Grow Your Own Tea Herb Garden
Herbal tea is enjoyed by millions around the world and it is no wonder. There are so many different flavors that there is sure to be one to please almost everyone. Herbal tea is not only enjoyed as a wonderful beverage but used for medicinal purposes as well. No matter why a tea herb garden sounds appealing you, you will find that growing one is very easy and very rewarding.
“Herbal tea” is not actually a tea. Only black or green teas made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant are true teas. The proper name of herb teas is “tisanes” or “infusions”. The word “tea” has become synonymous with any drink made by steeping plant parts in water. Herbal teas do not contain any traditional tea but are made from one or combination of herbs. (Even though herbal tea is not a “true” tea, I refer to it as a tea in the rest of this article because that is what it is most commonly called.)
Planting Your Tea Garden
There is no need to designate a special area for an herbal tea garden. Most of the herbs used in herbal teas can be grown easily in any existing herb, vegetable, or flower garden that is located in a sunny location. If you do dedicate a space just for herbal tea gardening – which is always nice, – be sure to design it to have a place for a small table and a chair or two. It will be a place to not only grow your herbs but a lovely spot to sit and enjoy a cup of tea, too!
Your herbs can be planted in a garden plot or in a container – whichever works best for your situation. It should be located in a sunny spot and the soil should be loose and drain well. No matter what size your garden is to be, be sure that all herbs are easy to reach. This may mean making paths dissecting your garden or making your border garden only wide enough that every plant can be reached without difficulty. The garden should also be placed in a convenient location so that you can easily water and harvest your herbs.
Plant your seedlings as indicated on the plant container. Be sure to give each plant enough room to grow to its full size without overcrowding the other plants. Place the taller plants in the back of the garden so they do not block the sun to the smaller plants. Water after planting. Watch your plants grow and harvest as needed or desired. It’s as easy as that!
The hardest part of planting an herbal tea garden is deciding what herbs to plant. There are so many to choose from. What you select depends upon what grows well in your area (if growing outside) but more importantly, what flavors you like best.
Here is a partial list of herbs that work well in an herbal tea garden.
Apple mint – minty with a slight fruity flavor.
Bergamot – has just a touch of orange flavor.
Catnip – most often used in combination with lemon balm, lemon grass, comfrey or chamomile. Commonly used as a medicinal tea for upset stomachs and colds.
Chamomile (German) – is an apple-scented herb and is used to calm the nerves and induce sleep.
Coriander – tastes similar to Lady Grey tea with a warm citrus flavor with a hint of sage. It is used medicinally for stomach disorders.
Lavender – a lightly scented tea that is used for soothing headaches and that is perfect for soothing headaches and soothing stress.
Lemon Balm – resembles mint and has a hint of minty flavor with a lemon scent.
Lemon Verbena – has a tangy lemon flavor.
Marjoram – has a fruity, citrus flavor and a hint of mint. Commonly used for upset stomachs.
Peppermint – is the most popular of the mints. It has a sharp cooling taste. It is good for upset stomachs.
Pineapple Sage – has a distinct pineapple flavor. You should NOT drink it if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure or epilepsy. It has currently been researched to reverse bone loss due to osteoporosis.
Rose Hips – contain a high amount of vitamin C.
Rosemary – has a hint of pine flavor and is used for easing depression and blood circulation.
Stevia – is a natural herbal sweetener used in place of sugar in herbal tea. It is safe to use for those with diabetes. The sweetness of the leaves becomes concentrated when dried or dehydrated.
Thyme – is thought by most, to be an acquired taste. Thyme tee is good for soothing sore throats and stomach troubles.
Violets – tea has a delicate earthy taste and used to sooth sore throats, congestion and respiratory infections.
Harvesting
The best time to harvest the herbs is right after the dew has dried. The herbs are at their peak flavor at that time. Be careful not to tear or bruise the herbs until you are ready to use them. Tearing or bruising them will make them lose their essential oils that give them such great flavor.
In the fall, just before the first frost, you can harvest the whole plant if it is an annual. Perennials should be just slightly harvested, giving them time to prepare for the winter ahead.
If you have more herbs than you can use at that moment, these herbs can be dried and stored for later use.
Brewing Your Herb Tea
Before brewing your first cup of herb tea, there are two things you should know. First, you will probably have to steep your tea leaves longer than for conventional tea, and second, the resulting tea will usually have very little color.
