Great Herbs for Growing
Want to grow a garden? Before you plan what herbs for growing to include in your garden, some basic information about each herb will help you decide. There are four types of herbs, namely culinary, medicinal, aromatic and ornamental. Know what type you want to grow in your garden first, and your purpose for growing them.
Herbs for growing may be intended for cooking. If your interest inclines toward adding zest to your everyday cooking, consider these herbs commonly used in the kitchen. They are very easy to grow as well. Basil is the perfect match for pesto. A small amount can be added to soups and sauces to make a delicious garnish or dish. This particular herb is warm and spicy in flavor. Just as basil and tomatoes make a good pair in the garden, they also make a good pair in cooking. Basil simply makes any tomato dish special.
Chives are another culinary herb that makes a good seasoning. This herb can be added to newly baked potato or mashed potato. It is also a good addition to salads, cheese dishes and sauces. Corianders are likewise good herbs for growing. Any part of the plant can be used for any purpose. From the seeds, to leaves down to its roots, corianders have a way to season several dishes.
Dill has a slightly bitter taste, but once added to fish, meat and poultry, it works wonders in spicing up your dishes. Fennel is also a culinary herb that matches fish and meat products. Both herbs can be added to soups and salads for flavor. Mint makes an excellent culinary and medicinal herb. It can be added to hot tea or as garnish to lamb. Parsley is a common cooking herb often added to soups and omelets. It is also used for designing table food.
If you consider medicinal herbs for growing, here are some most common health herbs that are easy to grow. Nettles have been a favorite for generations. This herb is used for relieve inflammation caused by allergies, arthritis and lupus. It is rich in iron, vitamin C and antioxidants. Calendula, or marigold, is a versatile herb with bright orange flowers. It can be used for cooking, medicine and even as ornament.
Burdock is a distinctive herb which can be used as tea. Otherwise known as gobo, this healthful herb is good for gastrointestinal and liver functioning. Chamomile is yet another herb often drank as a tea. It is very popular and has been grown for commercial purposes. It boosts your immune system and helps ward off infection. Echinacea is an immune booster that is helpful for the respiratory system. Like chamomile, this herb is used as remedy for cold and flu. Lavender is an indispensable medicinal herb in any garden. It is known for its calming effect, and it is also known as pain reliever.
How to Cultivate Herb Garden
If you have been searching for articles regarding herb garden how to, here is one for you. People grow herbs for a variety of reasons. It may be for culinary, medicinal or even decorative purposes. You may want to grow your own herb garden for any of these reasons.
Herbs are typically easy to grow and require low maintenance. Nevertheless, they will not thrive in a zero upkeep environment. Soil, water and climate are some factors you have to consider. More than this basic knowledge, there are some things you need to know more about herb garden ?how to cultivate it outdoor and indoor.
In the outdoor setting, your primary concern is the soil. Logic tells us that the more nourishment the soil can provide, the healthier the plants will be. Choose a well-drained soil so that excess water will not cause the roots to rot. To make sure your soil is ideal for your herb, pile up three layers of stones 15-18 inches below the surface. Then put in compost and sand and add some more to allow the soil to settle down over time. You can purchase a moisture meter to really measure the amount of moisture that the soil holds. This way, you will be relieved of guessing whether the soil is good for your herb or not.
It is good to fertilize your soil every now and then, but be sure not to overdo it. A soil that is over fertilized will produce a poor herb, and you want to avoid that. Water your herb especially if the rainfall only amounts to one inch in a week. Also, generously apply mulch to your plant. Mulch keeps in moisture needed by herbs and keeps out weeds at the same time.
During the winter, a well-drained soil will help your herb survive. It is also important not to fertilize or prune the plant during this cold season. Add another layer of mulch, but do not pile heavily as this will keep extra moisture that can cause rotting of roots.
If you consider planting your herb indoor, there are some few things to bear in mind also. Indoors, it is another story to keep an herb garden. How to cultivate it inside the house will involve a good lighting, humidity and adequate water.
Herbs love sunlight, and 10-12 hours of exposure everyday will help them thrive. If you decide to keep your herb garden indoors, make sure your plant receives as much sunlight by putting them along the window that receives the most sunlight. The window that faces south will be the ideal place for your plant. Aside from this, it will help to add artificial light, say a fluorescent, as indirect light (no matter how bright) may still not be enough to meet the needs of the plant.
