Info about Herbs
Herbs for Your Kitchen Garden
Growing your own herbs can be a fun and rewarding project. Herbs have been used for many centuries to season foods, as medicines, and for aromatherapy. Healers and tribal leaders passed secret herb treatments from generation to generation. A lot of our present day medications have herbal bases. A modern herbalist has the skill to mix herbal medicines for there clients. Herbalists will also mix herbs for the special aromas they give off and to be used for cosmetics. However, the most widely used herbs are those that are used for cooking. You can grow your own herbal garden on the window seal in your kitchen and have fresh herbs to use in all of your recipes.
Growing an herb garden is wonderful because there are a variety of ways to grow herbs. You can have a garden in a container on your patio or deck. This will add colors, aromas, and textures to the area. You can plant an herb garden in the ground and grow a traditional herb garden for your kitchen outside. If you do not have enough space for that you can grow your herbs inside the kitchen on a windowsill or in a window box.
Remember to keep in mind that your herb garden will need soil that is well drained. They do not like wet feet. Your soil should be tested to make sure that it is not acidic and your herbs need to be placed where they will get a minimum of six hours of sunlight.
When you are planting your herb garden make sure that you consider the growing habits for each individual herb. The taller herbs that grow fastest should be in the back of your garden, and the small ones should be placed in the front. Most herbs will grow back each year because they are perennials. Any herbs that will have to be replanted each year need to be placed in a convenient spot. Each herb will need plenty of growing room. Good air circulation is important to keep mold from growing in the soil and attacking the plants. This part needs to be given particular attention because mature herbs cannot be moved well.
When you plant your herb garden, you can start out with seeds or you can buy small plants at almost any garden center. Your plants will have a better chance of surviving in the herb garden if you start out with small plants. If you are using seeds, you should plan ahead because it may be necessary for seeds to grow for several months before they can be transplanted to the herb garden. Beginners will have much better luck if they use small plants.
After you have learned the growth patterns of your herbs, you can pinch off the top to get a bushier plant. When you first start your garden, it is helpful to keep a journal of all the strengths and weaknesses of each herb. After you become familiar with your herb garden, it will be easy to know when the plants need tending.