Growing Herbs Indoors

Growing Herbs Indoors

There is a decided advantage to growing herbs indoors for many people around the world. Weather is one of the predominant factors; harsh winters, brutal summers and the humidity it brings, and also the heavy downpours of spring and early frost of autumn that can catch most people off-guard and unprepared. By growing herbs indoors, rather than relegating their hobby to the whims of mother nature, people can have healthy, fresh herbs for cooking, as well as for shear esthetic beauty in the comfort of their own home. What’s more, they can have these wonderful plants all year long.

Growing herbs indoors is not a new phenomena, but being one of the easiest types of plants to care for and to grow, they are moving to the forefront of indoor greenery for millions of people. There’s also another facet to growing herbs indoors that has many people turning to these pre-packaged kits: apartment life.

There are countless individuals who live in apartments or condominiums and often these living situations don’t afford much opportunity for gardening. In fact, for most apartment dwellers, especially those living within a city, there’s little more than enough room to walk to the apartment, let alone growing herbs in an indoor setting. This is where herb garden kits are extremely desirable.

Think about it. If you are living within a cramped single bedroom apartment that has no external lawn or rooftop access where you could grow a garden outside, why should you be denied the simple comfort of life such as growing herbs in this indoor manner at your whim and disposal? Cooking in modern society has always been a popular pastime but in recent years, with the growth in popularity of cooking shows and other reality networks, it has become an icon of success and home recreation.

The wonderful aspect about growing herbs indoors is that it can be done with minimal effort and under any lighting situation. That means that although they do best with natural sunlight, herb plants will also flourish under artificial light; you don’t have to be concerned with making room on a windowsill or other valuable real estate within your home for these durable plants. You can purchase from a wide variety of different artificial light sources that are designed specifically for growing herbs indoors and place these rugged plants in a closet, or a shelf anywhere in your home.

If you enjoy working on something from the beginning, say you’re the kind of person who prefers her own pasta made from scratch, then you’d benefit by growing herbs in an indoor location and purchasing an herb garden kit that allows you to start out from the seedlings, care for them, water them, and watch them sprout into life right before your eyes. If you’d rather have the earliest aspects taken care of, you can also select plants that have already sprouted from nurseries or other kits.

The one thing to consider when you get ready to purchase your herb garden kit is the natural growing season, so that your plants are ready to be pruned and used for cooking, drying, or storing, when you’ll have the time to do it right. Growing herbs indoors opens up a world of excitement and wonder to any gourmet and they are also wonderful to simply add color to your warm hearth.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Herb Garden Kits

Herb Garden Kits

Some of us, either by lack of previous knowledge, garden space or time, may benefit by the availability of herb garden kits. These packages provide answers to many of the questions most of us will have while thinking of starting an herb garden. What is the best kind of plant soil? Which herbs do better when grown from seed? Procuring a good herb garden kit will answer these and other questions quite simply.

Most herb garden kits will include numerous herbs of different categories: culinary herbs, international herbs, salsa herbs, Italian herbs, German herbs, herbal tea herbs and so many more. Each kit is different, but all will have similarities which will allow you to get started. For example, all will provide seeds and a set of instructions. Some will include a glass dome to place over the seedlings and provide steady humidity, allowing the herb plants to develop healthy roots and prosper. Some will include recipe books which utilize the very herbs you are raising. Others will refer you to their websites where you can subscribe to a newsletter which will provide more recipes, gardening tips and more. All the kits may be different, but all will offer seeds and soil (or pellets) to plant and raise herbs with.

The convenience of the herb kit is having the herbs right there with you where you live and cook. You don’t have to go outside if you want to add some flavor to a dish. It’s right there beside you. You can also harvest herbs and preserve them for the future. With indoor kits you also don’t have the concerns of moving plants indoors and outdoors as the seasons change, as it’s always the same season in your herb garden.

Most of the kits are not very large at all, and are very compact, making them perfect for apartment dwellers or people who can only raise them in smaller spaces. Also, by maintaining control over the water, the light and the soil, as well as the temperature and humidity, you’ve got it  made. Your herbs will be perfect every time. There will be no danger of the light in your garden diminishing, the rain flooding, the temperatures dropping. By growing them in your controlled indoor environment with your set of instructions handy, there will be no in-decisions in your new endeavor. Your garden will blossom and the herbs will grow successfully all the time.