Different Types of Herb for Your Gardens
Herb gardens bring pleasure to those who wish to grow them. The task of growing herbs is meant to be enjoyable, not burdensome. If you are one of those who take delight in growing herbs, you may be interested of their practical uses in food and health. On the other hand, you may simply like to admire the beauty of decorative herbs.
Herbs are grown for specific purposes. The most common is cooking. Herbs add spice and flavor to any dishes. Culinary herbs ?as they are commonly known ?are also referred to as sweet herbs. There are annual, biennial and perennial culinary herbs which have tender roots and ripe seeds. They are also aromatic in nature. Cooking herbs are not added to all kinds of food, there are specific herbs good for specific dish. If you mess that up you may not get the desired flavor that will impress your family or friends. If you have been cooking for a while, you can attest that basil leaves are good for soups and oreganos go well with pasta, while chives are great in baked potatoes.
Aromatic herbs can also be grown in herb gardens. Some of these are culinary herbs as well. Aromatic herbs are added to perfumes, toilet solutions, and other substances that need fragrance. Only a few nurture these plants in their herb gardens, but it is still worthwhile to venture in these herbs. Marjoram, lovage, rosemary and basil can be dried to serve as potpourri or incense for sweet scent.
Medicinal purposes are perhaps one of the oldest uses of herbs. During the time when antibiotics and hospitals were not known to mankind, these plants were used by our ancestors to cure simple illnesses, heal their diseases, or even save their lives. Marshmallow root is known to soothe inflammations such as sore throat. Hyacinth is a diuretic which can rid of excess water in the tissues. Yarrow can help relieve a cold fever. The use of these herbs may seem primitive enough, but if you want natural remedies and would like to avoid antibiotics or other commercial drugs available, you might as well resort to these medicinal herbs.
Another kind that does wonders in herb gardens are ornamental herbs. Decorative herbs ?as they are otherwise known ?may not have as noble purpose as culinary or medicinal herbs, but they still realize the idea of fun gardening. If you are the type who are inclined to aesthetic functions of plants more than culinary or medicinal, try planting these herbs. They are not meant to be harvested, of course, but they make good ornaments. If you want a dual function, you can plant decorative herbs that can either be medicinal or culinary at the same time. Valerian, chicory and borage will make good medicinal and ornamental herbs, while ariegated thyme, mint lavender and chives can be grown for both ornamental and culinary purposes.
How To Plant An Herb Garden
Herb garden is fun to have. You get to eat delicious meals garnished with herbs, you get healthy, and at the same time you can enjoy the fragrance and even the beauty of the plants. Here are some guidelines on how to plant herb garden.
If you want an outdoor setting, consider the soil, sunlight, growing zone, and of course, your time. How to plant herb garden may not be too tough, but it requires attention and time. So make sure you can manage to maintain what you have started.
Growing zone, or hardiness zone, is an important factor in herb gardening. Knowing your designated area will help you choose the plants that will thrive even in the harshest cold. Tender perennial plants, for instance, need to be indoors to survive the winter season. Another factor is the soil, its pH level and composition.
PH level is the level of acidity of the soil. This has an impact to the health of herbs, if not a factor of their survival. The ideal level for herbs is 6.5 to 7. If pH level is more than this, then your soil is alkaline. Add sulfur or organic materials to the soil if you want to lower the base level of the soil. On the other hand, if pH level falls below 6.5, your soil is acidic. Put in dolomitic lime, wood ashes, or eggshell to the soil to decrease the acidity level. You can use a home soil test kit to determine the pH level of your soil.
In planting any kind of herb, the basic rule for soil composition is three parts of garden soil, one part peat, compost or old manure and one part sand. Soil needs to be rich to give the needed nutrition to plants. It also has to be well-drained, as herbs do not thrive in wet and heavy soil.
Transferring a potted herb outdoor must be done gradually. To help the herbs acclimate, plant during a cloudy day in late afternoon so your plant will not be suddenly exposed to intense heat and light. Some herbs grow by seeding while others through cuttings. It is more convenient to buy herbs grown in the nursery than germinate seeds. Herbs will have a better chance to survive if already established.
Dig a hole a little wider than the mouth of the container, while the depth is the same as container. When taking out a potted herb, turn the container around and gently tap the bottom of the container. If this does not work, insert a knife on the edge of the container and slice out the soil. Plant the herb and fill out the hole, leaving no air pockets. Water the herbs right after planting, and continue to do this for the next one to two weeks. Add mulch to your plants but you don’t need to fertilize.
