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  The Waxing Crescent Moonnd sets after sunset; it is only seen in the night sky for a short time after the sun goes down.

As the waxing crecent moon is all about growth, fertility and abundance, this Sunday 3rd July 2011 is a good day to plant late seeds under the Waxing Moon. Christmas new potatoes will be ready to harvest from mid-October onwards if planted now.spring cabbage will be ready to harvest Next April to May 2012, winter radish will be ready from September, this is also your last chance to plant carrots, beetroot, fennel, spinach, lettuce (endive being a good variety for July) and an excellent time to start harvesting and drying herbs.

Drying Herbs

The most commonly used methods for curing herbs are air drying, silica sand drying, and heat drying. Always ensure your herbs are fresh and clean. To clean them, wash the stems in cold running water and then drain them thoroughly on paper towels.

Air Drying

The easiest way to dry herbs is toallow the leaves or entire stems to air dry at room temperature.

To dry whole branches or stems, first wash and dry them as described above. Gather 5 to 8 stems together and tie them in a bundle. Put themheads down into a brown paper bag with the stems extending out of the open end. Hang the bag upside down with the cut end of the stem facing the ceiling, in a dark, warm place (21°C to 26°C). It will take from 2 to 4 weeks for your herbs to become completely dry, depending upon temperature and moisture.

Tray drying is the method used most often for short stemmed herbs or for individual herb leaves. Gauze streached over a frame or backing tray works well, just as long as air can pass under the leaves. The trays can be stacked with blocks between them allowing air circulation. Keep the trays in a warm, dark place until the herbs are completely dry.

Silica Sand Drying

Drying herbs in silica sand is essentially the same process as for drying flowers. This method should not be used for herbs that will be utilized for cooking purposes. Silica sand, available from local building supply dealers, draws moisture out of plant tissues and leaves them in their original shapes. Any type of container can be used but they should be big enough that the herbs are not overlapping and deep enough so that the plant materials can be completely covered with sand. First wash and dry the leaves as described above. Place a shallow layer of silica sand in the bottom of the container, then arrange the herbs on top so that they do not overlap. Then cover them with more silica sand. Place the container in a warm room. It will take from 2 to 4weeks until the herbs are thoroughly dry. At that time, remove them from the container, shake off all the sand, and store them in glass jars. These are strictly for decorative purposes and not to be used in cooking, remedies or tinctures.

Best herbs to harvest this weekend:

Bee Balm is great for head colds, coughs, helps heal respiratory infections and clean nasal congestion. Make a herbal tea using 2 teaspoons of fresh herb in a cup of hot water, cover and steep. Drink 3 cups per day.

Dandelion is a restorative and rejuvenating herb. It cleans the liver andinduces the flow of bile. Dandelion is a very effective diuretic. It tones the kidneys and aids in elimination. The leaves are high invitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, iron and Vitamin A and C. When harvesting dandelion, make sure it is pesticide free.

Dill relaxes and settles upset stomachs. It is very good for colic and is very highin calcium. Foods high

in calcium help prevent colon cancer ,loss of bone mass, muscle stress, and high blood pressure. For people who have difficulty digesting dairy, dill seed is a must. Dill also expels gas. Steep 1 tablespoon dill seed to 1 cup boiling water. Drink and chew seeds.

Fennel seed is unparalleled at relieving intestinal gas. This is a warming herb and can also be used for treating symptoms of head colds and respiratory congestion. Fennel also helps nursing mothers produce milk. Use 2 teaspoons per one cup of water.

 Ginger is an effective remedy for indigestion and nausea. Ginger can reduce morning sickness and also motion sickness. It relieves cramps and helps the symptoms of stomach flu, sinus problems, headaches and colds. Ginger is a warming herb. If you have motion sickness, slice a little piece of root and put in your mouth before you travel. Drink a cup of tea as needed for indigestion and nausea. For colds,allergies and sinus problems, drink 3-4 cups per day. Use 3 to 4 quarter sizeroots per cup of boiling water. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

 Hot Peppers and Cayenne Peppers have been known to help digestion.They stimulate saliva and related stomach juices. Peppers also are one the best heart tonics because they tone the heart muscle.Cayenne pepper is good for colds and flu. It also stimulates the immune system. Peppers are warming herbs. Made into a salve and rubbed on the skin will soothe the pain of arthritis and sore muscles. Do not get in eyes!

Lavender soothes the nervous system and is good for depression, stress, headaches and sleeplessness. Lavender oil is good for burns and sunburn. It banishes anxiety and panic attacks and creates a sense of calm and tranquility.

 Lemon Balm is a calming, antiviral, and antiseptic herb. Lemon balm has a wonderful taste and is good for your soul. It has a relaxing and anti-spasmodic effect on the stomach and nervous system. Use for a mild sedative, insomnia and general exhaustion.