Like anything else, being an expert in something provides its own level of special enjoyment and accomplishment, and becoming one in herb gardening is no different. And, like everything else, it takes time to arrive there. But a kit provides an excellent way to get you your “legs” because many of the problems and questions one has when getting started will have been addressed, leaving you with more of the fun and enjoyment.

Give yourself some time. This pastime could become a passion as it is to many already, and once bitten by the herb growing bug and beginning this journey, you will see how soon you will become that “expert” Remember that life is all about the journey, not the destination. Learn and grow with your little charges. Treat them well, and they will return great joy to you.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

LINKS

The Herb Quarterly

Founded in 1978, The Herb Quarterly brings readers the joy of herbs and the herb with each new season. Each issue introduces readers to new herbs and fascinating herbal lore; provides tips on hard to grow varieties and medicinals; showcases gardens from around the world; and tempts the palate with seasonal menus and tantalizing recipes built around herbs and edible flowers.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Chia Herb Garden

Having Your Own Chia Herb Garden

A chia herb garden is basically an indoor herb garden with one variance that makes this herb garden unique and that is the size of the containers used. Chia herb garden is basically the form of the garden, rather than what many in the United States, and other locations, may incorrectly associate with this form of gardening. Thanks in large part to the ‘Chia Pet,’ made famous starting in the nineteen-eighties, this misconception has caused a measure of confusion.

Now that we’ve set the record straight, that a chia herb garden has to do with the size of the containers first and foremost, they are becoming exceedingly popular in homes and other places where outdoor gardens are not possible and where space is limited. You can place your chia garden anywhere in your home and can even have multiple gardens, each growing their own special herbs and combination of plants.

If your intention is to use your herbs for cooking or for tea or any form of consumption, make sure that the containers you choose are safe for these purposes. Chemicals used in the manufacture of some materials, such as certain plastics or other fibers, can potentially infiltrated through the soil and be encompassed by the herb plant itself. Consuming these chemicals can then be harmful to people. The containers you use should be food safe. Typically if a container is harmful, there will be a label on it. Colorful containers should be avoided as they often contain iron and other substances in the coloring that can be harmful.

If you would prefer that your herb garden containers have some color or décor to them, you could turn this into a fun afternoon or rainy weekend event with you children. You can paint them on the outside, creating wonderful original artwork that will house your wonderful herbs.

There are a couple of different options when starting your own chia herb garden. You begin with seeds, watching and caring for them as they sprout and grow into full herb plants, or you can buy complete herb kits that will have everything you need to quickly be harvesting leaves and other parts for cooking or storage needs. If you choose the latter route, remember that even though they come complete and already growing in their own individual containers, they still need care and attention. Don’t forget to water and add fertilizer as recommended in the instructions.

The wonderful aspect of chia herb gardens is that the plants aren’t the only aspect of the display that is attractive; the container can be just as appealing and delightful. You are limited only by your imagination and desire. You can create a custom theme for each room in your house, and use specific plants that will add color or fragrance to that particular room.

One key point to remember is that your herb garden will need some good quality light, at least from time to time, so even if there are no windows in ideal lighting positions, bring them outside once in a while so they can bask in the warmth of the sun, just as you undoubtedly enjoy every so often.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Why Have a Growing Herb Garden? 17 Great Reasons!

If you have found your way to this article then perhaps you are just kicking some green tires and want to check out the grounds a bit to see if this herb business is for you ?  Well, let us tell you, there are so many reasons to have a growing herb garden that it could be EXACTLY what you are looking for. So, here is a list, simply put, of 17 GREAT reasons to get a little more serious:

• Aid your digestion. Mint, fennel seed, peppermint . . .these are just a few which can cool hot stomachs and calm the beast.
• Appetite reduction and therefore weight loss . . .chewing on fennel seeds is just one of several “tricks.”
• Do you have pets? Many herbs can cure their occasional distresses.
  
