By: Jennifer Wilner, Certified Master Gardener, Seeds Digital, Edison, NJ

Are you tired of paying $3 to $4 for a tiny plastic clamshell of herbs that wilts in your fridge by Thursday? Here in Central Jersey, you can grow your own supply of Thyme, Sage, Oregano, and Rosemary for about the price of one or two grocery store packages per plant (local grocery stores in fall 2026 are selling them for $2.12 to $3.49). Then you can keep harvesting them for years.

Why these four herbs?

They’re perennials, so they come back year after year. You don’t replant or reseed every spring. Most return reliably through our USDA Zone 7 winters, getting fuller and more productive each season.

They’re low-maintenance and water-wise. These Mediterranean herbs like sun, lean soil, and dry conditions. Once established, they need very little watering and no fertilizer, which saves you time and money and keeps runoff out of our local waterways.

They feed our pollinators. When thyme, oregano, sage, and lavender bloom, they attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. That helps pollinate your vegetables, fruit trees, and flowers, too.

Deer and rabbits usually leave them alone. Their strong scent makes them a poor choice for most of the wildlife that raids Edison-area gardens.

Meet the herbs

Thyme: A tough, spreading plant that works well along paths, borders, and containers.

Sage: Silvery leaves that look great in the garden and are essential for fall and holiday cooking.

Oregano: Vigorous and easy, sometimes almost too easy. Give it room or plant it in a pot.

Rosemary: Here’s the honest truth: rosemary is borderline hardy in Central NJ, Zone 7.  Cold-tolerant varieties like ‘Arp’ or ‘Hill Hardy,’ planted in a sheltered, well-drained spot near a south-facing wall, have the best chance of surviving winter. You can also grow it in a pot and bring it indoors to a sunny window from November to March.

BONUS, Lavender!  Fragrant and pollinator-friendly, great for sachets, teas, and baking. Choose English varieties like ‘Munstead’ or ‘Hidcote,’ and plant them where water never sits. Soggy winter soil is lavender’s biggest enemy in New Jersey.

How to harvest perennial herbs like a pro

• Harvest in the morning, once the dew has dried. That’s when the oils and flavor are strongest.
• Don’t cut more than one-third of the plant at a time.
• For the best flavor, harvest thyme, oregano, and sage before they flower. Cut lavender when the buds are just starting to open.
• Snip the soft green growth, and avoid cutting into the old woody stems of lavender, sage, and rosemary.
• Ease up on heavy harvesting by early September so plants can toughen up for winter.
• Extra harvest? Hang bundles upside down in a dry, airy spot to dry for winter cooking, or freeze chopped herbs in olive oil in ice cube trays.

The bottom line: a few herbs planted this season can keep your kitchen stocked for years, while your garden gets pollinators, lower water use, and fewer deer problems.

Keep the herb harvest going all winter

Already growing these perennial herbs in your NJ garden bed? You don’t have to give them up when the cold weather hits. Now is the time to take cuttings or dig up small divisions and pot them up so you can keep harvesting all winter indoors.

• Take cuttings: Snip 4 to 6-inch pieces of soft, green growth, strip the lower leaves, and root them in moist potting mix or a glass of water. Rosemary, sage, thyme, and oregano root well this way. Give them a few weeks to root before moving them to their permanent pots.
• Divide and pot up: Thyme and oregano are easy to dig up in small clumps and plant directly into containers.
• Give them light: Place pots in your sunniest south-facing window, or add an inexpensive grow light. Short winter days are the biggest challenge indoors.
• Go easy on water: Let the soil dry out between waterings, and use pots with drainage holes.

Your outdoor plants stay in the ground to come back next spring, and your windowsill keeps your kitchen stocked until then.

Want help planning a perennial herb bed or container garden that fits your yard? Jennifer offers on-site garden assessments and seasonal planting plans for Edison, Metuchen, Piscataway, and surrounding NJ communities.

Jennifer Wilner, CMG | 732-433-2915 |  jennifer(at)seedsdigital(dot)co

 

Frequently asked perennial herb questions:

Q. When should I plant perennial herbs in NJ?
A.

Q. Are these herbs deer resistant?
A.

Q. Why did my lavender die over winter?
A.

Q. How much money can I save growing my own herbs?
A.

Q. Can I grow lavender indoors?
A.

Warm weather in New Jersey means longer days, blooming gardens, and more time outdoors, but it also marks the return of two unwelcome guests: mosquitoes and ticks. These tiny pests can turn a peaceful backyard evening into a battle zone and, more importantly, carry diseases that put families, pets, and gardeners at risk.

