Herb Gardening
Herb Gardening With Culinary Herbs, Ornamental Herbs and Medicinal Herbs
Herb gardening has been around for centuries and the joys of an herbal garden is well know to many gardeners. Even beginner gardeners can have a high quality of success by starting with the basics and working their way up to a more complicated herbal garden. You can plant a container Herb Garden or an indoor herb garden. There are three categories of herbs that can be grown in you herbal gardens, culinary herbs, ornamental herbs, or medicinal herbs.
Culinary herb gardening’s purpose is to add spice and flavor to your cooking. Culinary herbs are the herbs that use fresh or dried leaves in cooking. Some of the classic culinary herbs are parsley, oregano, rosemary and basil. You may even want to plant some sage and thyme. There is a difference between herbs and spices. Spices are Seeds, roots, fruits, flowers, and bark while, as mentioned above, culinary herbs are fresh or dried leaves.
When considering your culinary herb garden your most important decision is the location. You will need a sunny spot with at least six hours of sun. The more sun the herb garden gets the more flavor will develop in the herbs. Try to place your culinary herb garden as close to the kitchen door as possible. This will ensure that the herbs will be used daily.
A simple and delicious way to use basil is to slice some juicy ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Overlap them on a plate, sprinkle on some extra virgin olive oil and chopped basil. It is also good with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Anyone that has grown a culinary herb garden and used the fresh herbs will tell you that the fresh herbs are superior over the dried herbs.
Ornamental herb gardening can make your gardens not only practical but beautiful too. By “ornamental” we mean that the primary current usage is purely decorative. Some of these ornamental herbs have a long history of medicinal or culinary usage. Pots of ornamental herbs add color and texture to balconies or patios. They are perfect for lining your Flower Beds.
A good example of an ornamental herb is Dittany of Crete, a favorite oregano herb of many herb gardeners. It will form a low mound and produce leaves with fine silvery hairs. You would never want to use this in cooking, it is strictly for show.
Rue is another good choice for Garden Borders. Its unusual blue green color offers contrast to bright showy blooms. The rue leaves can be used as a garnish but because of its bitter flavor does not work in cooking.
Ornamental herbs are just what they say, ornaments for your gardens. Ornamental herb gardening will add texture and interest to your flower beds.
Now we come to medicinal herbs. Before the 1900′s medicinal herbs were used widely in the United States. Somewhere in the 1960′s herbs used as medicine dwindled. Now, many doctors are prescribing medicinal herbs as well as mainstream medicine.
There are three ways that the medicinal herbs work on the body. Medicinal herbs have been known to strengthen an organ so that it can heal itself. Some medicinal herbs purge the body of toxins and illness, while others build up the immune system which will help in retarding illness.
There are many ways to use medicinal herbs. A few are infusions, herb vinegars, ointments, teas and tinctures. For example, to make a healing herbal tea, boil water and pour over the fresh herbs in a cup. Let it steep for 5 minutes but no longer then 10 for it will get bitter.
The medicinal herb stevia can be used as a natural sweetener and is easy to grow in an herbal garden. It also decrease tooth decay and gum disease if used as a mouth wash.
Before starting any course of medicinal herbs, be sure to notify your Doctor to see if they will interact with any medicines you are currently taking.
These are some of the basics of the three herb groups. Plan your herb garden, pick a bright sunny place and plant your herbs. Remember you can plant an herb garden in the ground, as a container garden or an indoor herb garden.
Happy Gardening!
Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.
This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.
