Enjoy the Many Types of Herb Garden Plants
Posted: Saturday, January 09, 2010
by Sarah Phillips
HerbGardeningCentral.com
Like other plant types herbs come in annuals, perennials, and biennials. So many different types of herbs exist and yet each one is unique. One way to learn much about herbs is to choose one type of herb and research it to completely understand the proper care and use of it. Read on to discover the different herb types and their use and purpose.
Annual plants should be planted from seed each year and will not survive a frost. Summer savory, cilantro, and basil are examples of annual herbs.
Perennials:
Perennials are marked by the ability to withstand colder temperatures and returns each spring. Winter savory and sage are examples of perennial herbs.
Biennial:
Interestingly, biennial herbs produce leaves in the first year of growth and flowers and seed in the second year, and then die. Parsley, angelica, and caraway are examples of biennial herbs. These should be sown directly in the garden in late spring.
Planting:
Begin preparing the soil by working it well to a fine texture, wetting it slightly as you work it. Form shallow rows and plant the herb seeds followed by covering and slightly tamping the soil over the seed. Very fine seed can be mixed into sand which allows it to spread more evenly. After planting use wet burlap or newspaper to keep the soil moist while the seed germinates.
Herb Types:
Herb categories help us to understand the primary use of each herb. Culinary herbs are very common in the garden and used primarily in cooking. Parsley is used as a garnish and is very popular. Savory, sage, marjoram, basil, thyme, and chives have strong flavors and are used in small quantities in cooking.
Aromatic:
Pleasant smelling flowers or foliage are characteristics of a group called aromatic herbs. Rosemary, mint, and lovage are aromatic herbs having oils which are used in scented products such as perfumes or toilet water. Some aromatic herbs are used in whole pieces to scent linens and clothing. Potpourri is made from dried aromatic herbs. Dried herbs have an extended fragrance life. Lemon verbena and lavender are common herbs used in potpourri.
Medicinal Herbs:
Medicinal herbs are used for health-restoring purposes. Over the many years certain herbs have been thought to be capable of curing the body. While some herbs are recognized by modern medical knowledge as being beneficial to your body, others are overrated in their effect. Use medicinal herbs carefully; some are safe but others are dangerous if eaten.
Ornamental Herbs:
Flavor, healing, or fragrances are some of the purposes for herbs. However, beauty is one reason to use some herbs. Brightly colored flowers or foliage are characteristic of ornamental herbs. Many have lightly colored or white flowers. Crimson flowers mark the herb valerian. Chicory and borage both have exquisite blue blossoms.
Conclusion:
Many herbs have multiple uses even though each are put into specific categories. While mint is used for herbal tea or cooking, garden pest control is another of its functions. Your understanding of herbs and herb gardens will enhance your ability to choose the best herb for your desired purpose.
Sarah Phillips is an herb gardening enthusiast, and enjoys helping others get started in this wonderful hobby.
Check out the many types of herb garden plants and more at Herb Gardening Central .
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)I like to use my own herbs from the alotment for my cooking. I like your article keep up the good work, and welcome to Searchwarp.com.Thank you for the feedback.Happy Herb Gardening!Sarah
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