Growing Herbs In Your Garden

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 basilherbs as true healers while others have been said to
leaves on a tuna sandwich and in salads. For thebe 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 indangerous consequences.
preparation of foods. Herbs have a wider range ofGardeners Classification
use. Some are used for scents and cosmetics whileAnnuals, Biennials, and perennials are so called
others for medicinal purposes. Effective ayurvedicbecause of the nature of blooming and life span of
herbs and Chinese healing herbs are indications of thethe herb.
ancient remedies. Some herbs are believed to have- Annuals bloom one season and then die. These
possessed magical charms and many a story hasherbs include Anise, Basil, Chervil, Coriander, Dill,
been written about magical potions. Herbs and spicesSummer 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 modernetc.
science for fragrances and curing illness. Our- Perennials bloom each season. These include Chives,
ancestors knew the uses for almost every wildFennel, Lovage, Marjoram, Mint, Tarragon, Thyme,
non-poisonous plant. Some of these plants wereWinter Savory, etc.
needed in the garden more as they never hadGardeners 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 homespunguide to herbs for you to are Winter Savory,
fabrics, storing with linen to prevent insects andRosemary, Sage, Sweet Basil, Dill, Mint, Marjory,
adding fragrance, preserving or enhancing the tastesParsley, 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 ofknow whether they are annuals, biennials or
pioneer homes. Sunny corners of the house thatperennials.
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 thatmust. Improve drainage by placing a 5 inch layer of
grew wild in the country side were also grown in thecrushed 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 theirtexture and increase fertility. Do not use fertilizers as
own herbs. Herbs can be classified according to theirhighly 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 Herbsground. You could obtain an indoor herb garden kit
This sweet smelling foliage has been used forand 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 theirpropagating 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 anddone when the plant has enough foliage to maintain
Basil.growth. Harvest leaves before the flower buds open.
Ornamental HerbsThis 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 asor 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 HerbsFennel, Dill and Anise.
Some plants are thought to have healing powers.