About the Author
About the Author
Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com, http://www.ContainerGardeningSecrets.com, and http://www.GardeningHerb.com
How to Plant a Potted Herb Garden
|
|
Wedgwood Chelsea Garden Pitcher Jug and Herb Pot 2 Piece Set New $81.90 |
|
|
Tarragon Russian Heirloom Garden Herb – 500 Seeds $0.99 |
|
|
Tarragon Russian Heirloom Garden Herb – 2,000 Seeds $2.99 |
|
|
Thyme Common Heirloom Garden Herb – 500 Seeds $0.99 |
|
|
Thyme Common Heirloom Garden Herb – 2,000 Seeds $3.09 |
|
|
Thyme Creeping Heirloom Garden Herb – 500 Seeds $0.99 |
|
|
Thyme Creeping Heirloom Garden Herb – 3,000 Seeds $3.59 |
|
|
Gardening Organic Vegetable Herb Book Collection On CD $0.99 |
|
|
Gardening Organic Vegetable Herb Book Collection On CD $0.99 |
|
|
Gardening Organic Vegetable Herb Book Collection On CD $0.99 |
|
|
100 Organic Dill Bouquet Seeds Pickling Herb Gardening $2.49 |
|
|
100 Epazote Seeds Culinary Herb Leafy Gardening $3.49 |
|
|
100 Organic Thyme Seeds Herb Garden Perennial Spice $2.49 |
|
|
200 Rosemary Seeds Perennial Spice Garden Savory Herb $3.49 |
|
|
50 Epazote Seeds Culinary Herb Leafy Gardening $2.49 |
|
|
200 Organic Moss Curled Parsley Seeds Herb Garden Spice $3.49 |
|
|
100 Organic Moss Curled Parsley Seeds Herb Garden Spice $2.49 |
|
|
200 Organic Dill Bouquet Seeds Pickling Herb Gardening $3.49 |
|
|
500 Epazote Seeds Medicinal Herb Leaf Garden Wholesale $14.99 |
|
|
100 Organic Italian Oregano Seeds Savory Herb Garden $2.49 |
|
|
200 Organic Thyme Seeds Herb Garden Perennial Spice $3.49 |
|
|
1000 Organic Thyme Seeds Herb Garden Cooking $14.99 |
|
|
400 St. Johns Wort Seeds Garden Herb Herbal Flowers $3.49 |
|
|
Rodale’s Garden Problem Solver: Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs, Jeff Ball, Accept $6.76 |
|
|
200 Organic Italian Oregano Seeds Savory Herb Garden $3.49 |
|
|
100 Rosemary Seeds Perennial Spice Garden Savory Herb $2.49 |
|
|
1000 Organic Marjoram Seeds Wholesale Herb Gardening $14.99 |
|
|
Profits from Your Backyard Herb Garden (First Steps Boo $6.26 |
|
|
LONGABERGER 1986 RARE HERB GARDEN BASKET $69.95 |
|
|
Practical Herb Gardening by Jessica Houdret (1993, P… $9.95 |
|
|
Bath Body Works HERB GARDEN Antibacterial Foaming Soap $19.95 |
|
|
CREATING A HERB GARDEN By ANTHONY GARDINER $1.49 |
|
|
The Art of Japanese Gardens By Herb L. Gustafson $8.86 |
|
|
KNORR – KRAEUTERLINGE – GARDEN HERBS $3.99 |
|
|
KNORR – SALATKRONUNG – Garden Herbs with Garlic $2.99 |
|
|
Garden Spells: The Magic of Herbs, Trees & Flowers by Claire Nahmad (1999, Hardc $0.99 |
|
|
Wedgewood China “Chelsea Garden ” Herb Pot or Bowl NWT $6.50 |
|
|
Tea Culinary How to Grow Herbs at home or garden $1.55 |
|
|
Hierloom Herbs,Using Old Fashioned Herbs in Gardens,Recipes,& Decorations,Hdc/DJ $2.90 |
|
|
In the Herb Garden-Collection of Herbal Recipes, Stark $6.25 |
|
|
Sherri Buck Baldwin Seasonal Herbs Storage Box Pre-Owned Gardening $10.10 |
|
|
The Shaker Herb and Garden Book by Rita Buchanan $6.95 |
|
|
Nice 2011 Herb Garden/Survival Seed Special~12 Types $14.98 |
|
|
GALVANIZED TIN GARDEN THEME SIGN BUNDLED HERBS FLOWERS $19.00 |
|
|
Yankee Candle Co. Herb Garden Tea Light Candle Holder $9.99 |
|
|
Practical Herb Gardening: Growing and Using Beautiful H $19.56 |
|
|
The Healing Garden Cookbook by Stapley Herb Garden $5.00 |
|
|
