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Herb Garden Plants

Herb 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: herbs plants

Biennial herbs are plants that form leaves in their first growing season and flowers and seed in the second season, then die. Sow biennials in late spring straight into the garden. Examples of biennials are angelica, parsley and caraway. Prepare the soil first by working it to a fine texture and wet it slightly.  Shallow plant the seeds in rows before firming 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. Culinary herbs are probably the modt useful to herb gardeners. They provide a vast range of menu options in cookery.

Herbs like thyme, basil, chives, savory, sage and marjoram have strong tasting flavors when added to food, so are used in small amounts. 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 Gardening Blog

Drying them will allow them to retain their aroma for longer and be used in products such as potpourri.  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. Herbs used for medicinal purposes should be used carefully. 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. can have brilliantly colored flowes and foliage. Many have whitish or various light colored flowers like valerian which has crimson blossoms and borage and chicory which grow gorgeous blue flowers. While herbs can be categorized into these different categories of uses, many herbs have multiple purposes. So for example mint can be used for controlling pests, cooking and making tea. 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 Guide