The Adventure of Herb Gardening
Culinary herbs are what most people think of when the subject of herbs is considered but you might want to take a look at mother nature’s medicine cabinet. Medicinal herbs are a fascinating addition to a herb garden. They have a distinguished history of service to mankind because before modern medicine herbs were the primary source of curative relief. Knowing the medicinal properties of herbs make them a practical addition to the herb garden. Adding these to your garden not only connects you with a rich tradition but also provides a ready source of organic healing remedies.
Many years before the Europeans came to the Americas native populations were conducting empirical studies of herb plants to determine their curative properties. They discovered over 3,000 different plants that had medicinal qualities. For instance the Cherokee Indians found that black cohosh could be used as a diuretic to ease rheumatic pains. They also found that coughs and lung inflammations could be relieved by bloodroot. The Chippewa discovered that blue cohosh, another woodland plant of the Eastern woodlands, would cure cramps and toothaches.
Did you know this about medicinal herbs?
In the non-prescription medicinal market in the U.S. over 175 herbs are sold to the public. Most of these are collected from the wilds because methods for cultivation on a commercial level have not been perfected.
The market for medicinal herbs in the United States is over $3 billion annually.
60 million plus people in the U.S. take some kind of herbal medicines. Doctors are beginning to recognize their value and are beginning to recommend their use to patients.
Another exciting member of the family is aromatic herbs. Aromatics are not generally the first on a herb gardeners selection list but their pleasing fragrances make them a worthwhile addition to any garden. They are plain and simple exactly what you might think – herb plants with good smelling foliage and flowers. The pleasing aromas come from the oils produced by the herbs and this provides a very efficient method of transferring that pleasant aroma to many other items and uses.
Herbal shampoos, bath mixtures and cosmetics are produced commercially by major cosmetic companies but how cool would it be to grow aromatic herbs and make your own cosmetics. Good choices for the bath are bee balm, mugwort, angelica and lavender. The old favorites rosemary and fennel work well in the tub. Chic boutiques grow and process their own aromatic herbs and make such things as sachets, wreaths, potpourris and pillows. Popular herbs for this type use include sweet woodruff, chamomile and scented geraniums.
Growing your own herbs is an adventure you shouldn’t pass up. Take time and discovery which type herb would delight your fancy and go for the gusto!
How to Grow an Herb Garden
You don’t have to be a chef or have a green thumb to grow an herb garden. Culinary herbs are extremely easy to grow. Once they get going, they add fragrance, texture and color to just about any garden or space. Harvest your culinary herbs to make everything from herbal teas, vinegars and flavorful recipes.
Herbs don’t require much space to grow. You can plant them in beds in a garden or you can grow them in a small container. Combining herbs can create a beautiful effect. Your bed or container is your canvas – and what you plant there can grow into a beautiful masterpiece.
Plenty of sun
Herbs love plenty of sunlight. When choosing a location for your herbs, look for an outdoor area or window that gets 5-7 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Well-drained soil
Whether you are planting your herbs in containers or a garden, start by testing your soil for nutrients and pH. It may be necessary to adjust your soil pH to the near-neutral pH of 6-7 that herbs grow best in. You will also want to add a layer of organic compost and minerals to the soil prior to planting.
Adequate water
Herbs like well-drained soil, but well drained soil needs to be watered more frequently. Don’t just water on a whim. Stick your finger down into your soil approximately 1″ to 1-1/2″. There is no need to water unless your soil feels almost dry to the touch.
Three rules of thumb for fertilizing your herbs
Fertilizer is often referred to as “plant food.” The most important thing to remember when feeding your herbs – use products that are organic. Remember, you are going to be consuming what you grow. If you don’t want to consume chemicals, don’t use them on your herbs.
Second rule of thumb – feed your herbs a balanced diet.
Fertilizer or “plant food” provides your herbs with the major elements they need to grow and thrive – nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Your plants also need minor elements called micronutrients, which contain the minor elements required by your plants to grow.
Finally.
Feed your plants through their leaves (foliar feeding). Foliar feeding is 100-500% more effective than root feeding and offers quicker results. Look for organic foliar fertilizers and micronutrients. Spray all the leaves of your herbs every 1-4 weeks.
