Container Garden 411

Like any other plant, herbs come in annuals, biennials and perennials. There are many different types of herbs and each one is different. If you are interested in a specific type of herb, you should research that one to understand the care it needs and how to use it properly. This article will get you started in understanding general different types of herb plants and what they are used for. Annuals like basil, cilantro, and summer savory will not survive a frost. They need to be planted from a seed or a small plant every year. Perennials like sage and winter savory can survive colder temperatures and will return year after year. Click here for more: herb plant

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. 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. You can also cover the bed with wet burlap or paper in order to keep the soil moist during germination. You can categorize herbs by the groups 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.

Because of their strong flavors, herbs like chives, thyme, basil, sage, savory, and marjoram are generally used in small quantities to add flavor to different types of food. Parsley is an extremely popular herb that is used mostly as a garnish. 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.  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. 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.

Many herbs are used for entirely different reasons other than their fragrance healing properties or flavor. They can be used for their shear splendor. can have brilliantly colored flowes and foliage. Herbs like valerian have white flowers with crimson blossoms and borage and chicory have splendid 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 Gardens