• Catnip calms the wildest feline. Grow your own and save your furniture.
• Smell good! Create original potpourri.
• Worried? Nervous? Herbal teas . . .mmmmm.
• Save money. The herbs you eat will be fresher and cheaper than herbs you buy.
• Are you green minded? An outdoor herb garden will attract all the good guys; bees, butterflies and other desirable insects, and eliminate the bad guys, like slugs!
• Medicinal herbs have more applications than you can imagine. Insect bite/bee stings? Rub some plantain leaf on it. A growing herb garden gives you access to the freshest, most potent herbs to use.
  
• Sore throats are made less so with a good, fresh sage tea.
• Create beauty with herb flowers!
• Want to have some meaningful gifts on hand? Herbs are gifts from the hear which keep on giving.
• Feeling tense? Gardening is the answer. It is the original “grounding” activity!
• Worried about the flu season? Herbs can build up your immune system.
• Skin and hair products can be awfully expensive and many contain harmful ingredients. You can learn to make your own for your unique hair and skin, and do yourself a big favor!
• Herb Jellies!!!
• They beautify your environment and enrich your quality of life.

So by now you should be ready to get started and not waste any time. We recommend that at the very least you just go to the FREE sign up for our terrific 10 day mini-course on herb gardening. It is FREE and very informative. Once you go through the interesting lesson/articles you will be receiving in your inbox daily, you can decide if having a growing herb garden is for you.

Enjoy the journey. That’s what it’s all about!

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Window Sill Herb Garden

Creating your Window Sill Herb Garden

Having your own window sill herb garden can add color and fragrance to any home. There is an abundance of reasons why people might prefer to have a window sill herb garden as opposed to one that grows outside. One of those reasons is that by having their herb garden indoors, they don’t have to deal with the elements of weather and can grow them all year long.

While you can grow almost any type of herbal plant on a windowsill herb garden, there are some that are more suited to this method than others. Plants like oregano are ideal for a window sill herb garden because of its compact size and wonderful flavor. Rosemary and basil are also a great fit for your indoor garden. Some repel fungus, such as the rosemary, and others are simply have a wonderful aroma that can fill your home any time of the year.

These herbal plants will invariable do best on windowsills that face south or southeast, since, for northern hemisphere locations, that is the direction of greatest sunlight. Most plants prefer maximum sunlight for growth and health and herbal plants are no different. Herbal plants prefer at least five hours of sunlight per day and also keep them from enduring drafts, especially during the cooler winter months.

While you can certainly start your herb garden from seedlings, purchasing the proper containers that are about 6 to 12 inches deep in which to plant them and watch them grow, you also have to option to by herbal garden kits. These window sill herb garden kits come complete with the containers, the plants (usually already sprouting or seed planted within the soil), and instructions on the different varieties of herbs and how to care for them.

While it’s fairly easy to care for these plants, you do need to be aware of their gestation periods as well as the ideal times to prune their leaves for use in either drying, storing, or cooking. Some plants will also overtake others if you don’t tend to them and prune them back on a regular basis. You want you window sill herb garden to look as though it belongs there in the windowsill, so there is some measure of attention that they will require from you.

Be careful about the amount of water you give your herbal plants. They don’t do well in damp soil, so water sparingly, but don’t leave them without water, either. If you purchase a kit that has the plants already in bloom, don’t rush to clip the leaves. Allow them time to acclimate to their new environment. Also, if you live in a location, such as an apartment complex in a city, and don’t have access to good sunlight in any window, you can purchase artificial light. Most herbal plants will do just fine under this kind of light, but it’s a good idea to check with a nursery of the manufacturer to be certain.

A window sill herb garden is a great way to spend your free time and if you’re an avid cook, you understand that there is no substitute for having fresh spices and herbs at your disposal. Having your own herb garden sitting on your windowsill will inspire new and wonderful creations in your kitchen, as well as fill your home with the warm and inviting fragrance of some of the world’s most favorite plants.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Where to Start an Herb Garden

Where to Start an Herb Garden

There are a number of different places throughout your home or yard that are ideal locations to start an herb garden. If you have an abundant yard with plenty of open space, then you have options about where to start your garden. You’ll want to place your garden somewhere that has slightly damp to dry soil that is ideal for herbal growth. You’ll also want to place the garden where it can be send everyday from your home. As your garden grows, you’ll notice it filling in and every time you look outside, you will be inspired to tend to it or even inspired to try new and exciting meals with your fresh herbs.

