Garden Plants
Herb plants come in annuals, perennials, and biennials like other types of plants. There are many different types of herbs and each one is different. If you are interested in a specific type of herb, you should research that one to understand the care it needs and how to use it properly. In this article we will look at the different types of herbs and how they are used. Annuals like basil, cilantro, and summer savory will not survive a frost. They need to be planted from a seed or a small plant every year. Perennials will tend to survive colder temperatures Examples of these are winter savory and sage and they will return year after year. Click here for more: herb garden plants
Biennials are Herb plants that only survive two seasons. In the first they form leaves and in the second, befor they die, flowers and seed. Biennial herbs like parsley, angelica, or caraway should be sown in late spring directly into the garden. Get the soil ready for planting, work it into a fine texture soaking it slightly. Plant the seeds in shallow rows then firm the soil on top of them. If you have fine seeds, plant these in a mixture of sand as this will spred them within the mix more evenly. It is an idea to cover the planted bed with paper or burlap to keep the soil damp prior to germination. Herbs are also grouped into the categories for which they are used. Herbs used for cooking are the best known to gardeners. They provide a vast range of menu options in cookery.
Herbs like thyme, basil, chives, savory, sage and marjoram have strong tasting flavors when added to food, so are used in small amounts. An very popular herb used mainly as a garnish is Parsley. Fragrant herbs have wonderful smelling foliage or flowers. The oils from herbs like mint, loyage and rosemarycan be used to make all kinds of perfume, scents and toilet water. Parts of aromatic herb plants used intact can also be used in the home to scent linens or clothing. For more visit our blog: Herb Garden Blog
Drying them will allow them to retain their aroma for longer and be used in products such as potpourri. Lavender and lemon verbena are great herbs to use for potpourri. Many herbs are also used in medicine. Since ancient time herbs have been used to cure all sorts of ailments. Modern medicine has proved the advantages of using some herbs to treat some conditions. However, you should be careful in using herbs for medicinal purposes in this way. Although many are harmless, many can be dangerous if eaten.
Many herbs are used for entirely different reasons other than their fragrance healing properties or flavor. Some herbs are used for their beauty. Ornamental herbs have brightly colored flowers and foliage. Many have whitish or various light colored flowers like valerian which has crimson blossoms and borage and chicory which grow gorgeous blue flowers. While herbs can be categorized into these different categories of uses, many herbs have multiple purposes. For example, mint may be used for cooking, tea, and pest control. By taking the time to understand herbs, whatever your reason, you will be able to choose the ones most beneficial to you. Click here for more: Herb Gardening