If you are using fresh leaves, which are preferable, you will need about 1 tablespoon per cup. Leaves should be bruised or torn to release their essential oils. If using dried herbs or dried herb blends, use 1 teaspoon per cup plus 1 extra “for the pot.”
It is best to use a glass or enameled pan when making herbal tea. Herbs can pick up a “metallic” taste if a metal pan is used. Bring cold water to just the boiling point.
Rinse your teapot out with hot water to warm it. Your teapot should be glass or porcelain to ensure there will be no metallic taste. If using fresh leaves, be sure to bruise them by rubbing them together or tearing them to release their oils. Pour the water directly on the leaves that have been placed in the teapot and strain before drinking. An alternative method is to use a tea infuser such as cheesecloth bags, mesh balls or a metal tea ball. For the most flavor, put the leaves in the pot and strain to serve.
Let steep for at least five minutes, then taste to see if it is to your liking. There will be times when it may take longer; 15 minutes is not unheard of. You can also let it steep on the stove all day long. When you want a cup of tea, fill your cup half full with the long-steeped tea and add more boiling water to fill the cup.
Many herb teas are delicate and do not have a very strong taste. It may take a little time to get use to the subtle taste of these great teas.
Don’t be afraid to mix herbs for your own special tea. If the herb scents smell good together, they probably will taste great together, too. With a little practice (and patience), you will find the herbal teas that suit you best.
Growing your own tea herb garden is easy. Why not give it a try? Not only will it supply you with herb tea enjoyment all year round, it will also provide you with enough wonderful herbal tea ingredients for gift giving. Spread the joy!
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How To Grow a Mini Herb Garden
If you are thinking about starting a garden but not sure if it’s right for you, try planting a mini herb garden. Herbs are easy to grow and have relatively few problems that most other plants have. They are the perfect plants to get started in gardening with. Making a mini garden will help you learn the ins-and-outs of gardening, get the feel of what to expect when growing plants, and what to do with them once they have matured.
There is a conflict (a friendly one) among herb gardeners about what the term “mini herb garden” really means. Some say that it means a very small garden plot outside – a mini version of a full size herb garden. Others say it is a container garden that can be used on a patio, porch, deck, balcony or kitchen windowsill. And still others, like myself, think that any herb garden, whether outside or inside, in the ground or in pots, that is very small constitutes a “mini herb garden”.
A mini container herb garden would be a small collection of pots, planted with herbs or one larger container that has a number of different herbs planted together. As long as the combined effect is fairly small, it would be considered a mini garden.
There are a number of mini garden kits on the market. They usually contain anywhere from 3 to 5 different herbs plus the pots, soil, and instructions. You can easily make a mini herb garden, much like the kits available, yourself. Purchase a “strawberry pot” (many stores – gardening, home improvement, superstores and even hardware stores carry them). You will also want to purchase small plants (seedlings) of the herbs you plan to use. Using good potting soil, fill the pot (after making sure the drainage hole is not blocked) up to the first side hole. Slip in the root end of one of your herbs through the opening, add more soil until you reach the next side hole, and repeat until filled to about an inch from the top. A larger plant can be placed at the top of the pot. Water well. Soon your herbs will be thriving. This will only work, however, with herbs that don’t get too large. I, personally, prefer to have a number of 6” pots, each having its own herb. But that’s the great thing about herb gardening – you can do about anything you want and still have a great garden. Just supply enough sun, water, a little fertilizer now and again and you’re all set.
If you have a small space outside, and it is in a well-drained, sunny location, you can have a wonderful mini herb garden that will keep you in herbs all summer long. A space of 3 or 4-foot square is adequate for a number of herbs, depending on what you want to plant. Most herbs do best planted 12 inches apart but check the information that comes with your seedlings to be sure. If your soil isn’t very good, you can dig out the space and put topsoil or potting soil for vegetables in its place. Since it is such a small area, it wouldn’t be much of an expense and your plants will love it. Once you plant your herbs, keeping the taller ones towards the back of the garden (so as not to block the sun from the other plants), water well. To give you mini herb garden a finishing touch, buy some decorative garden edging that snaps together. Only a few sections would be needed and it would set your garden apart from the rest of your outdoor space.