Harvesting and storage
Once your herbs are established it is important to cut them back on a regular basis. Never harvest more than 1/3 of each individual herb plant. The best time to harvest your herbs is in the morning, when the oils are still readily available in their leaves. Harvest your herbs before they flower. This will prevent them from putting forth seed and will encourage more vigorous green growth.
You can use your herbs right away, refrigerate them or put them in a plastic freezer bag and freeze them up to 6 months.
Whatever you do, enjoy growing your culinary herbs.
You will feel like a gourmet, each time you wander into your garden to clip a few herbs for your culinary productions. Even if you don’t cook much, snip a bit of fresh mint from your herb garden to transform a simple glass of ice tea into the most delectable treat. Or garnish a fruit plate, fresh vegetables and salads with your fresh herbs. Using them is as easy as growing them.
Windowsill Herb Garden –Six Herbs for Health
Mint
Mint is an herb commonly grown in a windowsill herb garden. It is a popular ingredient of chewing gums, toothpastes, mouthwashes and inhalers due to its cooling properties. The strong scent of mint has a decongesting effect on the throat, nose and lungs and hence is used in inhalers, lozenges, vapor rubs and cough syrups. It is known that chewing on mint leaves reduces bad breath and alleviates stomach indigestion.
Rosemary
Rosemary is supposed to aid in many complaints including increasing memory and acting as a relaxant. In fact it not only soothes the nerves, it also decreases stress and anxiety in the muscles and body. Rosemary adapts well to growing on a windowsill herb garden where it is easily available for making a tea out of the crushed leaves. This brew is used by some people to rinse their hair because rosemary is known to strengthen the hair follicles and give the hair a nice shine.
Chamomile
Chamomile produces dainty little flowers that adorn any windowsill herb garden. This herb is known as a digestive aid and soothing for the nerves. Just add about two teaspoons of chamomile flowers to boiling water and let it steep for five minute, then strain it, add some sugar or honey and drink it while still warm. It works like magic after a hard day at work.
Lemon Balm
I love the scent of lemon balm from my windowsill herb garden, it makes a tea that is very aromatic and soothing. In the early days lemon balm was used for curing stings and insect bites and when I get a cold sores I pick a few leaves from the windowsill, make a poultice and apply it to the sore for quick relief.
Parsley
Parsley is a natural diuretic, it aids in the removal of excess fluids from the body and also improves digestion. Parsley grows abundantly on a windowsill herb garden and the best way to consume it is to add it to the cooking.
Oregano
Oregano loves the heat and sun which makes it an ideal herb for a windowsill herb garden. Oregano has expectorant properties and is also an effective decongestant. This herb can also be used to effectively treat allergies due to its antihistamine properties and is supposed to have antibiotic effects.
Other popular plants that grow well on a windowsill herb garden are sage, basil and dill. By rinsing your mouth with a sage tea you get sparkling teeth, basil acts as a good digestive aid, while dill leaves are supposed to be good for lactating mothers.
It is seen that there are numerous herbal remedies you can grow on a windowsill herb garden that are waiting to be discovered.
Windowsill Herb Garden: Fresh Flavors and Aromas All Year Round
Just because the thermometer is dropping and the snowflakes are flying, doesn’t mean you can’t still work on your garden! All you really need is a bright sunny window, the seeds from some of your favorite herbs, and you are on your way to having a windowsill herb garden that will yield flavorful and aromatic herbs all winter long.
Since many herbs grow equally well in containers as in garden beds, they are ideal for indoor growing. Some herbs which have great success indoors are chives, basil, sage, thyme and oregano. Make sure you are using containers which will allow for good drainage, as this is a key component of growing herbs. Clay and plastic containers work well. When placed near a sunny window, or under florescent lights, these plants can be started as seeds, or seedlings, and will grow throughout the winter.
If you are still a bit weary of starting a windowsill herb garden, you may want to look into buying a kit. These kits come with everything you need to get started. All you need to provide is the light, and the care! The kits will often have the containers, seeds or seedlings, and soil-less potting mix. Your kit guide or local nursery will be a great resource to help you know when to harvest your herbs.
Whether you decide to use your herbs fresh from your ‘garden’, such as a sprinkling of chopped chives on a baked potato, or you choose to dry your herbs, like basil, for use as a seasoning, the step by step guide to harvesting your herbs will help you to make the most of your plants. Freezing your herbs is a great way to preserve their flavor, and extend your own enjoyment of them. Again, consult with a herb handbook to properly freeze the many different types of herbs.