If you follow these simple how to plant herb garden instructions, you can be assured of healthy herbs.
Start A Fresh Herb Garden – It Is Worthwhile
Nothing tastes like fresh herbs tossed into your favorite meal. You can always buy fresh and dried herbs in the supermarket. Why not try growing your own fresh herb garden. It’s easy to take care of, and you only need to reach out to your pots or patch for your next tasty meal.
Include in your fresh herb garden some of the herbs that are regularly used in the kitchen. Usually, people immediately cook the herbs they plucked right out of the garden. Your garden need not be very big. You can even have your own potted herbs right in your windowsill in your kitchen area. It doesn’t take much of these herbs to add flavor to your dish. Even a small amount can already make a difference.
If you want an indoor setting, simply set your fresh herb garden on your windowsill. If it is not big enough, you can add a ready made one by six inch board by screwing it to your sill. There is also a windowsill extenders originally intended for cats, but you can use that to house your fresh herb garden.
Although different herbs have specific directions in handling them, you can still follow some general rules. Remember that wind and heat take away the essential oils of herbs, and this has an impact on the flavor and available nutrients of the plants. If you have more than just your potted herbs, you can harvest your plants and save some for later use. Harvesting your herbs should be done during dry and sunny day. It is recommended to harvest during a calm, mid summer morning to ensure that the herbs have plenty of essential oils. Extremely wet weather will likewise cause the herbs to produce less essential oils.
Check for insect infestations and leaf damage once you harvest your herbs. Take note not to remove more than a third of the plant’s foliage, as they will need enough foliage to re-grow. After harvest, clean them up before mixing them to your food. Submerge the herbs in water with two tablespoons of salt to remove any insects without harming your plants. You can dry the herbs by putting them in the salad spinner.
If you’re harvesting basil, pick out the leaves before they blossom. The best aroma and flavor of this herb comes out just before it starts to flower. Soak the stalk in a cup of water to keep its freshness for a week. Treat oregano like your basil plant. Harvest when the buds are fully formed, but has not flowered yet. You can also immerse your oregano harvest in water, just like basil leaves. Fresh parsley is best when added to cooking. Make sure to include the stems when harvesting as most of the flavor is in the stems. When the parsley reaches six inches in height, it is ready for harvest.
Being Creative With Your Herb Garden Design
Starting an herb garden is pretty easy. These herbs are not particularly difficult to deal with. They can thrive with ease in an outdoor or indoor setting. However, there is another aspect to add to herb garden care. That is, herb garden design.
Before you begin digging and planting, make a plan first about how your garden will look like. No idea? Answer these questions: How much time can you give in caring for your garden? How much are you willing to spend? What growing zone do you belong? How much sunlight does your yard receive? What type of soil do you have?
If you have already resolved the amount of time you want to spend with your garden, you will know how big you can maintain. You also need to decide whether you put your plants in containers or dig up a place for them. The type of plant will impact your herb garden design, so figure out if you want annual, biennial, perennial or mix type of plants.
If you are a novice herb gardener, it’s best to start with a small plot, say 6 by 8 feet, and choose a design that is simplest to implement and maintain. Remember, one of the main reasons for growing a garden is enjoyment. If you don’t find any pleasure in maintaining a big plot, better stick with little. A small plot is also less expensive. This will give you an opportunity to try out.
Another thing in considering herb garden design is to determine if you want the informal, wild look or the formal type. In the informal type, herbs are allowed to naturally seed and spread. A little disorder is tolerated. In the formal type, there should be a specific plan for the shape and size of the garden. Geometrical patterns rule the design, with some symmetry and careful measurement.
Formal herb garden design requires more planning and dedication. You need to consider what to plant in each compartment, the color combination of the plants, and even the height and size of herbs. For instance, parsley and purple basil are always used as border plants because of their attractive color. If you wish to add brick or stone paths, you have to incorporate this in your plan. It’s a tedious job to cultivate and maintain formal herb garden, but it is most rewarding once you see your herbs grow.
To better visualize your herb garden design, you can sketch your plan on a piece of graphing paper. Make every square equivalent to one square foot, and plan what to plant in that every block. Take note of immovable objects like trees and fences, and add them to your sketch so you can better visualize the layout of the garden.