water spinach 250 vegetable / fruit / herb seeds plant heirloom garden $0.99 |
|
|
2011 Non-Hybrid Heirloom Survival Herb Seed Garden $14.99 |
|
|
Herbs in the Garden by Allen Paterson $5.50 |
|
|
NEW CHIVES RESIN GARDEN STAKE PLAQUE SIGN HERB $7.00 |
|
|
NEW BASIL RESIN GARDEN STAKE PLAQUE SIGN HERB $7.00 |
|
|
The Design Connection-HERB GARDEN SAMPLER-Cross Stitch $4.99 |
|
|
NEW DILL RESIN GARDEN STAKE PLAQUE SIGN HERB $7.00 |
|
|
NEW PARSLEY RESIN GARDEN STAKE PLAQUE SIGN HERB $7.00 |
|
|
NEW SAGE RESIN GARDEN STAKE PLAQUE SIGN HERB $7.00 |
|
|
Kitchen Dish Towels With Crocheted Tops – GARDEN HERBS WITH NAVY TOPS $5.00 |
|
|
LAST ONE! $20 VALUE! THYME in GARDEN SAMPLER-HERB Kitchen Theme-Cross Stitch Kit $4.95 |
|
|
Kitchen Towels With Crocheted Tops GARDEN HERB LOT OF 4 & KITCHEN RUG $16.88 |
|
|
The Romantic Herb Garden $3.49 |
|
|
Herb Gardens Delight [Paperback] Adelma G. Simmons (Author) $9.99 |
|
|
Chia Terra Cotta Herb Garden – New and Sealed in Box!! $10.00 |
|
|
Metal Wall Decoration ~ 3 Terra Cotta Pots perfect for small herb garden ~ NWT!! $0.99 |
|
|
NEW ROSEMARY GARDEN STAKE PLAQUE SIGN HERB $7.00 |
|
|
Folk art Metal Maine Christmas goose farm garden lavendar herb $9.00 |
|
|
Royal Worcester Table Linen Set Garden Herbs. $8.77 |
|
|
11 Pc Garden Sign Set Herb Welcome Snowman Leaves Mini Flower Pots Fall Heart $9.99 |
|
|
A Garden of Herbs – Eleanour Sinclair Rohde – 1969 VGC $2.99 |
|
|
PATIO / URBAN CONTAINER GARDEN SEEDS SET/ 10 Types Vegetable Herbs Flowers SAVE$ $8.90 |
|
|
50 FENUGREEK Seeds CURRY POWDER DISHES Trigonella foenum-graecum ~ Herb Garden $2.28 |
|
|
50 FENUGREEK Seeds CURRY POWDER DISHES Trigonella foenum-graecum ~ Herb Garden $6.68 |
|
|
50 FENUGREEK Seeds CURRY POWDER DISHES Trigonella foenum-graecum ~ Herb Garden $8.28 |
|
|
50 FENUGREEK Seeds CURRY POWDER DISHES Trigonella foenum-graecum ~ Herb Garden $16.88 |
|
|
50 FENUGREEK Seeds CURRY POWDER DISHES Trigonella foenum-graecum ~ Herb Garden $12.68 |
|
|
Kitchen Wall Clock Herb Garden Design Home Decor Round Wood Glass NEW LB5294 $24.25 |
|
|
20 COPPER PLANT MARKERS Garden Labels Seed Stakes + free herb and flower seeds $10.50 |
|
|
Rodale’s Encyclopedia of Herbs Cook& Garden Book Lot $24.82 |
|
|
Rodale Herb Book Lot Cooking & Gardening Illustrated $22.82 |
|
|
Common origanum White flower Herb Seed Garden decor 50pcs 1 bag DIYSEEDS® D13 $0.99 |
|
|
History of the English Herb Garden by Kay N. Sanecki (1992, Hardcover) $4.99 |
|
|
Park Designs Herb Garden Red Watering Can Night Light $15.99 |
|
|
Herb Thyme Garden Flag CAT 12 “x 18″ Folk Art $9.99 |
|
|
The Pleasure of Herbs Book Garden Wreaths Holiday Recipes Potpourri Crafts Gifts $9.95 |
|
|
S. Garland – Herb Garden (1900) – Used – Trade Paper (P $3.44 |
|
|
STUDIO NOVA- HERB GARDEN-9 2/8” TALL CANISTER $24.99 |
|
|
PRACTICAL HERB GARDENING by Jessica Houdret (1993, Pape $10.00 |
|
|
STUDIO NOVA- HERB GARDEN- 8” TALL CANISTER $24.99 |
|
|
HERBS FOR LIFE GARDEN PLUS FREE WHEATGRASS $11.99 |
|
|
The Herb Garden Cookbook by Lucinda Hutson (1992, Pa… $5.00 |
|
|
Gifts from the Herb Garden by Chris Mead, Emelie Tol… $5.00 |
|
|
HERB GARDEN PATTERNED RECIPE BOX (by HALLMARK) $3.29 |
|
|
Kitchen Dish Towels With Crocheted Tops- GARDEN HERBS PAIR WITH BROWN TOPS ! $5.00 |
|
|
6 Stamps Garden Flowers Birdbath Herbs Pansies Window $9.99 |
|
|
“THE HERB GARDEN COOKBOOK” Lucinda Hutson Cookbook Cookbooks $1.04 |