If you live in New Jersey, you’ve likely noticed mosquito and tick activity increasing earlier each year. Climate shifts, mild winters, and expanding wildlife habitats all contribute to longer, more intense pest seasons.

“The CDC is urging the public to take steps to protect themselves and their families from tick bites, and the serious diseases they can cause, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and alpha-gal syndrome. Preventing tick bites is considered the best form of protection throughout tick season. If individuals do find an attached tick, they should remove it as soon as possible, and not wait to get to the ER. Removing attached ticks within 24 hours can help prevent Lyme disease. ” 

The good news? With the right strategies, you can protect your home, your yard, and your loved ones. This guide brings together expert insights from Rutgers University’s tick safety recommendations, professional landscaping practices, and trusted repellents to help you stay safe all season long.

Why Mosquitoes and Ticks Are More Than Just Annoying

Mosquitoes and ticks aren’t just irritating-they’re vectors for disease.

Mosquitoes can carry:

• West Nile Virus
• Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
• Zika (rare but monitored)

Ticks can transmit:

• Lyme disease
• Anaplasmosis
• Babesiosis
• Powassan virus

According to Rutgers’ Tick Check guidance, ticks thrive in humid, shaded environments and are active anytime temperatures rise above 40°F. That means New Jersey’s tick season now stretches from March through December.

How Professional Gardeners Stay Safe-and How You Can Too

Professional gardeners and landscapers face ticks daily, so they’ve developed highly effective prevention habits. Homeowners can easily adopt these same strategies.

Dress for Defense

Landscapers rely on clothing as their first line of protection:

• Light colored long sleeves and pants make ticks easier to spot. White sneakers, too!
• Tuck pants into socks or boots to block ticks from crawling upward.
• Wear a hat when working under trees or shrubs.
• Super sticky tape- lint roller. ‘Roll’ your clothes immediately after working, especially if you are traveling to a community garden. No one wants to bring unwanted ‘guests’ home. We like the super sticky version.

These simple steps dramatically reduce the chance of ticks reaching your skin.

Treat Clothing with Permethrin

Permethrin is a game-changer. Unlike DEET or Picaridin, which repel insects on the skin, Permethrin kills ticks on contact.

Professionals treat:

• Boots
• Socks
• Pants
• Outer layers

Permethrin remains effective through several washes and is one of the most powerful tools for tick prevention.

Use EPA-approved skin repellents

For exposed skin, landscapers rely on:

• Picaridin
• Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE)
• DEET

These repellents help deter both mosquitoes and ticks. For a comparison of formulas, strengths, and best uses, check out REI’s Insect Repellent Comparison Guide.

 

Tick-Proof Your Yard with Smart Landscaping

Ticks love moisture, shade, and clutter. Landscapers use habitat modification to make yards less inviting.

Creating dry barriers with a 3-foot border between your lawn and wooded areas helps stop ticks from migrating into your yard. These dry surfaces dehydrate ticks quickly.

• Gravel
• Wood chips
• Mulch

Keep Grass Short

Ticks thrive in tall, humid grass. Mow regularly and keep lawns under 3 inches.

 Remove Overgrowth and Leaf Litter

Clear:

• Tall weeds
• Brush
• Leaf piles
• Overgrown shrubs

These areas are tick hotspots.

Use Acaricides (Tick Control Treatments)

Professionals often apply EPA-approved treatments like Bifenthrin to reduce tick populations along property edges. If you prefer professional help, Mosquito Joe of Edison, NJ offers both mosquito and tick control services tailored to Central Jersey homes.

Reduce Wildlife Attractants

Ticks hitch rides on:

• Mice
• Deer
• Rabbits

To discourage them:

• Store firewood in sunny areas
• Remove brush piles
• Use deer-resistant plants
• Seal gaps where rodents enter sheds or garages

Post Outdoor Hygiene: Your Last Line of Defense

Even with precautions, ticks can still find their way onto clothing or skin. That’s why landscapers follow strict post-work routines.

Do a Full Clothing Check

Before entering your home or car, inspect:

• Sleeves
• Waistbands
• Socks
• Boot laces
• Back of legs
• ‘Lint roll’ your clothes immediately after working, especially if you are traveling to a community garden. No one wants to bring unwanted ‘guests’ home.

Ticks often crawl for hours before attaching.

 

Use High Heat to Kill Hidden Ticks

Place work clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10-15 minutes. Heat kills ticks far more effectively than washing.

 Shower Within Two Hours

A shower helps:

• Wash away unattached ticks
• Provide time to check your entire body
• Reduce the risk of Lyme disease

Pay special attention to:

• Behind knees
• Waistline
• Underarms
• Scalp
• Behind ears

Mosquito Prevention: Simple Steps That Make a Big Difference

Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Eliminating water sources is the fastest way to reduce populations.