Be sure to read the needs of the plants you choose. Some herbs are just not meant to be grown in a mini garden. Mint, of any kind, is one of them. Mint is quite invasive and since the garden is small, it wouldn’t take much time before the mint choked out the other herbs. If you would like to grow mint, do it in a container. That way, it can’t spread to places you don’t want it and you can place it near or in the kitchen where you can add it to the beverages or dishes you want easily.
There are a number of herbs that do well in a mini garden. Basil, chives, cilantro, lemon balm, marjoram, oregano, parsley, rosemary and thyme are the most commonly used. If your favorite herb isn’t listed here, it doesn’t mean it won’t do well in a very small garden. Check out its growing requirements and if you think it would do well, try it. You can always transplant it to a large container of its own.
Herb gardening is the easiest form of gardening you will find. Give mini herb gardening a try. I guarantee you’ll be glad you did.
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The Fresh Herb Gardening Experience
If you are new to gardening, herb gardening is an excellent way to get started. By starting your gardening experience with herbs, you can learn the basics with ease. Fresh herb gardening is easy, fast, and can be done almost anywhere. Herbs don’t generally need a lot of extra care and most are disease resistant.
The basic needs for a successful herb garden are well draining soil, lots of sunlight (although there are a few herbs that grow in dappled or full shade), water, and of course, herb plants or seeds. If you are just beginning, you will find it easier to start with small starter plants than with seeds.
If you want to start really small and the easiest way possible, try growing your herbs in a container. What type of container doesn’t really matter as long as it allows for good drainage. You can plant your herbs in individual pots or put them all in one big container – whatever works best with the space you have. Once the herbs are planted, they can be placed on your back porch, deck, or balcony – almost anywhere – if it gets at least 5 hours of good sunlight. If you want to garden indoors, the herbs can also be grown inside in a sunny window. I personally keep mine outside during the summer months but bring them in just before our first frost so that I can have fresh herbs all year round.
Planting herbs in a container is very easy. Check the container you think you want to use to make sure it has adequate drainage. You may want to put a layer of gravel or small rocks at the bottom to ensure good drainage and to help keep the dirt from falling out of the holes. If gravel or pebbles are not convenient, a coffee filter cut to fit the bottom of the container works nicely. Newspaper cut to size will do an adequate job, too. Fill your container with good potting soil – the ones specifically for vegetables are extremely good – or use a soilless mixture, if you prefer. If you use the soilless mixture, you will need to add a little (very little) fertilizer as this type of growing mixture has none. Once you have your container filled with dirt, dig a small hole to place your starter plant in – planting it like you would any other plant. Give the plant a nice drink of water and you’re on your way to have your own fresh herbs to use when you wish.
You may want to fertilize every month or so. Using a fertilizer for fruits and vegetables is safest, as you know it is edible. Use it as directed but keep in mind herbs do not require much. Too much fertilizer can be worse than not enough.
Watering should be done with care. Did you know more plants die of over-watering than under-watering? It’s true. (Sadly, I must say, I speak from experience.) To tell if your herbs need watering, stick your finger down in the dirt about an inch or so. If it’s dry, then the plant could use some water. If it is still damp, then wait another day or so. Since the soil around your plant is loose, checking for moisture in this manner should be easy.
If your container is set in a window, be sure to turn it every week or so that both sides of the planter receive sun. This will keep your herbs growing upward and not leaning towards one side of the container.
If you want to have your fresh herb gardening outdoors, it is just as easy. Make sure that you pick a sunny spot and that your soil is loose and drains well. Plant your starter plants as you would any other plant taking care to space them according to the instructions that come with them. While it may look sparse at first, they will soon grow and fill in a much bigger space. Water well. Keep the space weed free and your plants will thrive.
Harvesting your herbs is quite simple. If it is a leafy herb, cut down near the next set of leaves. An annual herb can be cut down as far as 3 to 4 inches. If the herb is something like chives, cut the stem near the base of the plant, a few inches above the dirt. The more you snip your herbs (as long as no more than 1/3 of the plant is taken off at one time), the healthier it will grow.
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All About Herb Garden Designs
There are basically 4 types of designs used in herb gardening. They are formal, informal, combination, and container. Each has its own beauty and function. It seems each design type has followers that believe their particular type is best but every herb gardener will agree that no matter what style you choose, it will be a place to love and enjoy.
Formal Herb Gardens
Formal gardens are the most work intensive of all the herb garden designs.
Continual trimming and care is needed to keep this type of garden looking its best.
