Herb Garden Plants
Herbs, like other plant types, are annuals, perennials, and biennials. Many types of herbs exist yet the uniqueness of each is understood. Your interest in a particular type of herb should lead you to research that herb type completely to thoroughly understand its proper use and care. Keep reading to find out the various herb types along with their proper use and purpose.
Annuals:
Basil, cilantro, and summer savory are annuals. These need to be planted from a seed or small plant every year and will not survive a frost.
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:
Biennials grow leaves in its first year and produce flowers and seeds during the second year and then die off. Common examples of biennial herbs are caraway, angelica, and parsley. Sow biennials from seed directly in the garden during late spring.
Planting:
Work the soil until it has a fine texture, keeping it slightly wet. Create shallow rows and plant the seeds in the rows, cover and slightly firm the soil over the seed. Mix sand with fine seed to spread it more evenly. Use wet newspaper or burlap to cover the seeds after planting to keep the soil moist until the seed germinates.
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:
Herbs that have pleasant smelling flowers or foliage are called aromatic herbs. Aromatic herbs such as lovage, mint, and rosemary have oils that are used in perfumes, toilet water, and other scented products. Whole pieces of aromatic herbs, kept intact, are used to scent bed linens or clothing in the home. Dried, these can be used in potpourri. In this fashion their scented life is extended. Lavender and lemon verbena are common herbs used in potpourri.
Medicinal Herbs:
This group of herbs is thought to have health and medical uses. In fact, many commercial drugs are made from herbs; however, sometimes the effect is exaggerated. Some cultures prize medicinal herbs as having the capacity to cure disease. Use this group of herbs carefully. While some are safe to eat many others can be deadly.
Ornamental Herbs:
This group is all about looking good, i.e. just being beautiful. Many ornamental herbs have brightly colored flowers or foliage. Valerian displays crimson flowers while borage and chicory produce beautiful blue flowers.
Conclusion:
Even though an herb may be specified as in one group many herbs have multiple uses. Mint is used in herbal tea or cooking but also serves as an excellent pest control agent. The more you understand herbs and herb gardens your ability to choose the best herb for your purpose is enhanced.
Happy Herb Gardening!
