Herb Garden Information
Herbs are known to have been used since 
the times of ancient Egypt and ancient China. The Bible, as well as medieval documents, acknowledges the use of herbs in most households. Gardeners will find growing herbs to be very rewarding for several reasons. They may be used to add flavor to food, to make delicious and healthy teas, many have medicinal purposes, others make wonder potpourris, and even others can even control pests in the garden! As can be expected with such diverse use, herb gardens can be grown specifically for just one or a combination of these reasons. Herbs grow well with other plants so can be included into almost any landscape type flower bed and they also do well as container plants set outside during the summer and brought inside during the colder months.
Herbs do not need to take a lot of space. They can be grown in a simple indoor kitchen garden or in a small area in the garden. An area of four feet by six feet should be large enough to supply a small family with all the herbs they need. Included in this size plot could be herbs used for cooking, known as culinary herbs, as well as herbs that can be admired for their aromatic foliage and beautiful flowers. Most herbs can be used fresh or dried, making their uses last all year long.
Herbs are categorized like any other plants – annuals, bi-annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees. And, like most other types of plants, herbs need well-drained soil. Adding compost will be needed if your soil is compacted or heavy. As far as fertilizers are concerned, they are not usually necessary, though a little dose now and again won’t hurt. Most herbs thrive in full sun but some can tolerate afternoon shade. Insects and diseases are usually not a problem with herbs. A few exceptions to this would be red spider mites on low growing plants. This is only a problem if you have had hot and dry weather. Anise, caraway, dill or fennel may attract aphids occasionally and mint may sometimes be affected by rust.
You can purchase herbs as starter plants at garden centers or as seeds. Many people find it fascinating to watch a plant grown from a tiny seed to a luscious plant over time, enjoying every step of the process – from sprouting to harvesting. Gardening is very rewarding on its own, but growing herbs is more so because they have so many uses. Not only can you enjoy their beauty but make use of them in other ways, too.
If you are going to plant seeds, they should be placed in a shallow container or box in late winter or very early spring. You will need light, well-drained soil for your seeds to grow. Herbs should be planted shallow, as they do not have a deep root base, so make sure not to cover the seeds too much with the soil. A good rule of thumb to follow is: the finer the seed, the shallower it should be sown. In the Spring you can transplant your seedlings outdoors. Many, if not most, herbs can be grown from seeds, but like any other type of plants, there are the exceptions. You will find anise, coriander, dill and fennel do not transplant well and the seeds should be sown directly into the garden.
Growing herbs in a home garden is so easy to do and so worthwhile! Yes, there is a lot of information about herbs you will want (and need) to know if you want a beautiful and flourishing garden. Hopefully this article has given you a boost. Now it is time for you to complete the journey with more information – and you can find all of the information you need right here!
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