Formal herb gardens are easily recognizable because of their geometrical design and the overall garden forms a pattern. The beds are bordered with small dwarf hedges. Formal garden beds may be in almost any shape – rectangles being the most simple to intricate knot gardens that form very intricate designs. Formal gardens also tend to mass large amounts of the same herb together. The garden beds are usually divided by paths of brick or stone for visual effect and to make tending the garden easier.
If you think this style of garden is for you, you may want to research some books specifically written for formal gardens, including history books. There you will find layouts and plant lists to help you choose the best plants for your garden.
Informal Herb Gardens
A successful informal herb garden looks as if it belongs where it is and that 
Mother Nature placed it there naturally. Of course, that is not the case. Care must be taken that the plants are placed in the appropriate sun and water conditions and that the larger plants are planted toward the back of the garden so as not to overshadow the lower growing ones. Unlike formal gardens, different types of herbs are placed next to each other, their colors and textures complementing each other.
The great thing about this type of garden is that your planting plans can be changed easily. If you find you want to try a new type of herb, it can fit nicely into this type of garden, whereas, with a formal one, you might not be able to incorporate it into the overall general design of the garden.
A gardener’s imagination can serve her well in an informal garden. Any shape can be used in this type of garden. A geometric shape such as a rectangle is often used as it is easily cared for. Other herb gardeners have use more unusual shapes such as a teapot, wagon wheel, and teepee. Any shape a gardener can think of can be used successfully in an informal garden. That brings us to another “type” of informal garden, the “theme” garden.
A theme garden is a garden that is grown for a particular use, such as herbs for teas, or an Italian garden that features just those herbs used in Italian cooking. An herb bed for medicinal herbs is very useful. Another type of theme garden is based on the color of flowers or plants, such as all red or white or maybe a garden dedicated only to edible flowers. The ideas for these gardens are endless.
Another form of an informal herb garden is the herb rock garden. Since many herbs are low growing, they can easily be adapted to this type of garden. The environment in a rock garden, warm and not too wet, creates a perfect place for herbs to thrive. Every rock garden, in my opinion, should feature at least one or two herbs, even if herb growing isn’t its main purpose.
Informal herb gardens do not require any where near the maintenance of a formal garden – but they do require some. You will need to take time to water and weed this type of garden, just as you would any other.
Combination gardens
Combination gardens refer to gardens that are a combination of two kinds of gardens. It could be a combination of a formal and informal garden. In this type of garden, the center of the garden may be a geometric, manicured design that follows the rules of a formal garden but the border gardens are informal. Place a bench or arbor here or there and your garden will be a place anyone would love to come and spend time in.
Another example of a combination garden would be a flower or vegetable garden that incorporates herbs into it. Herbs, in this case, often act as companion plants to the other garden plants. They keep unwanted bugs away or attract the bugs that are beneficial to the vegetable or flower. This is the case of having the best of both worlds – a thriving vegetable or flower garden and the herbs you like, too.
Container Herb Gardens
As the name implies, container herb gardens are grown in pots or any type of container. The herbs can be planted in individual pots and arranged as necessary or as your whim dictates or they may be grown together in one big container. The containers can be moved if needed and are great for growing herbs indoors.
Tip: If you plan on growing all your herbs in one container, plant the water loving ones together, with the water loving ones together and the ones liking drier conditions together. That will make watering your herb garden easier as you can control which plants get the most water.
Herbs in containers are not just for the house, deck, patio, or deck. They look wonderful placed throughout any garden. They often given height and color in much needed spots and can be moved easily should need arise.
Modified Garden Styles
It should be noted that any style of garden has its modified forms – and these modified forms are based solely on the gardener and his/her style and likings. So, if you like one style but another style has something about it you like, you can combine them to have a successful garden. An herb garden, no matter what type, size, shape, or color, will surely bring you joy for years to come.
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Growing A Windowsill Herb Garden Is as Simple As 1, 2, 3
Want an herb garden but don’t have the outside space? Try growing a windowsill herb garden. It’s easy, fast, doesn’t cost a lot of money, and you reap the benefits all year long.
All you need is a container, soil, herbs or herb seeds and water and you’re set to go.
When choosing a container, you have to decide whether you want to have all your herbs in one container or if you want them in individual pots. Having them in one large planter makes a wonderful planter for your window because of all the different colors and textures. Individual pots are easy to move around and group together in different arrangements.
