Growing Herb Gardens
Herbs are essential ingredients spicing up recipes all over the world. Without
them, Cooking and eating would be pretty bland. They add flavor, character,
and uniqueness to recipes. Depending upon the herb, you can use the leaves,
flower or seeds. Some, like Cilantro/Coriander, the leaves and seeds are
used. Used alone or in combination, they help to make cooking fun and enjoyable,
and eating a sheer joy!
It is more fun to grow your own herb plants. The taste, especially when used
fresh, far exceeds dried, store-bought herbs.
Herb gardening uses very little space. Plant a few of your favorite herb
plants, along the side of the house or garage, and you have an ample supply
for the kitchen. Try growing them in a container on your balcony or deck.
They are very comfortable in windowsill planters, too. Most 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 biennials.
Listed below are the different categories. Note, many fall into two or more
categories.
Aromatic- Grown for their scent, aromatics herbs are used in flower
vases or dried arrangements. Their oils are used in perfumes, candles, potpourri,
and toiletries to name a few. A couple of favorites are Lavender and Mint.
Culinary- We think of this category of herb first, and foremost. Most
gardeners grow a few or several varieties. Food would be plain, bland and
boring, without culinary herbs. Some of the more popular are Basil, Chives
and Dill. Depending upon the herb, the leaves, flowers or seeds are used.
Medicinal - Since ancient times, herbs have been used medicinally,
to treat or cure a wide range of ailments. We know many of them are proven
to be effective. Others, like garlic, have preventative characteristics.
(A garlic a day keeps the Cholesterol away" ...sorry, I couldn't resist!)
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, wards off vampires and evil spirits. We encourage you to make a
necklace of garlic and try it!
Ornamental- They are commonly grown for fresh or dried arrangements.
Ornamental herbs also make the flower gardens look nicer. 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!
Planting Herb Gardens:
Herb gardens are fun and easy to grow. They take up little space. Many growers
put herb gardens up against their house or garage wall, so they can walk
out and pick them as needed, for the day's meal.
Tip: If you are growing perennials or biennials, make sure to plan
your Herb garden accordingly, so as not to disturb them the next year.
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 herb plants grow best in well drained, fairly fertile soil with a neutral
pH of 6.5 to 7.0. See
pH levels for Herbs
Seeds can be sown indoors or out. Seeds are often very tiny and fine. Make
sure not to plant the seeds too deeply. Just barely cover the seeds, 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:
Plant diseases are not too common among the herb family.
Harvesting and Drying :
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 three to five days. Many culinary herbs can also be frozen
for later use.
Did you Know? It is the oil in herbs that gives them aroma and flavor.
More on Harvesting and Drying Herbs
More on Herbs:
Buy Herb Seeds A huge assortment of top quality
Ferry Morse, Lilly Miller and Livingston seeds at the lowest prices anywhere.
Better quality, better prices.Ps.... save a few seeds for growing indoors.
Organic Herbs begin with
Certified Organic Herb Seeds
Herb Gardening
- gardening tips from Garden Hobbies
Download Our Garden Seed
Catalog
Plant Botanical Names Common name to botanical names cross reference
for your favorite herbs.
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