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Herb garden plants are the same as other plants in that they come in annuals, perennials, and biennials varieties.
There are so many different types of herbs plants you can grow; each with their own unique purpose. If you are new to growing herbs, you need to do a little research into the type of herb you want to grow and why you want to grow that herb. Once you have an understanding of the type of herbs you want to grow and how best to care for and use them, you can enjoy a home herb garden for years to come.
This article will get you started in understanding general different types of herb plants and what they are used for.
The basic types of herb garden plants:
Annuals are plants that have a growing cycle of one year and must be replanted every year. These are not herbs you can bring indoors and grow throughout the winter. Examples of annuals are basil, cilantro and summer savory. These herbs need to be planted from seed or from small starter plants from your nursery every year. These herbs will not survive a frost and need to be harvested before winter.
Perennials are plants that can survive colder temperatures and will return year after year.
With some care during the winter months these herbs can survive and will return in the spring. Examples of perennials are sage and oregano.
Biennial herbs are plants that form leaves in their first growing season and flowers and seed in the second season, then die. Examples of biennial herbs are parsley angelica and caraway. These herbs can be sown in late spring directly into the garden from seed.
A good technique is to prepare the soil to be sure it is a fine texture, then water it until moist. Plant the seeds in shallow rows then pat some moist soil on top of the seeds. Keep the soil moist and you can protect them by covering the bed with wet burlap which also keeps the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
How to use your herb garden plants:
Culinary herbs are probably the most known and widely used by herb gardeners. Home cooks have enjoyed cooking with their own herbs for years and know what a difference they can make in your favorite recipes.
Italian herbs are popular with just about everyone and widely used in America. I use my basil, marjoram, thyme, oregano and Italian parsley in a huge variety of dishes year round. Some popular herbs for French cooking are tarragon, chives and chervil. Parsley is great for cooking and using as a garnish as well.
There are so many different types of herbs plants you can grow; each with their own unique purpose. If you are new to growing herbs, you need to do a little research into the type of herb you want to grow and why you want to grow that herb. Once you have an understanding of the type of herbs you want to grow and how best to care for and use them, you can enjoy a home herb garden for years to come.
This article will get you started in understanding general different types of herb plants and what they are used for.
The basic types of herb garden plants:
Annuals are plants that have a growing cycle of one year and must be replanted every year. These are not herbs you can bring indoors and grow throughout the winter. Examples of annuals are basil, cilantro and summer savory. These herbs need to be planted from seed or from small starter plants from your nursery every year. These herbs will not survive a frost and need to be harvested before winter.
Perennials are plants that can survive colder temperatures and will return year after year.
With some care during the winter months these herbs can survive and will return in the spring. Examples of perennials are sage and oregano.
Biennial herbs are plants that form leaves in their first growing season and flowers and seed in the second season, then die. Examples of biennial herbs are parsley angelica and caraway. These herbs can be sown in late spring directly into the garden from seed.
A good technique is to prepare the soil to be sure it is a fine texture, then water it until moist. Plant the seeds in shallow rows then pat some moist soil on top of the seeds. Keep the soil moist and you can protect them by covering the bed with wet burlap which also keeps the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
How to use your herb garden plants:
Culinary herbs are probably the most known and widely used by herb gardeners. Home cooks have enjoyed cooking with their own herbs for years and know what a difference they can make in your favorite recipes.
Italian herbs are popular with just about everyone and widely used in America. I use my basil, marjoram, thyme, oregano and Italian parsley in a huge variety of dishes year round. Some popular herbs for French cooking are tarragon, chives and chervil. Parsley is great for cooking and using as a garnish as well.
Aromatic herbs are grown for their pleasant smelling flowers and foliage.
Oils from aromatic herbs like lavender, mint, and rosemary can be used to make different types of perfumes, toilet water, or other various scents. Aromatic herb plants can also be dried and made into potpourri which not only smell great for a long period of time but do not have any chemicals that can be found in commercially prepared potpourris. Many sensitive people can only tolerate homemade potpourris. Some popular aromatic herbs are Lavender and lemon verbena.
Your herb garden plants can also be used for medicinal purposes.
For centuries people around the world have used herbs have to cure the illness and to easy symptoms of illness and injuries. Herbs were the first medicines and some modern day prescription drugs were derived from herbs.
While most medicinal herbs are harmless, you should be knowledgeable about the herbs you use and the safety of their use. Some traditional herbs have been found to be harmful and others are harmful if used incorrectly. But Mother Nature has tremendous powers to heal and some medicinal herbs are wonderful additions to a home herb garden.
The last category of herb garden plants is the ornamentals.
These herbs are grown for their beauty rather than culinary or medicinal purposes. These beautiful herbs grow beautiful flowers and foliage that can add so much to the beauty of your garden. Some popular ornamental herbs are valerian which has crimson blossoms and chicory known for its gorgeous blue flowers.
Now that you have an understanding of the types and purposes of a variety of herbs, keep in mind some herbs can have multiple purposes. Versatile herbs like mint can be used for teas, cooking and even pest control.
Do a little research into the herb garden plants that interests you and be sure you know how to grow and care for them. With the right knowledge and a little love, your herb garden will flourish and you will have no trouble finding many purposes for your home grown herb garden plants.
Oils from aromatic herbs like lavender, mint, and rosemary can be used to make different types of perfumes, toilet water, or other various scents. Aromatic herb plants can also be dried and made into potpourri which not only smell great for a long period of time but do not have any chemicals that can be found in commercially prepared potpourris. Many sensitive people can only tolerate homemade potpourris. Some popular aromatic herbs are Lavender and lemon verbena.
Your herb garden plants can also be used for medicinal purposes.
For centuries people around the world have used herbs have to cure the illness and to easy symptoms of illness and injuries. Herbs were the first medicines and some modern day prescription drugs were derived from herbs.
While most medicinal herbs are harmless, you should be knowledgeable about the herbs you use and the safety of their use. Some traditional herbs have been found to be harmful and others are harmful if used incorrectly. But Mother Nature has tremendous powers to heal and some medicinal herbs are wonderful additions to a home herb garden.
The last category of herb garden plants is the ornamentals.
These herbs are grown for their beauty rather than culinary or medicinal purposes. These beautiful herbs grow beautiful flowers and foliage that can add so much to the beauty of your garden. Some popular ornamental herbs are valerian which has crimson blossoms and chicory known for its gorgeous blue flowers.
Now that you have an understanding of the types and purposes of a variety of herbs, keep in mind some herbs can have multiple purposes. Versatile herbs like mint can be used for teas, cooking and even pest control.
Do a little research into the herb garden plants that interests you and be sure you know how to grow and care for them. With the right knowledge and a little love, your herb garden will flourish and you will have no trouble finding many purposes for your home grown herb garden plants.