If you plan on putting herbs together in on large container, try to plants those that have the same water requirements together. That way, you can water the water-loving ones without over watering the ones that prefer dryer conditions. Mint is wonderful for a windowsill garden but since tend to take over, it is best if you leave it in the container you purchased it in and place, pot and all, in your larger container and cover with additional soil. Once the plants begin to fill out you won’t be able to tell the smaller pot is there.
If you decide to plant each herb in its own container, be sure that each container is at least 6” in diameter at the top. This is large enough for most plants to grow in for some time.
Popular herbs to grow in a windowsill garden are basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, sage, and mints. These plants can be grown indoors successfully (and easily) year round.
Here are the basics for planting your windowsill herb garden:
If your container has very large holes, put rocks or pebbles on the bottom to allow for drainage but still keeping the dirt in. If rocks or pebbles are not available or convenient, use a coffee filter or even a layer of newspaper.
Fill the pot with soil. It doesn’t make a whole lot of difference what type of soil you use. You may use potting soil sold specifically for growing vegetables or use one of the soilless mixtures. Since the soils sold for growing vegetables usually has fertilizer in it, you won’t need to add any for some time. Soilless mixtures though do not have any fertilizers in them so you may want to add a small amount to the dirt before planting your herbs. Just be sure to read the packages of soil to know what they contain. Herbs, in general, do not require much fertilizer, so when adding it, less is better. Once every month or so will be more than adequate.
To plant seedlings, put a 2-3 inch layer of potting mix into the bottom of your container. Position your herb plants in the container and finish filling in with the potting mix, firming gently around the plants. Leave about an inch or so at the top for easy watering.
If planting seeds, add enough soil to fill the container to 1 or so inches from the top, sprinkle a few seeds on the surface and lightly cover with more soil. No matter if you use plants or seeds, be sure to water well.
Except for newly sowed seeds, watering should only be done when you can put your finger into the soil about an inch or so and it feels dry. You will probably find that watering your herbs in the sink is the easiest way to go. There you can water the herbs until it comes out the bottom holes. Let them drain until no water drips from the bottom and put back on the windowsill.
Place your herbs in a sunny window. It should receive at least five hours of sunlight. If you don’t have such a window, artificial light can be used to make up for the lack of sunlight. These fluorescent lights are not very expensive and can be found in most gardening stores. You will need to place them about 18” from your plants and, if not used in conjunction with natural sunlight, kept on for about 10 hours a day.
Be sure to put your windowsill herb garden on a tray of some kind to catch any excess water. You may find it worthwhile to put a layer of pebbles or rocks in a tray, adding enough water to just below the top of the rocks and placing your herbs on that. This will help keep the humidity at the level herbs love. Make sure that your herbs never sit in water. They don’t like wet feet. More plants die from over watering than not enough water.
Sit back and watch them grow! Once they reach about six inches or so, you can start harvesting. If the plant has leaves, cut back to the next set of leaves. If the herb is like chives, cut near the base of the plant, leaving enough growth for the plant to continue growing. The plant should never be harvested more than 1/3 of it size. Cutting back this way keeps the plant compact while encouraging new growth and good health.
Did you know that indoor plants help clean the air? It’s true. And many herbs have wonderful scents of their own to add a wonderful fragrance to your rooms. Great taste, air purifying qualities, fragrant, easy to grow, and oh, so rewarding to watch grow, herbs have it all. With all these wonderful qualities, isn’t it time you planted one for your home?
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Growing Herbs in Pots
Growing herbs in pots, window boxes and other containers is a wonderful
way of growing an herb garden. Most herbs grow well in containers. One specific plant or a mixture of herbs can be planted in one pot. The mixture of colors and textures of herbs planted together not only make for a useful arrangement but a beautiful one as well. Used indoors or out, herbs make a wonderful potted plant.
As with any potted plant, a few requirements need to be met to have healthy and thriving herb plants. They are:
Sunlight. Most herbs do best when they receive between six and eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Southern or southwestern exposure is the best. If you plan to grow your herbs indoors, finding a south or west-facing window that receives good sunlight. Be sure to rotate the plant every three or four days to keep the plant growing uniformly. If you do not have sufficient sunlight, you may wish to use fluorescent lights or “grow lamps” as supplemental lighting.
