A fresh herb garden is one of the best ways you can benefit the needs of your family's health. Planting medical herbs as well as herbs for culinary or aromatic use are just some of the reasons. Or you may wish to have a fresh herb garden for ornamental purposes only.
Herbs are categorized in a variety of ways with the most common being seasonal. Some herbs can be categorized as all three; annual, perennial and biennial.
- Annual herbs are planted every year since they do not survive winter frost. Some of the most prominent annual herbs are cilantro, basil and summer savory.
- Perennial herbs are a bit hardier and can withstand colder temperature so they return yearly. Some well known perennials are winter savory and sage.
- Biennial herbs form leaves at the first growing season then transform into growing seeds which flower in their second season of growth after which they die. These include angelica, caraway and parsley. You should broadcast these herbs in late spring.
Before deciding which type of herb most interest you be sure to do your homework. This will ensure your fresh herb garden will be bountiful and useful.
No matter which type of herbs you place your concentration on the first consideration is to plant in the right type of soil conditions. You prepare the soil by wetting in ever so lightly. You'll want to select a type of soil that is finely textured.
Then you plant your seeds in shallow rows firmly covering lightly with soil. You can plant your seeds in a mixture of soil and sand so they grow uniformly. To keep the moisture balance correct place paper or a wet burlap bag over the soil during the germination process.
Fresh herbs can be used in a variety of ways. Medicinal herbs are used for their healing properties. Modern medicine has come alongside herbalist in realizing the benefits of treating many ailments using natural means whose basis in herb logy.
Most people start fresh herb gardens to have culinary herbs on hand for flavoring and cooking. Some of the easiest and most popular culinary herbs include thyme, basil, sage, marjoram and chives. Once you taste the exquisite flavor that only a fresh herb can give to your meal you will never buy any of those dried herbs at your local grocery market again.
Mint, rosemary, lemon and lavender fall into the category of being aromatic herbs. Their many uses are varied from scenting clothing to dried and being made into potpourri. You can even make toilet water or perfumes from these herbs.
Ornamental herbs provide great ground cover with their brilliant foliage and flowers.
Borage and chicory bloom a gorgeous dazzlingly blue while the valerian herb astounds with its crimson bloom.
The herb oregano has the distinction of not only being a beauteous purple flower but is also used for culinary purposes as well.
In the end no matter what intention you plan on using your fresh herb garden for, understanding the different types will enable you to make an intelligent and wise decision for which herbs to include in your fresh herb garden.
Joel & Ara'Bella are herbal experts. For more information on how to grow a fresh herb garden visit http://www.herbgardeningcare.com/.