The Categories of Herb Garden Plants
Posted: Wednesday, January 20, 2010
by Sarah Phillips
HerbGardeningCentral.com
As with all plants, herbs are divided into three general categories, annuals, perennials, and biennials. There are many types of herb and each one is unique. Allow your curiosity in a specific herb to guide you to study it completely so that you have a thorough understanding of its proper use and purpose.
Annuals:
We call some plants annuals because each year these must be planted from seed and do not live after a frost. Cilantro, basil, and summer savory are prime examples of annual herbs.
Perennials can survive colder temperatures and the plant revives each year. Sage and winter savory 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:
Turn the soil (with amendments if necessary), keeping it damp while doing so, until it is very fine. Plant the seeds in shallow rows, cover and gently tamp the soil to cover, careful not to compact the soil. When working with very fine seed it sometimes helps to mix it with sand to spread it more evenly. Cover the planted area with wet burlap or newspaper to hold in moisture until germination.
Herb Types:
Herb categories are created to describe the various uses of herbs. Herbs that have different uses in cooking are called culinary herbs and are some are the most common and useful in the garden. Marjoram, savory, sage, basil, thyme, and chives are some of the culinary herbs that have strong flavors and are used in small quantities in cooking. Parsley is a popular herb, used mostly as a garnish.
Aromatics:
These herbs are grown and harvested primarily for their pleasant smelling aromas. Some aromatics, like mint, rosemary, and lovage, have oils that are extracted and used in perfumes. Some are harvested whole, or in large pieces, and placed in linen closets to scent bed-sheets or clothing. Drying aromatic herbs and making potpourri is a popular hobby. Drying the herbs extends their fragrance "shelf life." Commonly, lavender and lemon verbena are used in potpourri.
Medicinal Herbs:
There are many herbs that are used in medical applications. Throughout history, and in many cultures and civilizations, herbs have been thought to have curative powers. Modern medical knowledge understands that some herbs compliment one's health, while others are exaggerated in their curative powers. Medicinal herbs should be used very carefully. Most herbs are harmless; however, others can be harmful or fatal 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.
To discover the many categories of herb garden plants click here.
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