Soil. You will find a number of “recipes” for the perfect soil for herbs. If you want to mix your own, here are two great mixes to try:
- Mix two parts sterilized potting soil with one part perlite OR coarse sand.
- Mix equal parts of potting soil, peat moss, sand, and perlite.
I personally use a commercial potting soil that contains some fertilizer in it. My plants have done fantastic.
No matter what soil you choose, it MUST have good drainage. You can ensure this by adding about an inch of gravel or broken shards of other pots to the bottom of your container before adding the potting soil mix. Many swear by clay pots because they are more porous than plastic and allow better drainage. If you have them, then by all means use them but plastic pots have worked very well for me.
Fertilizer. If the potting soil you used did not contain any fertilizer, you may want to add some for the health of your herbs. A feeding of a liquid general-purpose fertilizer about every two weeks (check the manufacturer’s suggestions) will keep them happy. Make sure not to overfeed your herbs. Too much fertilizer may cause more damage to your herbs than not enough.
Water. All plants need water. Herbs in pots are not exception. They will need to be water daily, maybe more, if the containers are placed outside and the weather is extremely hot and dry. Indoor potted herbs may be placed on pebbles that are kept moist and the herbs misted occasionally to keep growing conditions optimal. Be sure to avoid having your herbs to stand in water that has collected at the bottom of the pot saucer (if one is used – and it is highly recommended). Most plants, herbs especially, do not like soggy roots.
There are numerous advantages for growing herbs in pots. Pots are easy to move to other locations when needed. Placing herb containers on benches or steps makes planting, caring for, and harvesting physically easier because there is little or no bending and stretching. One of the best advantages is that once colder weather arrives, many can be brought inside to be enjoyed all winter long. Annuals can be planted as indoor or outdoor plants. Perennial herbs prefer to be outside for the summer. Most herbs should be brought inside before the first frost. The exception to this rule would be chives, mint and tarragon. The frost actually helps these herbs form firmer and fresher growth.
Although most herbs can be grown in containers but some do better than others. Basil, Chives, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage and Thyme do very well in pots, both inside and out. Keep them trimmed and prevent flowering by trimming them back to increase the plant’s longevity. Mint also does well as a potted plant. (Mint is very invasive and should be used in a container – even in the garden.) All of these herbs can be brought inside for the winter and thrive. Once Spring comes again, replant the annuals, either outside or inside, and move the perennials outdoors again. Use the herbs in your recipes, crafts, and as gifts to family and friends. Pruning herbs encourages their growth so be sure to use them often and you will be rewarded with a continuous supply of fresh herbs.
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Herb Garden Kits
Is an herb garden kit in your future? Love the thought of growing your own herbs but don’t know where to start? Not sure if herb gardening is really for you? Starting any gardening project can be intimidating if you have never gardened or had indoor plants before. There are so many questions – what herbs should I grow, how do you plant them, should I use seeds or seedlings, how do I take care of them, and so on. Maybe you know how to garden but time or space restrictions make it impossible to have an outdoor garden. Herb Garden Kits may be the answer to your herb gardening dilemmas.
The great thing about herb garden kits is they contain everything you need to get started. Kits usually contain a growing medium, seeds, and instructions. With a step-by-step manual to help guide you through all the planting and caring stages, you’ll have fresh herbs at your fingertips in no time. Some kits even come with recipes to show you great way to use your herbs once they are ready to harvest. Herb garden kits come in many sizes, too. You can start as small or as large as you want. Many kits are sold as theme gardens such as culinary herbs, Italian herbs, herbal tea herbs, salsa herbs, German herbs and more. This helps because you know the herbs grow well together and you also know how you will use the herbs when it is time to harvest them.
Growing plants from an herb garden kit has so many benefits. Having your herbs at your fingertips while cooking is an immense help. No need to remember to harvest your herbs before you get started making your meal or worse yet, stopping everything you are doing to run out to the garden to get what you need. Instead, they can be sitting on the windowsill, ready to harvest at a moments notice. No more worrying how your plants are surviving the cold, heat, excess rain, or whatever extreme weather conditions that may happen. You have total control of the growing conditions. Having an indoor garden also means you will not have to go outside and work in the sun and heat to weed and pick your herbs. No more fighting the mosquitoes and flies either – or other little creatures that inhabit an outdoor garden. By following your herb garden kit instruction manual you will become a successful herb gardener in a very short time.