What better way to make the best of those cold, winter months, than to fill your home with the aroma and flavor from your very own windowsill herb garden? This easy method of growing may even inspire you to create a large bed of herbs when thoughts turn to spring.
Herb Garden Kits Make Gardening Easy
Never out of season, they can be used indoors all year round. They provide a learning experience as well as being highly functional. Even a young child gets pleasure from watching the seeds sprout into something that can be used for eating or decorating.
There is one big problem with buying an herb garden as a gift. After the purchaser takes it home, they are too tempted to keep it, and will have to buy another one to give away. Herb garden kits are just too irresistible.
They are easy to set up, and a beauty to enjoy. Some kits are so advanced that they practically take care of the plants without needing any human intervention. Even a young child can easily follow the directions. Take the device out of the box, insert the pre-seeded pods into the specially designed area, add water, and plug it in. How much simpler could it be?
Since the mechanics part of the herb garden operation is handled by modern technology, there are only two things that need to be decided; what to grow and where to grow it. A favorite among herb enthusiasts are the herb garden kits that contain culinary seedlings. Basil, mint, and sage are among the most popular kits.
There is nothing fresher and better tasting than picking herbs right off the plants to be used immediately in recipes. Another highly desired combination kit is one containing plants used in specialty teas. Adding three teaspoons of Chamomile or Rose Hips leaves to boiling water creates an excellent cup of relaxing tea.
Although setting up the kits are error free, there are a few pointers to remember as the plants grow. The lighting may need to be adjusted so the tops of the plants don’t touch the bulbs. As a plant becomes lush, it may need additional support.
The same manufacturers that make the herb garden kits also design trellis systems. Because some plants may need to be pruned, a small set of shears should be purchased. They will also be handy for clipping herbs in the kitchen for those special recipes. Because the modern kits have taken the work out of indoor gardening, a good herbal cookbook is the only other suggested item.
Indoor Herb Garden: Tips For Starting Your Own
Possibly one of the most popular types of garden is an indoor herb garden. There are numerous reasons for this. First, an indoor herb garden is typically smaller and easier to handle, especially for a beginner. They are planted in small decorative containers and they can really spice up the décor of any home as well as being beneficial for both cooking and making your own medicine. While most people think that herbs are just for cooking, the truth is that herbs have been used for thousands of years to heal a number of different ailments.
There are a number of ways to construct an indoor herb garden and they are only limited by your budget, your space and your imagination. Many people are fortunate enough to have a plant window in their kitchens. If only we were all so fortunate. These windows operate in a similar way to a greenhouse and are the perfect environment for an indoor herb garden. If you don’t happen to have one of these windows or any windows at all in your kitchen for that matter, no need to worry. You can still grow your garden indoors.
All indoor herb gardens are potted herb gardens. You can use any type of container you would like as long as it has good drainage and a dish to sit in to catch water. What’s more important is where you set the pots. Ideally, you would like to put the pots on a sunny windowsill. But if that is not an option you can also put the pots on a counter that has a fluorescent light directly overhead in close proximity. For example, if you have a fluorescent light under your kitchen cabinet, then you could put your pots right under it and your herbs would be fine.
A very recent trend in indoor herb gardens is the hydroponic garden. Midnight infomercials have been selling expensive hydroponic units. Although easy to use, the user has to continue buying new growing pods in order to have a consistent supply of herbs. If you are interested in hydroponic gardens, check with your local hydroponic garden store. They might have a kit or a system that will end up being less expensive or work better.
Building your garden is simple. Be sure to use an appropriate potting soil mix, since all mixes are not created equal. Topsoil, although cheaper, does not have the same nutrients as potting soil. Potting soil has a pH that is specifically made for plants in pots and it is enriched with fertilizer, plant food and in some cases, water absorbing fibers that keep plants evenly watered. Once your plants begin to grow and fill in, you will be able to start harvesting your herbs. Some herbs will grow for a long time if conditions are ideal, such as Basil, while others will grow for a brief time and then need to be replanted, such as Cilantro.
Herbs Are A Delightful Addition To Any Garden
Herbs have been in use since centuries for various medicinal, culinary and aromatic purposes. Herbs are used even in many of the modern medicines, cosmetics etc. Having your own herb garden can be very useful. Planning it is definitely great fun!
