Herb garden plants come in annuals, perennials, and biennials like other types of plants.
Some annual herbs are basil, summer savory and cilantro. These herbs will not live through a frost and need to replanted every years from seed or starter plants. 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.
Before planting your seeds, prepare the soil by making sure it is well drained. Till the soil and add compost and sand if needed for drainage and nutrients. Sow the seeds in shallow rows. Top with a little soil, tap firm and water until moist. Try covering the garden with paper or wet burlap to protect the seeds and keep them moist until they germinate.
Herb garden plants can be categorized into 4 types: culinary, aromatic, ornamental and medicinal. Each category has a different purpose, although many herbs fall into more than one category. Culinary herbs are used for cooking and are probably the most commonly grown type in home herb gardens. The strong aroma and flavors of fresh culinary herbs adds tremendous flavor while cooking and only requires you use a small amount of these herbs.
Aromatic herbs are grown for their pleasing fragrance or aroma. Oils from aromatic herbs like lovage, 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. A fun way to use aromatic herbs is to dry them for your own potpourri. Popular choices for homemade potpourri are lavender and lemon verbena.
Some herbs have been used for centuries to heal the body. These are known as the medicinal herbs. Present medical knowledge recognizes that some herbs are beneficial to one’s health, others are overrated. Herbs should be used with caution because some herbs can be harmful and some dangerous when eaten.
The ornamental herbs are grown for their beauty and not for their aroma, healing properties or for cooking. 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.
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