Growing Kitchen Herbs – Some Top Tips
It is undeniable that herbs are grown for this primary reason: to enhance the flavor of food. Herbs are commonly used in special dishes and cuisines. No wonder many people turn to this magical plant as an additive to their everyday cooking. More people resort to growing kitchen herbs for the love of it.
There are many varieties of herbs to choose from. If you are really interested in growing kitchen herbs, choose the ones that are regularly used. Basil has been a classic in any kitchen. It is the main ingredient for making pesto pasta, and is also used in making soups and sauces. The pungent taste of basil also makes a good combination with any tomato dish. Basil is a tender annual, and will not live in winter, unless transferred indoors. It is a sun-loving herb that can be propagated through seeding.
Chive is also a sun-loving herb that thrives in rich soil. It is a hardy perennial with tall and slender dark green leaves. It has a mild onion taste and goes well with baked potatoes. You can plant this herb by seeds or root divisions. Plant this in the fall or spring, and give them a lot of breathing space, about 9-12 inches apart. Apply mulch around it to keep out weeds.
The leaves and seeds of dill can be used to enhance the flavor of fish, poultry and other meat products. This herb has a strong taste, and a little bitter. It is also a fine addition to salads and soups. Dill thrives in a slightly acidic soil, ranging from 5.8 to 6.5 pH. A sun-loving herb, it prefers a sandy or loamy well-drained soil. You can plant dill in early spring by sowing the seeds in a 1/4 inch deep soil. Also keep each plant 9 inches apart.
Fennel is closely related to dill, and has a sweet flavor. It is also a good garnish to fish and meat, soups and salads. The seeds have sharper flavor though. Plant fennel in a rich and well drained soil during early spring with more space between each plant. Place them one and a half feet apart. Dig a small hole that is ?inch deep and sow the seeds. This herb prefers full sunlight, and a little acidic soil. However, do not let the pH level go below 6.0. Do not interplant this herb with its relative, dill, as they may cross pollinate.
Parsley is yet another classic that has been used for generations. It is a popular seasoning in fancy dishes and also in home-made soups. It is also added to salads and omelets. This plant can thrive in partial shade to full sun, and prefers a richly fertilized soil. Parsley can be planted in mid spring or mid summer. You can sow seeds, or better yet, buy a young plant and transfer in your garden.
Growing kitchen herbs is a rewarding experience, especially if you get to harvest and cook what you personally tended.
How To Start Herb Garden Of Your Own
You may be thrilled to start herb garden of your own. There are a few notes though, in planting herbs, especially in outdoor settings. When you wish to plant your herbs outside the house, start with finding a good spot. There are herbs that definitely love sunlight and there are those that prefer a little shade and moisture. Herbs that love sunlight are basil, chives, dill, oregano, rosemary, tarragon and thyme while chervil, lemon balm and mint thrive more in filtered sunlight.
Start herb garden right by knowing how to propagate them. Your garden need not be very big. It’s good to start with something small first. Better a manageable garden than a big but lowly maintained one. If you want to plant common culinary herbs such as basil, thyme, parsley, chives and lemongrass, it is recommended that you start planting their seeds indoor first. On the other hand, mint, rosemary and tarragon can be grown better if propagated through cuttings.
It is good to get some information about the herbs that you want to grow before you start herb garden of your own. Consult expert herbalists or your local nursery regarding the nature of herbs. Some plants love dry soil while some prefer it moist. Group your plants according to their need for water or their need for sunlight. Rosemary and thyme love dry soil, so you can plant them together. Basil and parsley can be grouped as they both prefer moist soil.
There is such thing as companion plants. If you never heard this concept before, this simply means that some herbs grow better when planted with complementary plants. Of course, there are also herbs which grow weakly when paired with other plants. Basil grows best when grown together with tomatoes. Gardeners suggest 3 basils for every one tomato plant. Parsley also loves tomatoes. Since both basil and parsley prefer moist soil, you can bet these three will make a good combination. Parsley and mint should be kept away from each other. You can plant mint near your cabbage patch though.
Good news about cultivating your herb garden outdoor is that, your plants are seldom infested by diseases and insects because they receive sufficient sunlight and air circulation. Also, you can provide them with good drainage. When you’re plants get infested by insects, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil instead of chemicals. Chives soaked in water are likewise a good, organic way to eliminate mildew disease. Keep your young plants humid by constantly spraying water on them.
In case you plant herbs during cold months, plant your herbs in pots and keep them indoors first. Cut small holes at the bottom of the pots so extra water will be drained out. Place your pots on trays and place them along the windowsill.