Herbs can be grown in a number of ways. With a proper planning a herb garden can be an essential part of your home. You can choose to have it either indoors or outdoors. In case of limited outdoor space, you can opt for planting herbs on a windowsill or in a window box.
Planning
The first step to cultivating a herb garden is selecting the herbs you want to plant. There are different kinds of herbs for different purposes. Hence you need to first decide the main purpose of having a herb garden. Some herbs like thyme grow low and spreading while others like parsley grow in clumps. Some herbs are perennials and some are annuals.
First plan on paper. Decide the exact size you wish your garden to be. This helps in selecting the right type of herbs. Also, you can determine the amount of space per herb as per your requirements.
Requirements
Firstly, do note that herbs require well-drained soil. Before staring to plant your herbs, test if the soil is alkaline. Herbs need alkaline soil to grow. You can add lime to your soil to keep it alkaline.
Sunlight is a very important factor for herbs to grow well. Herbs need at least six hours of sunlight. In case you can not find a suitable sunny spot, you can plant the herbs in a garden container so that it can be moved around in sunlight. Keep enough space for the herbs to grow. The herbs need adequate air circulation to prevent molds.
Familiarize yourself with the herbs you will be planting. Read about the requirements and conditions of growing them. This will help you take proper care of them.
Planting the herbs
You can begin planting either with seeds or small plants from the garden center. It is better to have small plants rather than seeds as you will have a higher success rate.
When using seeds to plants, it is better to plan them ahead since the seeds require several months to grow. Keep your herb garden close to your home. This will help you to take care and check for the problems.
You can plant your herbs either in straight lines or in geometrical shapes. You can even have square beds divided into four paths. Plants even in the shape of flowing, curved beds and walkways look amazing. Some flowers and shrubs can add to the beauty of your herb garden.
You can refer to various magazines and books to know what type of garden best suits your needs. You can even seek professional help if required. They are easy to maintain and simple to grow. With enough drainage, sunlight, water and nutrient rich and organic soil, your herb garden can thrive for years.
Basics You Should Know About Indoor Herb Gardening
For many reasons, it is very helpful for gardeners to grow herbs indoors as well. Herbs can be used for potpourri, to give food flavor, for medical reasons, for tea, and also to keep pest out of their herb gardens. People create herb gardens to fit one of those uses or they can mix it up and get herbs that serve different purposes. Herbs can be grown in the same garden as other plants and they can be grown inside in an indoor herb garden.
There are several different ways you can grow herbs indoors, like having one inside in your kitchen or having a garden in your windowsill. For a small family, all you need to grow your herbs is four to six feet of earth or a few containers. Even though it is very popular to use herbs as culinary herbs, or herbs used for cooking, some herbs are grown because they smell really good or because they are beautiful.
When you plant your herbs indoor, you need to use soil that is well-drained. If the soil you are using is too heavy or is compacted, then you might want to add some organic material to it. You don’t need to use fertilizers. Many herbs like the sun, but some will like the shade better. Many herbs will develop well if they have shade in the afternoon.
Amazingly, there aren’t many insects or diseases that herbs have to worry about. When the weather is hot and dry, you might find red spider mites on plants growing low to the ground and you also might find aphids on the caraway, dill, fennel, or anise.
You can purchase herbs and plan them in your indoor herb garden or you can grow them from seeds. It is spectacular and it makes you feel good to see your plant grow from a seed. You will be a part of each step of the seeds growth, from the time it first starts to grow until it dies. It is even more rewarding to grow an herb from a tiny seed than it is to grow other plants because you can use the herb. Most herbs can be grown from seeds.
In late winter, you should put your seed in a small box or pot. Make sure to have your herbs grow in soil that is not heavy but well-drained. Because the herb’s roots will not go down very far, don’t put a lot of soil over your seed. You should plant the seed shallow. Keep this rule in mind: the tinier the seed, the shallower the seed should be.
In the spring, you will be able to transplant your herb to the outdoor garden or place them in your windowsill. Even though you can grow your herb from a seed, sometimes you will not be able to transplant them very well. If you are growing herbs like fennel, dill, coriander, or fennel, then you need to plant them in the garden to start with.
Although growing herbs indoors is extremely easy, there is a ton of information that you should know and understand about indoor herb gardening. Your first step was this article, but you need to find out more information to know everything you should.