You also want to make sure that wherever you start an herb garden will have abundant sunshine. Plants love the sun and your herbs are no different. Plants thrive under sunlight and become strong and healthy. If you’ve never tasted the different between an herb that was grown with minimal light and one that had access to plentiful sunshine, then you’re missing something special.

If your ideal location would put your garden in the afternoon shade of your house, a massive tree, or other fixed structure, you will want to make sure that it receives ideal morning and mid-afternoon light, or more appropriately, select a different location, even if it’s less than ideal.

There is another option, too, besides having your garden outside and that’s to start an herb garden indoors. Many people don’t have the luxury of a yard or enough space to grow a garden outside. Also, for millions of people, the weather may not be conducive to growing a garden outdoors. There are kits that you can purchase that will allow you to have your own personal herb garden wherever you’d like within the comfort, warmth, and security of your own home. These are perfect for windowsills, especially by those windows that receive abundant sunshine throughout the day.

By having your herb garden inside your home, you can bask in the pleasant aroma that many of these herbs give off. You’ll also have immediate access to these herbs whenever you want to add them to a recipe or other dietary concoction you’re creating.

If you simply don’t have enough room in your home, perhaps you live in tight quarters in an apartment complex, then you can also have the option of placing your herb garden in an out-of-the-way location, such as a closet or in the corner of the bedroom. While these locations will require special alternative lighting designed just for the purpose of growing herb gardens, they work wonders when your real estate doesn’t give you many options.

The bottom line is that where you start an herb garden is not nearly as important as the act of starting it. Many people find a lifetime of joy and relaxation by growing their own herb garden, as well as numerous health benefits that naturally come with creating your own green thumb. If you have ample space or if you live in a tiny studio apartment, you will have the opportunity to grow herbs like a professional, and turn your meals into exquisite entrees almost every night.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

How to Plant a Garden

How to Plant a Garden

You’ve thought about growing your own garden for some time, have even done a little research into what plants you would like to grow, so now it’s time to learn how to plant that garden you will cherish for years to come. While understand how to plant a garden is vital to having a healthy and successful one, it isn’t all that complicated and you shouldn’t feel intimidated by the process. After all, once you know how to plant a garden, you’ll wonder why you never tried it earlier.

The first thing to consider is the size of your garden. Don’t plan something that will be larger than you can handle. Knowing how to grow a garden starts with understanding your limits. Your neighbor may have an acre of garden with perfectly manicured and maintained rows, but this doesn’t mean you have to compete with him. He, or she, has most likely been doing this for many, many years. Since this is your first attempt, keep your ambitions in check and think small.

The next point of consideration in knowing how to grow a garden is location. If you have a house with ample yard space, then it’s best to keep your garden away from structures, like your home, a garage, or even trees. This way your garden will get the ample sunlight it needs.

The garden should have good drainage, but shouldn’t be a dry location. You also want to make sure that you have easy access to a hose or other water supply. There’s nothing that will defeat good ambitions more than unnecessary effort. If you have to drag a hose one hundred feet out to your garden every time your need to water it, then you’ll soon be leaving that hose in the grass, then the lawn mower will have to roll it back up, and you’ll have to drag it back out there. Find a place that makes this process as simple and unobtrusive as possible is an important step to understanding how to grow a garden, not just planting one.

Now, knowing where is just as important as understanding how to plant your garden. Measure out the size of your garden and create an enclosed space. Preferably you will use wooden boards as a border to protect your garden from imposing grasses or even weed whackers. Once you’ve chosen an ideal location, it’s imperative that you have a plan.

