Herbs – An Introduction

An Introduction To Garden Herbs

There are a huge variety of herbs in the world, and each one is unique in its own way. 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. This article will get you started in understanding general different types of herb plants and what they are used for.

From a growing perspective, there are of 3 categories of herb plant – Annuals, Biennial and Perennial:

• Annuals – common examples are basil, and cilantro – these will not survive the winter frost. Each year these herbs have to be planted from seed, or better still from a small plant you have kept indoors, saved from the summer growth. .

• Biennials – herbs that form leaves in their first growing season, and then flower and seed in the second season; then they die. Biennial herbs – such as parsley, angelica, or caraway – should be sown in late spring, directly into the garden. Prepare the soil by first working it to a fine texture, and then dampen it a little. Plant the seeds in shallow rows, then firm the soil on top of them. Fine seeds can be planted in a mixture of sand and soil and compost, which will allow them to spread more evenly. You can cover the herb bed with wet burlap or paper, in order to keep the soil moist during germination.

• Perennials – for example sage – will survive cold temperatures, and with due care, will grow year after year.

Herbs can also be grouped into the categories for which they are used:

• Culinary herbs are probably the most useful to herb gardeners. They have a huge range of different uses in cooking. Because of their strong flavors, herbs like chives, thyme, basil, sage, savory, and marjoram are generally used in small quantities to add flavor to different types of food. Parsley is an extremely popular herb that is used mostly as a garnish. Some herbs can act as natural sweeteners – stevia, licorice, and the exotically named aztec sweet herb.

• Aromatic herbs have pleasant smelling flowers or foliage. Oils from aromatic herbs like loyage, mint, and rosemary can be used to make different types of perfumes, toilet water, or other various scents. Parts of aromatic herb plants used intact can also be used in the home to scent linens or clothing. They can even be dried out and made into potpourri, thus retaining their aroma over a long period of time. Lavender and lemon verbena are great herbs to use for potpourri.

• Some herbs are also used as natural treatments for common ailments. For centuries herbs have been thought to have the ability to cure the body. Current medical knowledge recognizes that some herbs are beneficial to one’s health, while others are overrated. Herbs used for medicinal purposes should onviously be used with due care. Some herbs are harmless but others can be dangerous if eaten. Herbs are used to alleviate stress, pain, or to boosting the immune system and cure insomnia – herb Robert, and lemon balm I have found that Aloe vera is great to have around the house (usually potted) for any accidental burns and cuts (more healing than anything you will find over the counter.

A final category are herbs that are used mainly as decoration, because they grow beautiful brightly colored flowers and foliage:

• Many have whitish flowering, some have various light colored flowers – like valerian – which has crimson blossoms, and borage and chicory, which grow gorgeous blue flowers

Not all herbs fit neatly into one of the above categories, and indeed some serve more than one of these categories. For example, mint may be used for cooking, tea, and pest control – but make sure you border its growth, or it will become a pest itself growing wild across your garden!

If you would like more information on herbs, do drop by my herb gardening website, where I continually update articles and tips on gardening at home.

Whatever the interest that you may have in herbs, by understanding the facets of herb garden plants you are able to pick the herbs that will be most useful to you, and you can grow healthy, fresh produce at home.. Good Luck.