Herbs thrive in gardens or planters

Dear Martha: What should I include in a well-rounded herb garden?

A: Herb gardening is a big topic. Used for cooking, crafts, medicines and teas, herbs may be incorporated into a garden, planted in pots or grown in a formal design. The most popular herbs include basil, chervil, chives, cilantro, dill, flat-leaf parsley, rosemary, sage and thyme, and each is wonderfully versatile. Once you become accustomed to having fresh herbs abundantly available, you will find uses for them whenever you cook.

Herbs are quite easy to care for. They like good, well-drained soil and lots of sun. Mint, however, will take over the garden if you let it, so plant it in a submerged pot to slow its spreading. Herbs can also thrive in containers. In terra-cotta pots or ceramic planters, they make a lovely addition to a patio or deck – and they'll be just outside the kitchen.

Dear Martha: What is raw sugar?

A: Raw sugar (sometimes labeled "unprocessed" or "unrefined") usually refers to muscovado (or Barbados), demerara or turbinado sugar, all of which go through a less intensive refining process than granulated white sugar. Whereas all molasses and impurities are removed from sugarcane juice to make granulated sugar crystals, raw sugar retains a percentage of molasses, which gives it a more pronounced taste.

Muscovado sugar, which can be light or dark, has little crystals, a high molasses content and an intense flavor. Use it in place of brown sugar (note that muscovado is more expensive); it's especially good in gingerbread and spice cakes. Demerara and turbinado sugars have large golden crystals and taste mildly of caramel or toffee. If substituting these for granulated white sugar when baking, be aware that the sizable crystals can affect texture. If that is a concern, try sprinkling them on cookies, adding them to your breakfast cereal or stirring them into coffee or tea.

Dear Martha: I'm planning a raised-vegetable patch for my granddaughter to help tend. How deep should it be, and do you have any tips for getting started?

A: An 18-inch-deep patch should be fine. Fill it with the best soil you can find, including rich compost and topsoil — generally a 50-50 mix is good. As long as you have adequate drainage and full sun, you can grow just about anything. Create a path down the middle of the garden, and make 3-foot beds on both sides.