Decide which plants or vegetables or herbs you would like to start with and remember, keep it simple. Don’t start out with a dozen different plants; keep it to six and you’ll be able to increase your quantity next season, once you have the hang of the process. When you decide which plants to start with, you’ll want to know whether wildlife is attracted to them. Rabbits and deer are some of the most common nuisances to gardens, so if you’ve chosen plants that they find a delicacy, then invest in some wire mesh or fencing to protect them.

Now, one of the most important things to consider when learning how to plant that garden of yours is that preparing the soil, the rows should be done in the fall or early winter for a spring planting. Start with fresh seeds of your chosen varieties and use double rows for such plants as lettuce, turnips, onions, beets, and carrots. Of course, it’s a good idea to check with your local nursery for details on each plant you decide to grow.

This is a basic starter guide on how to plant a garden and there are more steps to making sure your garden is fruitful and long lasting.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Benefits of a Home Herb Garden

The  Home Herb Garden

There are several benefits to having a home herb garden and they’re not limited to merely having access to fresh herbs anytime you want. If you are beginning to dabble in fine home-cooked meals, or you’re a rabid connoisseur of fine dining, you know the potential that herbs have to make or break the perfect meal. Having your own herb garden is an attraction many home chefs can’t do without.

One of the most obvious benefits to having a home herb garden is that they are readily available. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the winter and a blizzard is blowing outside; if you want basil for that pasta sauce you’re preparing, all you have to do is harvest a few leaves when you need it. Those leaves will contain the best juices and flavor that make that particular herb, whichever one you choose, such an advantage to the meal.

Whenever you have the option between fresh or dried and stored, fresh is always the best choice when cooking. Any five star chef will tell you this. You may have a favorite dish that you prefer to cook on a rotation. Having a variety of fresh herbs from your home herb garden can add a kick to those meals so that they don’t grow boring over time.

Another benefit to having your own home herb garden is that the vitamins contained in fresh herbs help boost your body’s health and virility. If you choose a full outdoor garden to grow, then you’ll also get abundant exercise as you cultivate, plant, and tend to your plants on a regular basis. The therapeutic benefits have only begun to be measured, but just imagine walking outside to your own garden after a long day of work, spending some time caring for your plants, and the stress simply dripping from your mind.

By growing your own herb garden at home, you can save money. If you haven’t been aware of the price of herbs lately (perhaps you haven’t purchased them recently or don’t pay attention to this detail), you can save a lot of money by having your own herbs at home. Some herbs can charge more than ten, or even twenty, dollars a pound! Having your own herb garden will help your wallet.

If you love to learn, and want your children to learn something new, then growing an herb garden is a magnificent educational opportunity. You, and they, can learn the value of caring for a garden, of some honest labor, and what different plants require to flourish and grow. It teaches responsibility and consistency.

If you’re always having trouble at the holidays wondering what to get everyone for gifts, having your own herb garden will grant you the opportunity to harvest leaves and stems and other parts of different plants, to dry them, and package them in glass storage containers and give them as gifts. Think about the joy and good will you’ll spread among your family and friends as they open their gift and realize what love, care, and patience went into it.

There are numerous benefits to growing your own home herb garden and as you have yours for years to come, you’ll discover even more of them. You may even create new and exciting uses that haven’t been thought of yet. If you’re ready to plant your own herb garden at home, then you’re ready for a lifetime of relaxation and great taste.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

REVIEW: “The Indoor Culinary Herb Garden Kit” by Herbkits.com

HERB GARDEN KIT REVIEW

For any avid herb garden enthusiast, questions will always abound. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran gardener or somebody who is just starting out, the process of growing your own herb garden can impose some questions.

Herbkits.com is a site that offers great indoor herb garden kits that are ideal for the budding enthusiast who simply doesn’t have the space or the desire to work outside in the elements. Their Indoor Culinary Herb Garden Kit is perfect for those fine cuisine home chefs who want to have fresh herbs at their disposal any time of the day or time, and any season of the year.

This Indoor Culinary Herb Garden Kit starts at $34.95, but is currently at a sale price of $29.95, which is a 14% savings, though there is no posted expiration on the sale. The kit comes complete with 12 different herb seed packets, loaded with more seeds than you will actually need to get your garden flourishing. It offers 50 Peat Pellets, which are a great way to keep from making a mess as you set up and get your indoor herb garden growing (dirt tends to get into everything when you have a confined space).