Check Weekly for Standing Water

Empty:

• Birdbaths
• Buckets
• Flowerpot saucers
• Kiddie pools
• Clogged gutters
• Tarps and covers

Even a bottle cap of water can produce dozens of mosquitoes.

Use Fans Outdoors

Mosquitoes are weak fliers. A simple box fan on your patio can dramatically reduce bites.

Choose the Right Repellent

For everyday use, many families love gentle, skin-friendly options like Avon Skin So Soft spray with Picaridin, available through Jeanne Martin’s Avon Rep Store.

For hiking, gardening, or heavy mosquito activity, stronger repellents like DEET or Picaridin may be more effective.

Products We Love

Here are our top recommended resources for staying protected all season long. Note, these are not affiliate links.

• REI’s Insect Repellent Comparison Guide – A trusted breakdown of DEET, Picaridin, Permethrin, and natural repellents.
• Mosquito Joe of Edison, NJ – Professional mosquito and tick control for Central Jersey homes.
• Avon’s Skin So Soft Plus Picardin (Jeanne Martin’s Online Store) – A gentle, family-friendly favorite for everyday mosquito protection.
• Mosquito Dunks – A super easy DIY way to trap the mosquito larvae from breeding in your own backyard
• Super Sticky Tape Roller – This is a great tool to keep in your gardening bag. We like this one at Target.

 

As we enter the last two weeks of summer break, I hope that you are taking time to relax. We all know that running a small business is more than a full-time job – it’s a lifestyle! We eat, breathe, and dream of our business. We are constantly thinking of ways to maximize our products, increase our profit margins, and expand our clientele reach. Let’s be honest, how many times have you woken up in the middle of the night with an idea that you believed was going to change everything and enhance your business?

Hopefully, you have a notepad near your nightstand to write down these ideas in the middle of the night. (Side note: The BIGGEST lie we tell ourselves is that we are going to remember it and do not have to write it down.)

Now back to making time to rest this month. Here are some tips:

• Rest – Rest is essential for both personal well-being and business success.
• Prioritize tasks – identify what needs your immediate attention and delegate or defer the less important tasks, this allows you to free up some time.
• Set Boundaries – Establish what your working hours are and stick to them as much as possible. Yes, there will be emergencies that you need to handle, however, every call is not an emergency.
• Schedule breaks – Plan short breaks throughout the day. Sometimes you need to step away for a little while to be able to stay focused on the tasks on hand. Taking a break can recharge your energy, allowing you to tackle tasks with ease.
• Use Technology – Did you know that some of the software we use every day can be used to automate tasks? Microsoft’s Office has several programs that can be easily programmed to automate tasks for you such as creating reports, and organizing the report into the data you need.
• Stay Healthy – Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sleep are crucial. Physical well-being directly impacts your mental clarity and resilience.

 

The Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce has announced that Jennifer Wilner, owner of Seeds Digital Marketing and Business Connects, is the recipient of this year’s Small Business Person of the Year Award. The award will be presented at the Chamber’s 59^th Annual Chairman’s Awards Dinner on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at the Colonia Country Club in Colonia, New Jersey.

According to the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Person of the Year Award “recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit, vision, innovation, and drive required to run a successful small business.” At least one member of the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce had to nominate Wilner for the award in order to be considered as the recipient of this year’s Small Business Person of the Year.

“They say that it’s later in life that you come into your own, but this came as a real surprise,” Wilner said. “It was an incredible surprise to get the phone call from Holly (at the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce) and hear that so many of my friends, peers, and fellow business owners found the work that I am doing is worthy of such recognition. I am so happy that the work I am doing is having such a positive impact on their lives and businesses.”

Wilner is an entrepreneur at heart who loves supporting small business owners, especially other women, as they grow their organizations. She launched her first business, a dog treat company called K9Confections, in 2006 with great success.

In 2012, Wilner started another business venture, Secretary Central, to support other business owners with virtual assistant services. This allowed her to tackle administrative tasks that other business owners simply didn’t have time for. She provided a decade of loyal service to helping other organizations grow.

After 10 years as a virtual assistant, Wilner realized her professional skills and experience with marketing and social media could also support others with their business growth. It was this epiphany that ultimately led to a rebrand of her business from Secretary Central to Seeds Digital Marketing in the spring of 2022. The evolution of Wilner’s skillset as a virtual assistant propagated her latest business venture which has blossomed into a full-service digital marketing agency based in Edison, New Jersey.

