| Why would you want to grow herbs in your garden? | | | | Modern science has researched and recognized some |
| Fresh herbs are awesome. I love just putting basil | | | | herbs as true healers while others have been said to |
| leaves on a tuna sandwich and in salads. For the | | | | be over rated in healing powers. Some of these |
| culinary lovers herbs are something they need fresh. | | | | herbs must be consumed carefully or it could result in |
| Herbs serve as a major source for seasoning in | | | | dangerous consequences. |
| preparation of foods. Herbs have a wider range of | | | | Gardeners Classification |
| use. Some are used for scents and cosmetics while | | | | Annuals, Biennials, and perennials are so called |
| others for medicinal purposes. Effective ayurvedic | | | | because of the nature of blooming and life span of |
| herbs and Chinese healing herbs are indications of the | | | | the herb. |
| ancient remedies. Some herbs are believed to have | | | | - Annuals bloom one season and then die. These |
| possessed magical charms and many a story has | | | | herbs include Anise, Basil, Chervil, Coriander, Dill, |
| been written about magical potions. Herbs and spices | | | | Summer Savory, etc. |
| have been major sources of trade between | | | | - Biennials live for two seasons. They bloom only in |
| kingdoms and countries. | | | | the second season. These include Caraway, Parsley, |
| Herbs of yore are being rediscovered by modern | | | | etc. |
| science for fragrances and curing illness. Our | | | | - Perennials bloom each season. These include Chives, |
| ancestors knew the uses for almost every wild | | | | Fennel, Lovage, Marjoram, Mint, Tarragon, Thyme, |
| non-poisonous plant. Some of these plants were | | | | Winter Savory, etc. |
| needed in the garden more as they never had | | | | Gardeners Tips for you |
| refrigerator or the modern preservatives. These | | | | - If you intend to begin an herb garden then your |
| herbs served in many purposes like dyeing homespun | | | | guide to herbs for you to are Winter Savory, |
| fabrics, storing with linen to prevent insects and | | | | Rosemary, Sage, Sweet Basil, Dill, Mint, Marjory, |
| adding fragrance, preserving or enhancing the tastes | | | | Parsley, Chives and Summer Savory. You could |
| of food. | | | | choose any other herb to grow in your garden but |
| Herb Gardens were almost an essential feature of | | | | know whether they are annuals, biennials or |
| pioneer homes. Sunny corners of the house that | | | | perennials. |
| were readily accessible to home makers were | | | | - Herbs do not grow in wet soil. Good drainage is a |
| planted with seasoning herbs. Wild crafted Herbs that | | | | must. Improve drainage by placing a 5 inch layer of |
| grew wild in the country side were also grown in the | | | | crushed stones 15 to 18 inches below the top soil. |
| garden. Gardeners are not rediscovering the value of | | | | - Mix the soil with compost and sand to lighten the |
| these herbs and are taking pleasure in producing their | | | | texture and increase fertility. Do not use fertilizers as |
| own herbs. Herbs can be classified according to their | | | | highly fertile soils produce excess foliage with poor |
| use: culinary, aromatic, ornamental and medical. | | | | flavor. |
| Culinary herbs | | | | - Almost all herbs can be grown from seeds. If |
| These are the most useful to herb gardeners. | | | | possible sow seeds in shallow boxes in late winter |
| Garnishes and flavoring is where they are used more. | | | | and transplant these seedlings outdoors in spring. |
| A common list is Parsley, Sage, Chives, Thyme, | | | | Anise, coriander, dill and fennel can be sown directly. |
| Savory, Marjoram, Mint and Basil. | | | | Biennials should be sown in late spring directly into the |
| Aromatic Herbs | | | | ground. You could obtain an indoor herb garden kit |
| This sweet smelling foliage has been used for | | | | and start of growing herbs indoors as well. |
| producing perfumes. Flowers are mostly used but | | | | - Cutting and division is a useful method in |
| even plant parts are used. Dried herbs retain their | | | | propagating certain herbs. |
| aroma for longer periods. Some aromatic herbs are | | | | - Harvesting in the form of picking the leaves is to be |
| Mint, Marjoram, Lovage, Lavender, Rosemary and | | | | done when the plant has enough foliage to maintain |
| Basil. | | | | growth. Harvest leaves before the flower buds open. |
| Ornamental Herbs | | | | This is when the flavor is at the peak . Pick seed |
| These herbs have bright flower and foliage. | | | | heads when the color changes from green to brown |
| Variegated Thyme, Chives, Lavender as well as | | | | or gray. |
| Valerian with crimson blossoms and borage and | | | | - Very few diseases or insects attack herbs. Rust |
| chicory with blue flowers are some ornamental herbs. | | | | infects mints and aphids may attack Caraway, |
| Medicinal Herbs | | | | Fennel, Dill and Anise. |
| Some plants are thought to have healing powers. | | | | |