Tips for Growing Herbs
Most herbs grow best in full sun, although some will take part shade.
Plant herbs in soil with good drainage. Herbs will suffer if grown in beds that remain saturated for an extended period of time. To improve drainage of wet soils, use a layer of crushed rocks topped with a mixture of sand and compost under the planting soil.
Fertilize plants lightly with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring. Too much fertilizer will damage the flavor quality of your herbs.
Mulch tender herbs in winter to protect them from freezing temperatures. Some very tender herbs may not be winter hardy even with protection, and should be over-wintered indoors. Examples include rosemary, sweet bay, and scented geraniums.
For best flavor, harvest herbs in the morning after the dew has dried, but before the hot midday sun evaporates their oils.
Leaves, both fresh and dried, are normally called herbs, while seeds, roots, fruits, flowers or bark are spices.
Herbs are more frequently grown in temperate regions, while spices usually hail from the tropics.
If you plan on drying and storing your herbs, harvest them just before they bloom when their leaves are at their prime. Place the cuttings in a dry, shady, well-ventilated spot to dry, or spread them on a cookie sheet in a 150° F oven with the door left ajar. Store the dried herbs in airtight containers in a dark place, as exposure to light can cause flavors and colors to degrade.
Herbs are green and often impart a subtler flavor; spices tend to be shades of brown, black, or red with a dramatic, pungent flavor.
For example, consider the multi-purpose plant Coriandrum sativum. Its tangy leaves are referred to as the herb cilantro (Chinese parsley), but its round brown seeds are known as coriander, a spice.
FOLK MEDICINE. Before modern medicine, herbs were a main ingredient in many traditional remedies. Today, many people continue to use herbs in this same manner. Common remedies include herbal infusions, which are water-based extracts of herbal plants, and tinctures, which are alcohol-based extracts. Other remedies include bath soaks, compresses, cough syrups, and salves. Beware that many herbs are toxic without proper processing; consult reputable reference sources and your physician before using any herbal preparations.
Plant herbs in soil with good drainage. Herbs will suffer if grown in beds that remain saturated for an extended period of time. To improve drainage of wet soils, use a layer of crushed rocks topped with a mixture of sand and compost under the planting soil.
Fertilize plants lightly with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring. Too much fertilizer will damage the flavor quality of your herbs.
Mulch tender herbs in winter to protect them from freezing temperatures. Some very tender herbs may not be winter hardy even with protection, and should be over-wintered indoors. Examples include rosemary, sweet bay, and scented geraniums.
For best flavor, harvest herbs in the morning after the dew has dried, but before the hot midday sun evaporates their oils.
Uses for Herbs in the Garden
BORDER GARDENING.
Some herbs have attractive flowers, while others have interesting foliage, adding color and texture to the border garden. There are creeping herbs, clumping herbs, and spreading herbs. Experiment with them throughout the garden. Keep in mind that some herbs, such as the mints, tend to be aggressive spreaders and may make better container plants. Herbs with interesting texture include lady’s mantle, lamb’s ears, chives, sage, and fernleaf tansy. Herbs with appealing foliage coloration include wormwood, curry plant, licorice plant, and bronze fennel.CONTAINER GARDENING.
Many herbs adapt well to containers. Grow them individually or combine them with flowering annuals for added interest. Thyme, licorice plant, sage, and scented geraniums work especially well in containers.ATTRACTING BUTTERFLIES and HUMMINGBIRDS.
If you are a wildlife lover, consider adding herbs to your garden. Parsley and dill are both larval host plants for butterflies. Bergamot (also known as bee balm or horsemint) and scarlet sage are nectar sources for butterflies and hummingbirds. Catmint (catnip), sage, sweet marjoram, and thyme can all be used to entice butterflies to your garden. Remember—gardeners who like butterflies must also have a soft spot for leaf-munching caterpillars.Herbs for the Home
Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs offers the following remedies for this age-old question:FLAVOR.
Homegrown herbs can add a boost of flavor to foods. They can be used fresh in cooking or dried for use throughout the year. Oregano, dill, parsley, basil, thyme, marjoram, borage, savory, and tarragon will add a zest to your summer salads, barbecues, and other dishes. Plant your favorite mint and add it to iced tea or other refreshing summer drinks. Leaves, both fresh and dried, are normally called herbs, while seeds, roots, fruits, flowers or bark are spices.
Herbs are more frequently grown in temperate regions, while spices usually hail from the tropics.
If you plan on drying and storing your herbs, harvest them just before they bloom when their leaves are at their prime. Place the cuttings in a dry, shady, well-ventilated spot to dry, or spread them on a cookie sheet in a 150° F oven with the door left ajar. Store the dried herbs in airtight containers in a dark place, as exposure to light can cause flavors and colors to degrade.
Herbs are green and often impart a subtler flavor; spices tend to be shades of brown, black, or red with a dramatic, pungent flavor.
For example, consider the multi-purpose plant Coriandrum sativum. Its tangy leaves are referred to as the herb cilantro (Chinese parsley), but its round brown seeds are known as coriander, a spice.
FRAGRANCE.
Any home garden can benefit from the lovely scent of herbs. Herbs with appealing fragrances include lavender, lemon verbena, mint, rosemary, scented geraniums, and sweet woodruff. After harvesting, many herbs can be dried and used in potpourris, simmering pot mixtures, and sachets. To freshen drawers and closets, tie a fragrant mixture of dried herbs into a muslin bag and stash it among your clothes.FOLK MEDICINE. Before modern medicine, herbs were a main ingredient in many traditional remedies. Today, many people continue to use herbs in this same manner. Common remedies include herbal infusions, which are water-based extracts of herbal plants, and tinctures, which are alcohol-based extracts. Other remedies include bath soaks, compresses, cough syrups, and salves. Beware that many herbs are toxic without proper processing; consult reputable reference sources and your physician before using any herbal preparations.
TEXTILES.
Many plants can be used to make fabric and ropes, with cotton and flax being two well-known examples. Other herbs, such as true indigo, can be distilled to produce natural dyes. Time-honored traditions of using herbs for textiles are still practiced in both mass and home production. Consult natural craft books or web pages for ideas about using herbs for artistic endeavors.Longwood’s Herb Garden
The Idea Garden boasts a variety of annual and perennial herbs, organized by category of use. Visit the Herb Garden for a living catalog of herbs for a taste of the flavor and charm herbs can add to your home garden. Categories of herbs include textile herbs, culinary herbs, fragrant herbs, and medicinal herbs.
No comments:
Post a Comment