Herbs
Friday, November 20th, 2009Herb plants come in annuals, perennials, and biennials like other types of plants. There are many kinds of herb and each one has its unique properties. By researching the particular type of herb you are interested in, you will understand how to care for it and use it correctly. In this article we will look at the different types of herbs and how they are used. Annuals like basil, cilantro, and summer savory will not survive a frost. Plant them from a seed or sapling every year. Perennials like sage and winter savory can survive colder temperatures and will return year after year. Click here for more: herb garden plants
Biennial herbs are plants that form leaves in their first growing season and flowers and seed in the second season, then die. Biennial herbs like parsley, angelica, or caraway should be sown in late spring directly into the garden. Get the soil ready for planting, work it into a fine texture soaking it slightly. Plant the seeds in shallow rows then firm the soil on top of them. Fine seeds can be planted in a mixture of sand which will allow them to spread more evenly. It is an idea to cover the planted bed with paper or burlap to keep the soil damp prior to germination. Herbs are also grouped into the categories for which they are used. Herbs used for cooking are the best known to gardeners. They provide a vast range of menu options in cookery.
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. An very popular herb used mainly as a garnish is Parsley. Fragrant herbs have wonderful smelling foliage or flowers. 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. For more visit our blog: Herb Garden Blog
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’s health, others are overrated. However, you should be careful in using herbs for medicinal purposes in this way. Some herbs are harmless but others can be dangerous if eaten.
Some herbs are not used for their flavor, power to heal or fragrance. Some herbs are used for their beauty. Ornamental herbs have brightly colored flowers and foliage. Herbs like valerian have white flowers with crimson blossoms and borage and chicory have splendid blue flowers. While herbs can be categorized into these different categories of uses, many herbs have multiple purposes. For example, mint may be used for cooking, tea, and pest control. By taking the time to understand herbs, whatever your reason, you will be able to choose the ones most beneficial to you. Click here for more: Herb Garden Facts














