Herb Garden Information
Herbs have been around for a long, long time. As a matter of fact, they go as far back as the ancient Chinese and the ancient Egyptians. Even the Bible has references to herbs being used.
Herbs can be used in a wide variety of ways. For example, they can be used for tea, for medical purposes, for cooking, and even for making perfume. Herb gardens can be tailored for one specific thing or a combination. They can grow in gardens along side other plants or even indoors in a variety of different containers.
Many people enjoy growing herbs indoors in their kitchen while others like to grow them outside in their garden. You may be surprised, but a small 4×6 foot garden is enough to support a family. Perhaps the most popular herbs are culinary herbs. However, in addition to being used for cooking, they are also grown for their lovely smelling foliage as well as for the beauty of their flowers. There is nothing like fresh herbs but they can be dried as well. While most herbs are used to enhance the flavor of food dishes, some are used as garnish.
Herbs are similar to other plants. They grow as perennials, annuals, and even shrubs and trees. It is critical to have well drained soil when growing your herbs. Adding organic matter to the soil will help loosen it up if needed. Although you may be tempted to want to fertilize, it is not necessary.
Some herbs do well in the shade but most do not. Find a spot that provides plenty of sunlight. Unlike many plants, herbs do not seem to be affected much by insects or diseases. Keep an eye out for red spider mites if the weather is really hot. They tend to be found on low growing plants. Also keep an eye out for aphids if you are growing anise, dill, caraway or fennel. If you are growing mint then rust can be a factor.
You can grow your herbs from seeds or you can buy them and plant them. However, it is very fun and rewarding to see a plant grow from a seed. You are able to see the entire process and know that you have a hand in it. Late winter is ideal for planting your seeds. Use a shallow container and use well drained soil. The seeds should be planted shallow. They do not have a deep root base so you don’t want to cover them too much. There is a rule to remember. That rule is “the finer the seed, the shallower it should be sown”. Most seedlings can be transplanted. You may want to do this in the spring when the weather warms and move them outdoors. Herbs that do not transplant well are fennel, dill, coriander and anise. These are best planted directly into the garden.
Growing herbs is easy, rewarding and worthwhile. However, there is a lot information you must know to be successful. This article has provided some basic information to get you started. With more information you will be growing your own herbs in no time and all the information you need is right here! Good Luck with your new hobby!
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