Herb Garden Plants
Everyone is familiar with herbs but you would be amazed at just how many different types there are. Like other types of plants, herbs come in perennials, annuals and biennials. Each herb has its own characteristics and requirements for proper care. Lets begin to understand the different types of herb garden plants and how they are used.
Some herbs cannot survive a frost. These include annuals such as cilantro, basil and summer savory. These herb garden plants need to be planted from a seed or small plant each year. Some herbs are able to survive cold temperatures and will continue to return each year. These include perennials such as winter savory and sage. Biennial herbs have three stages. They form leaves in their first growing season. In the second season they form flowers and then they die. These herbs are best sown in late spring directly into the garden. Some examples of these herb garden plants are parsley, caraway, and angelica.
The seeds should be planted in shallow rows. A mixture of sand and soil works well with fine seeds which helps them to spread more evenly. Wet burlap covering the bed will help keep the soil moist during germination.
Herbs are categorized into groups. Perhaps the most useful to herb gardeners are culinary herbs as they provide a vast range of uses for cooking. They tend to have very strong flavors and only need to be used in very small quantities. Some examples of herbs that are often used to add flavor to different foods are basil, marjoram, thyme, sage, savory and chives. Parsley is also very popular but is most often used as a garnish.
Some herbs are popular for their wonderful fragrance. These herbs have wonderful smelling foliage and are called aromatic herbs. These herbs are used to make perfumes and other various scents. Some examples of these types of herbs are mint, loyage and rosemary. Aromatic herbs can be used to scent clothing and can also be made into potpourri, allowing them to keep their aroma for long periods of time. Lemon and Lavender are very popular for this.
Some people claim that some herbs can be used for medicinal purposes. For hundreds of years herbs have been believed to have curing abilities. Although some herbs have been shown to have healthy qualities, others have not. Be smart when deciding to use herbs for medicinal purposes. Not all herbs can be eaten. Most are completely harmless but some can be unsafe to eat.
Some herbs have flowers that are beautiful and brightly colored. These are called ornamental herbs and are used strictly for their beauty. A couple of examples of these herbs are borage and chicory, which grow beautiful blue flowers. Another is valerian, which has crimson blossoms.
While herbs can be grouped into specific categories according to their uses, many have multiple uses. Mint, for example, can be used for a number of things including tea, cooking and even pest control.
As you can see, there are many different herbs with many different uses. Take the time to learn about as many as you can. By understanding herb garden plants you will be better equipped to choose the herbs that will be most useful to you.
More About Herb Garden Plants
A Basic Guide to Herb Garden Plants
The Best Herb Garden Plants For Inside Your Home
The Magic of Herb Garden Plants