The kit has its own dome, which allows your herb seeds to grow into healthy and robust plants with simple care and watering. You will be able to watch your little seedlings sprout from the windowsill or other sunny location in your house (most people tend to place their indoor herb gardens in the kitchen for ready access when cooking a masterpiece). One of the great benefits to starting a garden from scratch, as opposed to buying plants already in bloom, is that you are there for the entire process; it becomes a part of your life.

One of our favorite features of Herbkits.com’s Indoor Herb Garden Kit is their Culinary Herb CD ROM and e-book, which is included with the purchase of the herb kit. This package contains information and an abundance of uses for many of the different herbs you can grow, either indoors or outside. It offers wonderful information about where to plant your garden, how best to care for your herbs, the soil that works best for herbs, and much more. It also gives you information on the best uses for your herbs and how to dry, package, and store for gifts or future uses.

The Indoor Herb Garden Kit is ideal as a gift or for someone who wants to grow their own garden but just doesn’t have either the time or the space to accomplish this goal. At the sale price (and even the regular price), Herbkits.com’s Indoor Herb Garden Kit is such a wonderful deal. If you haven’t shopped for herbs in the local supermarket lately, then you might be in for some sticker shock at how expensive some have become. You will not only be getting a valuable hobby, one that you will take with you for the rest of your life, but also a savings on future herb uses.

This Indoor Herb Garden Kit is a tasty product at a delicious price.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Herbal Seeds

Herbal Seeds

You’ve made the decision to start your own herb garden, whether you’re going to do this outside or inside, it’s important to know how to find the right herbal seeds to start with. Not all herbal seeds are created equal, as the old adage goes, so which ones you choose can be the difference between a successful and healthy garden and one that you struggle to maintain throughout the year.

An herbal seed is what remains of a flower after its bloom. These are the blueprints for a new plant to grow. Some plants produce one seed per flower while others can create thousands at a time. This will be a factor in the price of your herbal seed as well as the likelihood that the plants you choose will grow in your garden.

While it’s common knowledge all plants grow from seeds, not all gardeners, especially not all beginner gardeners can manage to get their herbal seeds to grow every time. Having this knowledge can alleviate some stress and future frustration as your garden moves from early spring to summer. Hopefully you will see sprouting plants from your herbal seed, but if you don’t there are a number of factors that could have contributed to this lack of sprouting. One is that you may have purchased herbal seed that was old. Some nurseries or warehouses may store seed that doesn’t sell for quite some time. As seed lay dormant, its likelihood of developing decreases every season.

Another possibility could be that your soil didn’t have the appropriate minerals or fertilizer for that particular plant and therefore, the seed didn’t take. Another common problem is that beginning gardeners aren’t always conscientious about the time of year that is ideal to plant certain species of seeds. Some do best when planted in the early spring while others require a winter of dormancy, or even a late spring planting. When you decide which plants you’d prefer to have flourishing in your garden, and you’re looking to purchase the seeds for them, make sure you know the appropriate planting and gestation periods for those particular plants.

Herbal seeds can be found all over the Internet for purchase, as well as your local nurseries. Some people believe that soaking their seeds overnight before they plant them is the ideal situation to promote their growth, but this is more preference than necessity. Seeds will grow just fine without this soaking, as long as they receive the proper amount of water and fertilizer once they’re planted.

Not all plants have to grow in your garden from seeds, and there are some that do best under strict lighting, soil, and watering conditions that nurseries understand, but to gain the full experience of growing your own garden, most gardeners prefer to start from the very beginning. The most important thing to remember when planting your seeds is that they do best with at least eight hours of sunlight, so choose a location that allows them to reach that ideal goal. Also, ensure that the soil is moist, but not saturated.

Soon your herbal seeds will begin to sprout and you’ll be enchanted by the wonderful world of gardening, just as millions have done before you.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Herbal Rose

The Wonders of Herbal Rose

Not your traditional modern rose, the herbal rose has a foundation in cooking, as well as perfumes and cosmetics. Certain parts of the herbal rose petals are used in salads as well as salad dressings, and also in conserves. With a rich and fragrant quality, they are the primary choice for herbal medicines, cooking, and fragrances around your home.