Growing your own indoor herb garden is very rewarding. Kits of all sizes are available so you can have the use of wonderful fresh herbs at your fingertips, no matter what level of gardening skills you have. An herb garden kit will introduce you to the wonderful world of herbs. Enjoy!
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Grow Your Very Own Italian Herb Garden
An Italian Herb Garden grows herbs that are use extensively in Italian cooking. Imagine having your very own garden full of all the wonderful herbs that make classic Italian dishes so delicious. The herbs grown in this type of garden are probably ones you are already familiar with. If not, you should learn all about them. You, and those you cook for, will be glad you did!
Basil, a well know Italian herb, is a must for an Italian Herb Garden. It imparts its own unique flavor to many Italian dishes. Harvest just before the herb actually flowers for the peak of flavor and aroma. Basil is also good as a companion plant for tomatoes and peppers. It is said to actually improve their flavor. It also acts as a mosquito and fly repellant.
Parsley is used extensively in Italian dishes as well as other types of cuisines. It is commonly used as a garnish on main entrees in most restaurants. This tradition of using parsley to accompany meals came from generations long ago. They discovered that eating fresh parsley after a meal freshened the breath. Soon it became customary to serve small dishes of parsley after meals. Today, it is still served with food but its purpose is strictly decorative.
Oregano is another popular Italian herb. It is widely used in tomato-based dishes. It may be harvested before or at flowering time. It is then that the herb is at its peak of flavor. Oregano can be quite pretty when it is covered in its small purple flowers.
Fennel is an herb many people have tasted but may not know what it is. It is the seeds that enhance the flavors of Italian sausage. This perennial is highly aromatic and flavorful. All parts of the plant are edible – the leaves, bulb and seeds. Fennel can also be used in teas, salads, and herb mixes. Care should be taken to harvest the seeds quickly otherwise it will self-seed itself and take over large portions of your garden.
Rosemary, like basil, is an Italian herb that does double duty. It is quite fragrant and full of flavor – great as a culinary herb. It also attracts bees to the garden. Although considered a perennial, it needs to be mulched well to over-winter in very cold areas. It is traditionally used with port or lamb, and even tea.
Garlic, probably the most often used herb in Italian cuisine, is easy to grow. It requires little care but delivers such great taste. Garlic makes a great companion plant to lettuce because it deters aphids. It also is works well keeping many common pests off of cabbage.
Sage is a very versatile Italian herb. It can be used in anything – meats to salads. It has a slight peppery flavor. Sage must be trimmed regularly to keep it from becoming woody. It should be harvested before it blooms. It grows well in containers as long as strong sunlight is provided.
Although there are so many more herbs that can be included in an Italian herb garden, you really should consider which herbs you will use. Think about the growing conditions each plant needs and consider whether or not you can provide them. Yes, Italian herbs add flavor to food but they should also be looked at as more then that. They also make amazing additions to landscape designs. They can be displayed for color and their aroma. By planting Italian herbs amongst other plants, you will be graced with the sweet aromas straight from Italy. It will be like taking a stroll on a Italian hill side.
Many, many more herbs can be included in an Italian herb garden. All those discussed above can be planted easily and will thrive with just a little attention and care. Your decision on which to try should be based upon which herbs you are likely to use and can you provide the right growing conditions. No matter which ones you try, you’ll find that your herb garden will make your Italian dishes come alive with so much flavor you might actually think you really are in Italy.
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All about Herb Garden Plants
Herb plants come in annuals, biennials and perennials like other types of plants. There are so 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.
Annual herbs such as basil, cilantro and summer savory cannot survive a frost. They need to be planted from a seed or a small plant every year. Sage, winter savor, and other herb perennials usually survive colder temperatures and come back year after year. Biennial herbs – just the name seems to confuse new gardeners. They do not come back ever two years or produce for two years as the name might imply. Biennial herbs form only leaves in their first year of growth and then in the second year, produce flowers and seeds. They then die and need to be replaced. Biennial herbs include angelica, caraway and parsley. Unlike many other herbs that are started early in the spring, indoors, biennials are best sown directly into the garden in late spring.
Prepare the soil first by working it to a fine texture and wetting it slightly. The seeds should then be planted in shallow rows and the soil firmed on top to cover 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.