|
|
Rodale’s Garden Answers: Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs : At-A-Glance Solution… $25.00 |
|
|
Encyclopedia of Herb Gardening $3.99 |
|
|
KNORR – SALATKRONUNG – Spicy Garden Herbs $2.99 |
|
|
Sunset Book How to Grow Herbs gardening plants 1974 harvesting indoor outdoor $3.00 |
|
|
Creating Good Gardens: Flowers, Herbs, Vegetables, Tree $4.50 |
|
|
Natures Acres Herb Infused Body Oil Garden Flowers $12.99 |
|
|
Fiskars 9921 Softouch Micro-Tip Pruning Snip $6.20 The softouch micro-tip pruning snip from Fiskars is designed to snip away delicate tips of flowers and foliage while giving you a comfortable grip and fit. The snip’s handle is 5-inches long, has a softouch ergonomic handle, and fits well in small to medium-sized hands. The 1-1/2-inch blade is made of rust-resistant stainless steel and was designed for the precision trimming and shaping of flowers… |
|
|
Agri Zap RZCOO1 Rat Zapper Classic $33.00 The Ratzapper is a humane, environmentally friendly means of controlling rodent populations. It uses advanced electronic technology to detect rodents and dispatch them with a deadly shock. Four AA batteries provide power for a year (not included). Bait with dry animal food. Removal Of: Rodents, Indoor/Outdoor Use: Indoor, Power Source: 4 AA batteries, Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 10 7/8 x 4 x 4 7… |
|
|
Gardman R687 4-Tier Mini Greenhouse $28.50 4 Tier Green House Great Gift Idea Our Grow Racks are ideal for extending the growing season in the spring and fall. Their small size allow them to be placed on decks, patios, or indoors next to a window. Grow Racks come with a UV protected, clear, vinyl cover which holds in humidity reducing plant’s watering needs. Easy access and ventilation is provided by the zippered door panel in the covering… |
|
|
Ferry-Morse 1270 Cilantro Herb Seeds (1.2 Gram Packet) $0.79 Annual Herb. The plant is Cilantro while the seeds are Coriander. The leaves have a distinctive flavor and are used as a garnish in salads and soups. The seed is used in meat and seafood dishes, as well as a condiment for flavoring bread, cookies and cakes…. |
|
|
The Martha Stewart Gardening Collection – Martha’s Spring Garden $24.98 Martha’s Spring Gardening is a practical video reference guide to spring gardening filled with inspirational footage of Martha Stewart’s Westport, Connecticut gardens and 374-minutes of solid garden expertise. Offering tidbits of history and helpful hints every step of the way, Martha Stewart accomplishes every imaginable garden task with ease. She begins with a look at early season weeding, be… |
|
|
Ferry-Morse 1268 Chive Herb Seeds, Garlic (400 Milligram Packet) $0.80 Perennial Herb. Distinguished by white ball-shaped flowers which grow in clusters above the tips on the spear-like flat leaves. Clip leaves for use as seasoning in salads, cheese and egg dishes, gravies and soups for a delicate onion or garlic flavor…. |
|
|
How to Grow and Cook Fresh Herbs ; Yardening with Jeff Ball VHS… |
|
|
How to Grow & Cook Fresh Herbs (Yardening) [VHS] $14.99 … |
|
|
Juliette of the Herbs … |
|
|
Felknor Ventures 82506 Topsy Turvy Upside-Down Tomato Planter $0.01 Topsy Turvy Tomato Planter… |
Tags: herb gardening, herb gardening basics, herb gardening for beginners, herb gardening indoors, herb gardening tips
