| Herb Garden Plants - How To Choose The Right Plants |
| Written by Joy Harrison | |
| Monday, 21 December 2009 | |
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Like other plants, herbs are annuals, perennials and biennials so it's a good idea to have a variety of different types of plants.
Like other plants, herbs are annuals, perennials and biennials so it's a good idea to have a variety of different types of plants. Annuals need to be planted from a seed or a small plant every year and will not survive a frost. Examples of annual herbs are basil, cilantro and summer savory. Perennials like sage and winter savory can survive colder temperatures and will return year after year. Biennial herbs are plants that form leaves in their first growing season and flowers and seed in the second season, then die. Biennials herbs grow for a couple of seasons and produce their leaves and roots the first season, and flowers and seeds the next year. Examples of biennial herbs are parsley, burdock, salvia and caraway. 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. One category that is a favorite among home herb gardeners is the culinary herbs used in cooking. Aromatic herbs have a wonderful aroma that fills your garden with fragrance. The essential oils in aromatic herb plants have been used for centuries to make perfumes, soaps and other scented items. A fun way to use aromatic herbs is to dry them for your own potpourri. Popular herbs for this is lavender and lemon verbena. Medicinal herbs have been used to heal aches and pains as well as a variety of illnesses for centuries and many still use these healing herbs today. 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. Many of these herbs have bright flowers and beautiful green foliage that adds beauty to any garden. Many have whitish or various light colored flowers like valerian which has crimson blossoms and borage and chicory which grow gorgeous blue flowers. Although herb garden plants can be divided into categories, many will fall into more than one category. For instance, mint can be used for cooking, teas, fragrance and even pest control. By having an understanding of the different types of herbs and how they are commonly used, you will be able to pick the best herb garden plants for your own garden. The Article Author: Learn my secrets to successful herb gardening both indoors and out. Sign up for my Free Growing Herbs minicourse and start your own beautiful herb garden today. |
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