How To Choose Your Herb Garden Plants
Herb garden plants come in annuals, perennials, and biennials like other types of plants. Herbs come in a wide variety and each plant has its own unique characteristics. If you are planning on growing a specific herb, do a little research first to be sure you know how to care for it and how to plant it properly. The following is an overview of popular herb garden plants, how to grow them and how to use them.
Some annual herbs are basil, summer savory and cilantro. These herbs will not live through a frost and need to replanted every years from seed or starter plants.Perennials last for more than two years and can survive the winter to come back again in the spring. Sage, winter savory, rosemary and thyme are popular perennials. Biennial herbs like parsley, angelica, or caraway should be sown in late spring directly into the garden.
Prepare the soil first by working it to a fine texture and wet it slightly. Plant the seeds in shallow rows then firm the soil on top of them.Try covering the garden with paper or wet burlap to protect the seeds and keep them moist until they germinate.
Herb garden plants are also grouped into the categories for which they are used. Cooking, or culinary herbs are some of the most popular because they are so useful for cooking.
Aromatic herbs have a wonderful aroma that fills your garden with fragrance. People have been using the oils in aromatic herbs to add fragrance to many items such as perfumes, soaps, and linens. These herbs are commonly dried to make homemade potpourri. Popular choices for homemade potpourri are lavender and lemon verbena.
Some herbs have been used for centuries to heal the body. These are known as the medicinal herbs. Modern medicine has recognized many traditional medicinal herbs actually do have healing properties, while others have not been shown to be helpful. Herbs used for medicinal purposes should be used carefully. Some herbs are harmless but others can be dangerous if eaten.
The ornamental herbs are grown for their beauty and not for their aroma, healing properties or for cooking. Ornamental herbs add beauty to any garden with their beautiful foliage and colorful flowers.
While herb garden plants can be categorized into types, many herbs can be put into more than one category. For example, mint is wonderful in teas and cooking and its fragrance, while pleasant, can be a deterrent to garden pests. By understanding the different types of herbs and how they are used, you will be able to pick the right varieties for your herb garden.
Have you tried cooking with fresh herbs from your own garden yet? Learn the secrets to a beautiful and delicious herb garden today at my herb gardening website.
categories: herb garden plants,herb gardening,growing herbs,herbs for cooking,medicinal herbs,container gardens,gardens