With years of business experience, Wilner has become an expert in brand development, online marketing strategy, copywriting, e-commerce, social media, and more. She enjoys training both entrepreneurs and business leaders on social media platforms and Wilner’s marketing initiatives have helped countless entrepreneurial clients expand their own organization’s reach.

The primary goal of Seeds Digital Marketing is to assist small to medium businesses with their digital marketing in an effort to germinate new business and promote consistent growth, which is only appropriate given her company is located in the Garden State! Wilner and the marketing professionals at Seeds Digital Marketing partner with business owners and leaders to help them achieve their goals for expansion.

In addition to Seeds Digital Marketing, Wilner is the genius behind Business Connects, a business networking organization first launched in 2016. Business Connects has chapter in Edison that meets twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The goal of Business Connects is to bring business leaders and owners together to build positive relationships with other entrepreneurs. Business Connects is a great place for business-minded professionals to network, learn about each other’s businesses, and make referrals that help others like themselves because the more we give, the more we get in return.

“There is such an incredible impact people can make by supporting small, local businesses,” Wilner added. “It is very touching that the town in which Mayor John McCormac introduced me and helped my business get off the ground is now recognizing my efforts to give back. This is the community that gave me my start so this is very special for me. It just goes to show that if you are open and take the time to talk to people, it can really make a profound impact on a business owner’s life, their family’s life, and the community itself.”

Through Business Connects and Seeds Digital, Wilner has met a multitude of wonderful business owners and community leaders. She supports them by patronizing their businesses, referring others to them, and volunteers her time. For example, she recently used her green thumb and love of gardening to turn a previously barren flowerbed into a beautiful garden for customers to enjoy at The Coffee House in Edison.

Wilner also volunteers with the Edison Kiwanis Club and recently joined the Edison Community Garden Initiative. Additionally, Business Connects makes a financial contribution to local food pantries annually and hosts food drives among its members. Seeds Digital Marketing makes a donation toward the community gardens that feed the hungry through local food pantries as well.

“I truly believe it’s so important that business owners connect, support one another, and work together,” Wilner said. “I saw the need for business networking in our community and launched Business Connects to meet that need. The lessons learned with K9Confections helped me to make it happen. The Business Connects logo reflects how I feel in that businesses all look different, but we need to help one another and feed each other. There needs to be a respectful collaboration among business owners.”

Wilner truly loves her community and is supporting it through investing in others with her entrepreneurial spirit, marketing innovation, and vision for a better future for businesses of all types.

For tickets to attend the 59^th Annual Chairman’s Awards Dinner, contact the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce at (732) 636-4040 or email info@woodbridgechamber.com. You may also visit the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce online at https://www.woodbridgechamber.com/ to learn more or register for the event.

To learn more about Seeds Digital Marketing, visit https://seedsdigital.co/ or call Jennifer Wilner at (848) 228-3693. You can also learn more about Business Connects at https://www.businessconnectsnj.com/.

 

WED, April 12, 2023 | 5 PM-6 PM | Optimizing Canva & LinkedIn to work together. A 1-hour hands-on workshop at the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce.  Registration will be on Eventbrite soon.

May 2023 | LinkedIn Advanced Class  A 1-hour hands-on workshop at the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce.  Registration will be on Eventbrite soon.

PAST EVENTS

Thursday, Nov 16, 2022, | 6:30 PM – 9 PM | SASS Presents: Put Your Best Face Forward. Register here.  Jennifer will be speaking on how to be an efficient and gracious networker. This event is open to all. Registration is required.

Fall 2022 Upcoming Events with Jennifer Wilner and Seeds Digital Marketing in Edison, NJ for Entrepreneurs.

????Saturday, Nov 5, 2022, | Noon-2 PM | Terrace Plant Shop, 416 Main St., Metuchen, NJ | Open to the public,  15-minute (per person) Social Media Q&A drop-in sessions. Register via Facebook or LinkedIn.

 

????Thursday, Nov 16, 2022, | 6:30 PM – 9 PM | SASS Presents: Put Your Best Face Forward. Register here.  Jennifer will be speaking on how to be an efficient and gracious networker. This event is open to all. Registration is required.

Welcome to Seeds Digital, a fresh take on marketing for small and medium businesses that need a little help with their digital presence and beyond.

Welcome to Seeds Digital, a fresh take on marketing for small and medium businesses that need a little help with their digital presence and beyond.

Happy Earth Day from Seeds Digital! Have you ever planted wildflower seeds?

When it comes to business marketing, many business owners and leaders try to handle things on their own. For most, this ends in disaster because they don’t have the time, experience, knowledge, or skills necessary to get the job done right. That’s where working with a digital marketing company can help.