Want to Choose the Right Herb Garden Plants?
Posted: Thursday, October 15, 2009
by Shad Alan
the Herb Gardening Site
Like other normal plants, herb garden plants come as annuals, perennials or biennials. There is a huge variety of herbs in the different categories and they are all rather unique.
Coriander, basil and aloe vera are annuals and as such, are unable to survive frost. These plants will die off and require replanting each year from seeds or seedlings.
Plants in the third category the biennial herbs do not produce any flowers or seeds in their first term. They spend the time in growing strong, producing only leaves during this period. Seeds and flowers are only produced in their second season after which they die off.
Other plants like evening primrose, caraway and parsley are biennials and they prefer to be sown straight into the garden in late spring. First, get the soil ready by turning it over until it is light and fine. Then water it lightly. Directly sow the seeds into the ground in shallow rows and then slightly compact the soil above them.
If the seeds are particularly fine, plant them in soil mixed with sand, which enables more even spreading. It will help growth further if the beds are covered with a wet layer of paper or some other suitable covering so that the soil remains damp when the seeds sprout and develop.
Herb garden plants are also categorized according to their use, with culinary herbs being the most popular due to the fact that they make our dishes taste better! This gives herb gardeners a rewarding satisfaction more often than say, medicinal herbs. Herb garden plants like arugula, basil, coriander and garlic have strong flavors and only small quantities are required and used to flavor various dishes.
One of the most popular of herb garden plants is the parsley, which is more often than not used as a garnish. Culinary herbs though are primarily used for their aroma, which is produced by their flowers or foliage. And aromatic plants like loyage, mint, and rosemary produce oils are used in the manufacture of several scents, perfumes and fresheners. Yet another use for aromaticherbs is to place them whole in linen drawers to make your clothes smell good.
A store favorite, potpourri is made up of the different parts of aromatic herb garden plants that have been dried to retain their fragrances. They are often colored and then mixed together. The usual well-liked potpourri herbs include lavender and lemon verbena.
The third category of herb garden plants is the medicinal herb, which as the name suggests, is used for medical purposes. For hundreds of years, the humble herb has been known for their healing properties and present medical information acknowledges that some are indeed helpful. Notwithstanding, the usefulness of some others had been exaggerated. In all cases though, using herbs as medicine should be monitored carefully as indeed whilst some herb remedies are harmless, some others can hurt you.
A fourth use of herb garden plants is based solely on their attractiveness and exquisite good looks. These are ornamental herbs with flowers that have vibrant colors. Many of their flowers are whitish or lightly colored. The valerian herb is an attractive plant with red blooms and chicory has beautiful blue flowers.
Whilst these plants may be termed according to their usage, several of them can belong to more than one category. The mint for example is responsible for flavoring food but it is also used for brewing teas and, believe it or not, for controlling pests!
You may have very different incentives for contemplating the creation of your own herb garden but whatever that reason is it will greatly help you to make a decision when you acquire the right understanding of these amazing plants and their uses. Then you will be able to select the herb garden plants most beneficial for you and your family. Choosing the right herbs and growing them is the first step in this process.
You can short cut all the research and ensure your success by following a resource like the proven and simple step-by-step guide "Successful Herb Gardening ~ Step-by-Step".
Shad is an herb gardening enthusiast and owner of the Herb Gardening Site. For more great tips on herb garden plants, visit www.herbgardeningsite.com the one-stop resource for herb gardening enthusiasts.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Herbs are too often overlooked in todays world. I am glad to see your passion for them.Welcome to SearchWarp!
Thanks Ken,Herb gardening is indeed a joy one can still choose to have in this world. With the type and size possibilities that are available I can always easily start a project no matter where I am.Have an amazing day!
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