Starting a Healthy and Productive Windowsill Herb Garden
Tools and material needed to start a herb garden:
Various containers with drainage holes waterproof saucers to contain excess drainage potting soil or a soil-less seed-starting mix natural fertilizer herb seeds or plants of your choice
Herb growing requirements:For the majority of herbs, a good 5 to 6 hours of sunlight coming through a south or west-facing window is sufficient. Watering should keep the soil slightly moist at all time. Fertilize twice a month using a half-strength solution of an all-purpose fertilizer. Compost is added in a small quantity every few months.
Choice of containers: The pots you plan to use can come from various sources ranging from recycling to buying ”designer” containers.You can group certain herbs together in a pot when they share common needs. Plants that need particular care should be planted individually. The diameter of the pots should be 4 inches for individual plants and 10 inches for grouping plants together.
Choosing herbs you wish to grow: Choice herbs to grow on the windowsill are those that remains dense and compact. Thyme and oregano are always a good choice, you can also grow mint offered in a wide array of flavors. Parsley is a good choice as long as you keep it well trimmed. These plants all do well in small containers ranging in 4 to 6 inches in diameter. Other popular choices of herbs include basil, cilantro, dill, rosemary and sage.
More Tips:
Most herbs grows well in a sunny, south-facing window, supplemental fluorescent lights or grow lights will help during the winter season. Place the plants so that the foliage are not in contact with cold windows. Turn the pots around occasionally so that the plants get sunlight on all sides to grow evenly. Be aware of the preferences of each variety of herbs you grow. For example, basil enjoys warmth, while sage and rosemary prefer cooler temperatures. Pinch back branching plants such as basil. This will help keeping them shrubby instead of leggy. When choosing herbs to grow, go for the compact or dwarf varieties. Growing herbs on the kitchen windowsill will keep fresh herbs close at hand when preparing meals.
A windowsill herb garden adds a wonderful, attractive look to your home decor. Creating this project is quite simple and inexpensive and fills the air with a pleasing aroma that can be enjoyed by everyone in your household.
8 Steps to a Fantastic Mini Herb Garden
Another great quality is that these plants produce enough for a small family on a single plant of each herb you wish to grow. So the space used for the garden can be very limited for maximum use of the herbs.
Here are simple guidelines to follow to assure success of herb gardening in a small space, of course the ”garden”" is contained in one container or several pots collected together. These gardens can easily be moved from indoors to your outdoor space during the warmer season.
1. Location of the garden: the right place to set your garden is important. A south or west facing windowsill will offer good sunlight in your home, outside you should find an area that offers shade for half of the day.
2. Choosing containers: choosing the appropriate pot will make a difference in hoe the herbs react. Use plastic or clay pots or containers to house the plants. Pots that are a few inches in diameter will provide sufficient space for the plant to grow well and not get out of control.
3. Mixing the soil: for best results for your herbs will be a half/half mix of potting soil and sand. To the resulting mixture, add a good teaspoon of lime juice. Herbs prefer a soil that is poor in nutrients but contain lime. This mixture will help your herbs grow better and healthier.
4. Planting the herbs: if using seeds, place them in a shallow soil base. Push the seed into the soil using your index finger. The ideal depth should be about the height of your fingernail making this easy for the plant to sprout once it germinates.
5. Watering the plants: It is very important to water the herbs with much care. The right amount of water should leave the soil moist to the touch, no more. Of course,good drainage is also of upmost importance. If not done well, the plants could die by drowning or the roots could rot.
6. Lighting: Most herbs love sunlight, though a few prefer shade. Consult the lighting instruction on the back of the seeds envelope for proper guidance. Most enjoy seven hours a day of sunlight. If these standard cannot be met in an inside environment you may wish to consider artificial lighting to compensate.
7. Wind: A bit of wind will be beneficial to the your herb garden. They are not fond of strong wind but will enjoy a nice airy space to moderate wind. In the home you can use a fan to circulate the air for an hour a day.
8. Pruning the herbs: Pruning will contribute to the health of the plant and help the stronger leaves grow stronger. Unless you are harvesting the leaves, light pruning is an occasional activity you will need to tend to. Always prune your plants close to the stem or near the soil.
Follow these 8 steps to assure healthy growing plant in your miniature garden, For your garden to remain small, keep the plants contained and once you have succeeded this first one, you may wish to go on and expand. This list is very much a quick summary to help you start out in the right direction.
