Moving to Florida several years back was a severe culture shock for me. I mean...they tell you that plants never die here. What they don't tell you is that neither do weeds, bugs, and worms. And many old stand-bys just sit and rot in this heat and humidity.

I felt a complete failure. My mint died. You know....that plant that takes over the herb gardens up north. Here I'm lucky to keep it alive for 1-2 years. However, with the help of a very good garden book author I'm now able to grow successfully.

HERBS AND SPICES FOR FLORIDA GARDENS by Monica Moran Brandies is the best reference for those trying to grow herbs and spices in a tropic or sub-tropic area. The state is divided into three major regions. Each of these are discussed...with soil type and suplimentation, plant selection, creating and using micro-climates and watering and feeding advice. At the back of the book most of our best-loved herbs plus many others grown only in warm climates are listed. For each herb advice is given about which region is best to grow that particular plant in.

All in all not only do I recommend this book.....I consider it essential for anyone trying to raise herbs in this extremely tricky climate.