Garden Plants

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Herb plants come in annuals, perennials, and biennials like other types of plants. There are many kinds of herb and each one has its unique properties. 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. In this article we will look at the  different types of herbs and how they are used. Many kinds of annuals such as cilantro, basil and summer savory will perish in a frost. They need to be planted from a seed or a small plant every year. Perennials will tend to survive colder temperatures Examples of these are winter savory and sage and they will return year after year. Click here for more: herb garden plants

Biennial herbs are plants that form leaves in their first growing season and flowers and seed in the second season, then die. Sow biennials in late spring straight into the garden. Examples of biennials are angelica, parsley and caraway. Get the soil ready for planting, work it into a fine texture soaking it slightly.  Plant the seeds in shallow rows then firm the soil on top of them. If you have fine seeds, plant these in a mixture of sand as this will spred them within the mix more evenly. You can also cover the bed with wet burlap or paper in order to keep the soil moist during germination. Herbs are also grouped into the categories for which they are used. Herbs used for cooking are the best known to gardeners. They have a huge range of different uses in cooking.

Herbs like thyme, basil, chives, savory, sage and marjoram have strong tasting flavors when added to food, so are used in small amounts. Parsley is an extremely popular herb that is used mostly as a garnish. Fragrant herbs have wonderful smelling foliage or flowers. The oils from herbs like mint, loyage and rosemarycan be used to make all kinds of perfume, scents and toilet water. Certain herb plants can be used in the home to fragrance linen or clothes. For more visit our blog: Herb Gardens 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. Many herbs are also used in medicine. Since ancient time herbs have been used to cure all sorts of ailments. Present medical knowledge recognizes that some herbs are beneficial to one’s health, others are overrated. However, you should be careful in using herbs for medicinal purposes in this way. Some herbs are harmless but others can be dangerous if eaten.

Some herbs are not used for their flavor, power to heal or fragrance. They can be used for their shear splendor. Ornamental herbs have brightly colored flowers 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 Garden Information

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