Herbs are also grouped into the categories according to their use. Culinary herbs are probably the most useful to herb gardeners. They have a huge range of different uses in cooking. Because of their strong flavors, herbs like basil, chives, marjoram, sage, savory, and thyme 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. Aromatic herbs have pleasant smelling flowers or foliage. 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 can also be used in the home to scent linens or clothing. They can also be dried and made into potpourri which will enable them to be able to retain their aroma for a long period of time. Lavender and lemon verbena are great herbs to use for potpourri.
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 but others are highly overrated. Herbs used for medicinal purposes should be used carefully. 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 are used for their beauty – just like any other flower or beautiful plant. Ornamental herbs have brightly colored flowers and foliage. Many have whitish or various light colored flowers like valerian that has crimson blossoms and borage or chicory which grow beautiful 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. No matter why you are interested in herbs, by understanding herb garden plants you are able to pick the herbs that will be most useful to you.
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Using Herbs from a Home Herb Garden
Using herbs from a home herb garden is fast, easy and quite rewarding, but often times people find once their herbs are grown, they’re not sure what to do with them. There are many useful ways to use them. They can be used fresh, of course. They can be preserved to use at a later date for cooking or crafts, or just to add beauty and fragrance to your home.
Harvesting herbs is often a confusing issue for herb gardeners with little or no experience. Timing is extremely important. It is best to harvest your herbs in the morning right after the dew has dried and before the sun has warmed them. Harvest just what you can use or be preserved the same day. Take care never to harvest more than one-third of the plant’s foliage at one time. The herbs you pick should look fresh, clean, free from disease and not be discolored or damaged. If you are not using the herbs immediately but plan on using them in a few hours, they can be stored in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator. When ready to use, wash them gently under cool (not cold) water and pat dry between layers of paper towels. If they are to be used at a future date, they can be preserved in a number of ways.
Drying herbs is probably the one of the most common way of using herbs from a home herb garden. There are a number of ways to do this.
· Dry by hanging: To do this, take 6 or 12 stems and remove any foliage near the base of the stems. This is where the binding will go to hold them together. Bundle these stems with a string and hang them in a well-ventilated location away from sunlight.
· Rack drying: If you want to dry individual leaves, they can be laid on a rack or screen placed on a flat surface and in a location that has good ventilation. You must remember to turn them often so they dry properly. Drying time depends on the humidity levels but most herbs will be dry in several days.
· Microwave Drying: Herbs can even be dried in the microwave. Place a small amount of herbs on a paper towel. Microwave on medium power for one to three minutes. Be sure to watch the herbs carefully as they will dry quickly. Every 30 seconds, stop the microwave and rotate the herbs. Continue to do this until they are dry. This method is best when working with small bunch of herbs.
· Herbs can also be dried in the oven. To do this, place clean herbs on trays or cookie sheets and place these in an oven, leaving the oven door partly open. Turn the heat on to its lowest setting, about 150º F. Check every hour to see if the herbs are dry. A small electric fan placed to circulate air into the oven cavity will make drying time faster.
Freezing herbs is another way to preserve herbs, and quite easy, too. Lay one layer of herbs on a cookie sheet and place in the freezer overnight. Pack frozen herbs tightly in freezer bags or containers. There is not need to thaw before using and chopping is a breeze while they are frozen. You will find some herbs are best frozen while on their stems or stalks. Dillweed is easiest to handle this way. Just snip off a frozen section just as if it were fresh. Thyme, sage, and rosemary can also be frozen on the stalk. Just throw them in the dish you are preparing and when finished cooking, they are easy to remove.
The need for blanching herbs is open for debate. Blanching is simple and is done quickly. Herbs are bunched together lightly and with tongs moving them around in boiling water for just a few seconds. The herbs are laid out on paper towels to air cool. Once they are dry and cool, they can be frozen. Some herbs blanch well, others not and some change the flavor somewhat. Blanching is not required but some say that if you intend to freeze them longer than six months, blanching make a big difference. Be sure to check out more about blanching before trying this method.
If using the herbs fresh from the garden, care should be taken to clean them properly before using. A bowl filled with cool water with abut two tablespoons of salt is all that is required to be assured any small insects are irradiated without damaging the herbs. Remove the herbs from the water and dry them between paper towels or in a salad spinner.
Almost every herb can be preserved in a number of ways. Before preserving the herbs you so loving grew, be sure to do some research. You spent time growing the herbs so be sure to find the best preserving methods that will let you reap the rewards of growing your own wonderful herbs for months to come.
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