Little Known Secrets on Herb Gardening

Approximately 15 billion households worldwide are hooked with herb gardening, whether in vegetable gardens, windowsills or containers. This is because not only can herbs be used in cooking; they also provide striking forms and textures, vibrant colors and distinctive fragrance to a garden.

When you decide to start herb gardening, the first thing you should do is determine the location. Make sure you plant the herbs at a place where you can easily harvest them. While you herb gardening are usually done outdoors, you can also set it up inside your house, on window boxes or containers.

However, since majority of herbs prefer complete exposure to the sun, you should consider placing them where the sun could reach the herbs for at least five hours a day. Be aware that light sensitivities vary for each kind of herbs.

The next thing to consider about your herb gardening is the type of herbs to plant. There are three categories of herbs - biennial, perennial and annual. Biennial herbs grow for about two years and it grows foliage during the first season, overwinters, form seeds again and dies during the end of the second season.

Perennials, on the other hand, can stay alive for several years. Although their foliage dies during fall, the roots remain alive through the winter and resume its growth during spring. Annual herbs, as its name suggests, only grows for one seasons and should be planted every spring.

Which Herb to Plant

One thing to consider before you start your very own garden is the sort of herbs you wish to plant. Some people see herbs gardening as a way for them to produce their own herbs and use them in their everyday cooking or as medicinal remedies. The idea of herbs gardening may have appeal to others because some herbs are aesthetically beautiful. If you wish to just have a beautiful herb garden then choose the herbs which bear the prettier flowers and more flamboyant leaves or pods. On the other hand, if you choose to consume the herbs that you will grow, then chose the herbs which you use the most in you cooking or medicinal purpose.

Another thing to consider is the weather when you plant your herbs. There are some herbs that do not fare too well in the cold weather or the wet weather. Another thing to consider for herbs gardening in the outdoors is the sol in which you will make your garden and the drainage possibilities. Most herbs prefer soil that is not too wet most of the time.

Planting Your Herbs

Most seeds are not sown directly in the soil; they are first cultivated in shallow containers and then transplanted when the proper time comes. The proper times to transplant seedling into the outdoor garden is when the seedlings already have at least two sets of leaves. Some herbs can be planted directly into the outdoor garden soil. As with those that are initially planted in containers, they are supposed to be sown cultivated soil and then covered lightly with extra soil. Some seeds are even left uncovered. There are many things to remember in herbs gardening pertaining to the different herbs available for planting.

Harvesting Your Herbs

Herbs are usually ready for harvest when the plant looks like it can stand having a few leaves taken from it. It is best to harvest before the sun is too hot as this will dry the harvested leaves too fast and leave them with les flavor. Some people often pinch off flowers to conserve the plants energies into producing more leaves for more herbs. It is best to wash herbs in cold water to protect their flavor.

Herb Garden Maintenance

One of the major things to consider in herb gardening is soil requirements. Since herbs need a rich soil, excessive fertilization could cause vigorous herb growth. However, excessive fertilization could reduce its essential oil contents and cause your herbs to taste bland. Remember that your soil should always have good drainage.

Herb gardens requires special attention. While most herbs blossom with just an inch of water every week, herbs planted in containers tend to dry out quickly than herbs planted directly into the soil garden.

When the herbs become established, they become resistant to disease and insect attacks. They are able to repel different kinds of pests because of the oils, which give the herbs flavor and aroma. However, some insects and diseases can still affect your herbs.

Herb gardening can be a relaxing and environmentally friendly hobby. If you wish to eat natural, healthy foods right from your backyard, you should explore the psychological and physical benefits of herb gardening.