Types of Garden Herb

This article will give you an initial understanding of the general types of herbs and what they are normally used for. Herbs, like other types of plants, come in annuals, biennials, and perennials. The amount of different types of herbs is vast, each with it’s own unique characteristics. You should find out more about a specific type of herb that you are interested in; understand the necessary care it needs and how to use them properly.
Annuals herbs cannot survive a frost and must be planted every year from a seed or a small plant; basil, summer savory, and cilantro are all annual herbs. Biennial herbs are those that grow leaves during the first season of growth, and during the second season they flower and produce seeds and die away. Biennial herbs such as angelica, caraway, and parsley are best sown during late spring. Perennial herbs can survive lower temperatures and will grow every year; sage and summer savory are perennial herbs. Soil should be prepared by first working it to a fine texture then wetting it slightly. Sow the seeds in shallow rows and pat the soil firm on top of them. Sand can be mixed in with the soil when planted fine seeds, this will let them spread more evenly as they grow. A useful tip is to cover the bed with wet burlap or paper to help keep the soil moist during the germination period.
Herbs are also 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.  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 also be dried and made into potpourri which will enable them to be able to retain their aroma for a long period of time.  Lavender and lemon verbena are great herbs to use for potpourri.  Some herbs are also used for medicinal purposes.  For centuries herbs have been thought to have the ability to cure the body.  Present medical knowledge recognizes that some herbs are beneficial to one抯 health, others are overrated.  Herbs used for medicinal purposes should be used carefully.  Some herbs are harmless but others can be dangerous if eaten.
Some herbs are not used for their flavor, fragrance or healing power, but for their beauty. Herbs that are used as ornamental decoration have colorful foliage and flowers. Chicory will grow delightful blue flowers whilst valerian has beautiful crimson blossoms and borage. Many herbs will grow a variety of light colored foliage and flowers.
Many herbs have multiple purposes and are included in more than one catergory. A good example is mint, which can be used in cooking, tea, and even pest control. Whatever it is that interested you in herbs, by finding out more about and understanding herb garden plants you’ll see which herbs are the most useful to you.

This article will give you an initial understanding of the general types of herbs and what they are normally used for. Herbs, like other types of plants, come in annuals, biennials, and perennials. The amount of different types of herbs is vast, each with it’s own unique characteristics. You should find out more about a specific type of herb that you are interested in; understand the necessary care it needs and how to use them properly.

Annuals herbs cannot survive a frost and must be planted every year from a seed or a small plant; basil, summer savory, and cilantro are all annual herbs. Biennial herbs are those that grow leaves during the first season of growth, and during the second season they flower and produce seeds and die away. Biennial herbs such as angelica, caraway, and parsley are best sown during late spring. Perennial herbs can survive lower temperatures and will grow every year; sage and summer savory are perennial herbs. Soil should be prepared by first working it to a fine texture then wetting it slightly. Sow the seeds in shallow rows and pat the soil firm on top of them. Sand can be mixed in with the soil when planted fine seeds, this will let them spread more evenly as they grow. A useful tip is to cover the bed with wet burlap or paper to help keep the soil moist during the germination period.

Herbs are also 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. 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 also be dried and made into potpourri which will enable them to be able to retain their aroma for a long period of time. Lavender and lemon verbena are great herbs to use for potpourri. Some herbs are also used for medicinal purposes. For centuries herbs have been thought to have the ability to cure the body. Present medical knowledge recognizes that some herbs are beneficial to ones health, others are overrated. Herbs used for medicinal purposes should be used carefully. Some herbs are harmless but others can be dangerous if eaten.

Some herbs are not used for their flavor, fragrance or healing power, but for their beauty. Herbs that are used as ornamental decoration have colorful foliage and flowers. Chicory will grow delightful blue flowers whilst valerian has beautiful crimson blossoms and borage. Many herbs will grow a variety of light colored foliage and flowers.

Many herbs have multiple purposes and are included in more than one catergory. A good example is mint, which can be used in cooking, tea, and even pest control. Whatever it is that interested you in herbs, by finding out more about and understanding herb garden plants you’ll see which herbs are the most useful to you.