Benefits Of A Windowsill Herb Garden
Some people like to grow herbs indoors. This is a good start if you’re also considering a small space to grow your herbs. Once indoor, a windowsill herb garden will be most appropriate for your plants, since this type of plant needs as much sunlight as it can get.
Keeping a windowsill herb garden is beneficial to those who want to stay close with their plants all year round, and want to keep the garden manageable. Herbs are quite easy to grow in containers indoors. Just take heed of the water and light requirements of the plants. Herbs are also transferred indoors during the winter, to keep the plants from the harsh cold.
Choose the herbs that do not grow so tall or wide. Your container and your windowsill should be large enough to accommodate your plants. Maintain the herbs by continually trimming them off. They will grow thick and bushy if you nip at them from time to time. During winter, however, minimize clipping the plants as they need to be insulated from the cold.
For maximum light exposure, place your windowsill herb garden along the south, where the sun shines the brightest and longest. Though herbs usually love 10 to 12 hours of sunlight exposure, this may not be true for all herbs. There are tender herbs which may burn up in this kind of set up. Identify which herbs are really sun-loving before placing them in your southern windowsill herb garden. Rotate your plants within the week to make sure every part receives the needed sun.
Southern windowsill herb garden may provide a good amount of sunlight, but it may not always be enough. To compensate for this, add an artificial light just above your plants so they will receive the right amount of light to thrive. Fluorescent light is most commonly used.
Place your plants on pots or any container with a good drainage. You can put the herbs on containers with holes at the bottom, to drain out excess moisture. A waterlog can cause the roots to rot, and can even trigger disease infestation. To further avoid water from being stuck at the roots, use the potting mix instead of garden soil. Potting mix should be light and drains water well to avoid any soil born diseases. A general rule for watering your herbs will be, water only if the topsoil is a little dry.
Chives, mint, rosemary, oregano, thyme, sage, basil, marjoram and parsley are your sure bet in your windowsill herb garden. They抮e easy to grow and don’t grow very big. Apply fertilizer once every month, and don’t overdo it. Too much fertilizer can affect the growth and even the flavor of your herb. Cut back on application during winter months as herb growth also slows down.
The Joys Of A Herbal Tea Garden
When speaking about tea herb garden, what comes into your mind? Perhaps you imagine yourself in a peaceful environment with many pleasant views and sipping your fresh cup of tea. Perhaps you envision a garden full of herbs that can be made into tea. Tea herb garden can be any of this, but don’t put these two concepts together. Tea garden is a place to enjoy tea. You can grow your herb garden for tea in other part of your yard.
For centuries past, people treat garden as a place of Zen. Families and close friends love to stay here to relax and reflect. While sipping a cup of tea and sharing some pastries, people find a way to bond with each other. You can decorate your tea garden with hedges and fences, anything that will set this space apart. You can also make use of potted plants (or herbs) to serve as your fence. Some tables and chairs should be enough to accommodate a few number of people.
Tea herb garden is where you get your herbal tea from. Choose the herbs that you want to try as tea. Peppermint is a favorite of many people, with its refreshing and cool taste. It is known to relieve stomach troubles. This plant is very easy to grow, and thrives in a sunny or partially shaded environment. The leaves of peppermint are made as tea. Lavender is popular for its calming effect and relieving pain. This herb is also a stress reliever. The flower buds are used for tea. Chamomile has a pleasant apple scent, and is commercially made into tea. It has the same calming effect as lavender, and it also induces sleep. Chamomile flowers are usually made as tea. Lemon Verbena has a tangy taste of lemon will keep you feeling refreshed. The leaves are part used for making tea. Rosemary has long been used to cure emotional depression. It also helps smoothen blood circulation.
Gather your herbal tea in early morning, when the dew has dissipated but the sun is not strong enough to disperse the essential oils of the herb. Rub the leaves or flowers together to release the oil. When making tea, just add 3 teaspoons of fresh leaves (or flowers) in a cup of water. In case of dried herbs, mix one teaspoon with a cup of water. Steep in for about 5 minutes to allow the flavor and nutrients to mix with water. For best flavor, do not crush the leaves or flowers if you抮e not ready to drink your tea yet. You will lose a lot of essential oils in the process.
If you want to experiment with herbs and combine them, you can do so. Basic rule is, if the herbs smell good together, they will probably taste good together. You can also add some fruit juices for more delicious taste.
