuttings, you can grow fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme to enjoy year-round.

What’s New for 2002?

For 2002, Richters Herbs introduces exciting new varieties, including *ma huang* (Chinese ephedra), *rehmannia*, ‘Ruby Giant’ echinacea, and Jim Westerfield’s unique mints like ‘Margarita’ and ‘Candy Lime.’ Highlights also include *noni* seeds and *jewelweed* for poison ivy relief. Richters continues to offer innovative herbs to keep growers competitive and inspired.

Growing Herbs Indoors: Interview with Conrad Richter

Herb expert Conrad Richter shares tips for growing herbs indoors. Easy herbs like rosemary, oregano, and mint thrive with proper light, drainage, and care. Use terra cotta pots, well-draining soil, and water only when dry. Pinch tips to harvest, and try unusual herbs like Vietnamese coriander or tangerine sage for fun, flavorful cooking.

Herbs: New flavour for your garden and life

Herbs are easy to grow, versatile, and can elevate both gardens and kitchens. Plant favourites like basil, parsley, mint, and lovage close to your door or mix them into flowerbeds. Herbs such as borage, cilantro, and anise offer unique flavours, beauty, and practical benefits, making them perfect for any garden.

Give ‘em the finger

To master herb gardening, Conrad Richter advises the "finger test" for watering potted plants: check soil moisture an inch deep—water only when dry. Herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme thrive with deep weekly watering and proper drainage. For beginners, Richter suggests easy-to-grow staples like garlic chives, basil, and oregano. For the adventurous, try unique varieties like Orange Spice thyme or Stevia for a flavorful twist.

Discover Dill

Dill, a versatile herb with culinary and ornamental uses, is valued for its flavorful leaves and seeds. This guide covers its history, growing tips, care, and popular varieties like 'Fernleaf' and 'Bouquet.'

Visit Richters for All Herbal Needs

Richters Herbs in Goodwood, Ontario, has become the province's herbal hub, offering 800 herb varieties, a greenhouse gift shop, lectures, and mail-order catalogues. Founded in 1969, Richters remains a cherished destination for herb enthusiasts across Canada.

Tapping Into the Organic Herb & Spice Market

Conrad Richter discusses Richters Herbs' evolution and insights into the herb industry. He emphasizes starting small, testing crops, and understanding markets. With over 800 varieties, Richters prioritizes education, organic principles, and innovation. He advises new growers to test-grow and research niche markets for success.

Herbs Are The Essence of Richters’ Catalogue Business

Richters Herbs, a Canadian-based herb supplier, offers an extensive catalogue featuring culinary, medicinal, and ornamental herbs, with seeds and plants shipped efficiently to U.S. customers. Known for quality, their offerings include rare varieties, educational details, and innovative options like plug trays for larger projects.

Basils Make Truly a Feast Sublime

Basil, with its delightful aroma and versatility, is a must-have for any garden. From sweet Italian to spicy Thai varieties, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Harvest just before flowering for peak flavor, air-dry or freeze for winter use, and try growing indoors for fresh herbs year-round!

The Greening of a Weed

Sorrel, once a common Canadian weed, has become a prized ingredient in gourmet cuisine, celebrated for its unique flavour and versatility in dishes like soups, sauces, and salads. Its rise reflects shifting culinary trends, with chefs and food lovers embracing its high nutritional value and chic appeal.