Herbs

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. Many kinds of annuals such as cilantro, basil and summer savory will perish in a frost. Plant them from a seed or sapling every year. Perennials will tend to survive colder temperatures Examples of these are winter savory and sage and they will return year after year. Click here for more: herb plants

Biennials are Herb plants that only survive two seasons. In the first they form leaves and in the second, befor they die, flowers and seed. Sow biennials in late spring straight into the garden. Examples of biennials are angelica, parsley and caraway. Get the soil ready for planting, work it into a fine texture soaking it slightly.  Shallow plant the seeds in rows before firming the soil on top of them. If you have fine seeds, plant these in a mixture of sand as this will spred them within the mix more evenly. You can also cover the bed with wet burlap or paper in order to keep the soil moist during 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. Parsley is an extremely popular herb that is used mostly as a garnish. Aromatic herbs have pleasant smelling flowers or foliage. Oils from aromatic herbs like loyage, mint, and rosemary can be used to make different types of perfumes, toilet water, or other various scents. Certain herb plants can be used in the home to fragrance linen or clothes. For more visit our blog: Herb Gardening 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.  Great herbs for this are lemon verbena and lavender. Some herbs are also used for medicinal purposes. For centuries herbs have been thought to have the ability to cure the body. Modern medicine has proved the advantages of using some herbs to treat some conditions. 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.

Many herbs are used for entirely different reasons other than their fragrance healing properties or flavor. Some herbs are used for their beauty. These decorative herbs. 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. 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