Growing Herbs in Herb Gardens
Herbs are essential ingredients for flavoring and spicing up recipes all
over the world. Without them, eating would be pretty bland. Herbs add flavor,
character, and uniqueness to recipes. Used alone or in combination, they
help to make cooking fun and enjoyable, and eating a sheer joy!
Herb gardening can be done in a very little space. All it takes is a few
herb plants, grown along the side of the house or garage, and you have an
ample supply for the kitchen. Try growing herbs in a container on your balcony
or deck. They are very comfortable in windowsill planters, too. Many herbs
make good indoor houseplants during the winter months.
Varieties:
There are a wide variety of herbs which you can use. Depending on who is
counting, there are 40 to 60 different kinds of herbs. Each one has it's
own distinct flavoring. Most are easy to grow. There are annuals, perennials
and even biennials.
With that many herbs, there should be lots or uses, right!?! Absolutely!
Listed below are the different categories of herbs. Note, many fall into
two or more categories.
Aromatic Herbs- Grown for their scent, aromatics herbs are used in
flower vases or dried arrangements. Their oils are used in perfumes, candles,
and toiletries to name a few. A couple of favorites are Lavender and Mint.
Culinary Herbs- We think of this category of herb first and foremost.
Most gardeners grow a few or several varieties. Needless to say, food would
be plain and boring without this group of herbs. Some of the more popular
include Basil, Chives and Dill.
Medicinal Herbs - Since ancient times, many types of herbs have been
used in medicine and believed to have the power to cure a wide range of ailments.
We know some of them have been proved to be true. Others, like garlic, have
preventative characteristics. (A garlic a day keeps the Cholesterol away"
...sorry, I couldn't resist!)
Also in ancient times, many herbs were believed to have the power to ward
off evil spirits. We all are too familiar with the belief that Garlic worn
around the neck will ward off vampires.
Ornamental Herbs- They are commonly grown for fresh or dried arrangements.
Ornamental herbs also make the flower gardens look nicer. That is why herbs
are often grown amidst the flowers. In this sense, they are used like a flower.
You probably consider most of these to also fit within another category of
herb. If so, you are right!
The Value of Medicinal Herbs:
Since ancient times, herbs were, and continue to be used for a wide variety
of medicinal purposes. Some herbs, most notably Garlic, were used to ward
off evil spirits. Over the years, many herbs were proven to be effective
in the treatment of a wide range of ailments and injuries.
Planting Herbs:
Herb gardens are fun and easy to grow. They also take up little space. Many
growers put herb gardens up against their house or garage wall, so they can
walk out and pick the herbs they need for the day's meal.
Tip: If you are growing perennials or biennials, make sure to plan
your Herb garden so as not to disturb them the next year.
You can select your own favorites, or buy a package with a wide variety.
We encourage you to experiment and try new herbs each year. That way, you
will be certain to try new recipes all winter long.
Most herbs grow best in well drained, fairly fertile soil with a neutral
pH of 6.5 to 7.0.
Seeds can be sown indoors or out. Many seeds are very tiny and fine. Make
sure not to plant them deeply. Just barely cover the seed and keep the top
surface of the soil moist. Thin seedlings according to the instructions on
the seed packet.
Insects and Pests:
Few pests affect the herb family. In fact, some herbs, such as garlic, are
used in organic pesticide formulas. Occasionally mites and aphids can bother
a number of herb varieties. See Organic
Sprays.
Disease:
Disease is not too common among the herb family.
Harvesting and Drying Herbs:
It is best to harvest herbs in the morning. This is when the oils are the
highest concentration. Immediately after harvesting them, wash them in cool
water. Then spread them out on a drying rack. Allow good ventilation. They
should dry in two to three days. Many herbs can also be frozen for later
use(culinary herbs).
Did you Know? It is the oil in herbs that gives herbs their aroma
and flavor.
More on Harvesting and Drying Herbs
Find the specific Herb you are looking for:
Plant
and Herb Index A listing of more than 800 plants and herbs.
More on Herbs:
Buy Herb Seeds Looking for quality seeds? Stop
here. Many herbs can be grown indoors during the winter.
Organic Herbs start with Organic
Herb Seeds
Herb Gardening
Herb gardening tips from Garden Hobbies
Medicinal Herb Garden
from the University of Washington.
Download Herb Seed
Catalog
Herb
Plant Botanical Names Common name to botanical names cross reference
for your favorite herbs.
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