R. gallica Officinalis, the official latin name for the herbal rose, has long been used in the manufacture of creams, salves, jellies, candles, syrups, to name just a few. You may have come across one of its more common names throughout history, though: The Rose of Provins, Champagne Rose, or possibly even the Rose of Miletus. This wonderful herbal rose was cultivated between the 13^th and 19^th centuries and what sets it apart from other roses is that its aroma, or fragrance, is retained after drying. This yields a plethora of possibilities for its use over time.

The petals from this rose were commonly used in teas to aid in relief from sore throats, the common cold, and even hysteria (though the practicality of this has now been in doubt for a long time). There are other herbal roses that have developed strong affection from gardeners and connoisseurs for many years, but today, manufacturers are fond of this rose for is wonderful fragrances that are added to expensive perfumes.

The herbal rose grows best when it has access to full sun. If you plan on growing herbal roses, then make sure that wherever your garden is located that there are no buildings or trees that commonly block out sunlight, even for just a few hours a day. Many of these herbal roses will only bloom once a year, but most of the varieties will flower a great deal for one month.

The herbal rose does wonderfully when planted among well-decomposed compost and you should avoid the use of modern fast-release fertilizers as this will harm the plant and possibly even kill it. If you have older roses, they don’t require pruning or spraying, but younger ones could use this level of attention. If you want to prune these plants, then it’s best to do so immediately after the flowers have finished blooming. Pruning is a great way to shape the plant over time to your preference.

It’s best to apply mulch during the summer months as this will give the herbal rose plant the nourishment it needs to make it through the coming winter. As far as insects and disease are concerned, many herbal rose plants are durable and don’t require spraying; they recover quite well and rapidly to any attack.

Now, the best time to harvest the herbal rose petals is when the just open, preferably on sunny mornings once the dew has dried from the petals. Spread the flowers on a flyscreen away from direct sunlight. If you plan on harvesting the hips of the roses, do so when they are fully colored and dry these in the same manner that you do the flowers and you will have the lasting fragrance of these wonderful roses.

The herbal rose is a versatile, durable, and wonderful addition to any garden and due to their multiple uses, most gardeners prefer this plant to have a place in their garden all year long.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Using Herbs From a Home Herb Garden

Many people that have their own home herb gardens harvest by the phases of the moon. They say that herbs that have been harvested  around a moon  calendar retain more nutrients and flavor.  Pick your herbs in the morning as usual, but  check a moon calendar to find the best phase of the moon.

One of the big pleasures of having your own home herb garden is that you can eat your foods without having to wash it.  There are no pesticides or chemical to rinse off.  If you plan to store your herbs for a few days, hold off washing them.  When you do wash the herbs and if there is a large quantity, you can use the sink and place 2 tablespoons of salt in the water.  This will get rid of insects without  damaging the plant.  After removing the herb, dry them in a salad spinner.  The exception is parsley. This is one herb that  stays longer and fresher if you seep it in cool water as soon as you pick it.  This herb will not wilt by following this procedure.

Although different types of herbs have their own list of instructions, typically there are three ways that people preserve their herbs for later use:  drying, freezing or preserving.

Drying is one of the simplest and most convenient ways to preserve your herbs’ leaves and flowers. Hang drying is an especially great way to preserve large quantities of herbs.  You will need a well ventilated, dark, dry location.  Your attic or a small dark room would be ideal.  Don’t bother to wash them.  Tie small bunches of herbs with twist ties, rubber bands or elastic threads and hang them so that air can circulate freely.   Hang them one foot from the wall  and leave at least 6 inches between bunches.  Most herbs dry within two weeks.  They will feel crackly to touch.  These herbs are much more concentrated than fresh herbs.  Store in tightly closed jars/bottles and store in dark part of your kitchen cabinet.

Freezing captures the full flavor of herb leaves.  Cut the herbs into ¼ inch pieces and place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.  Once frozen, place in a bag  for more efficient storage.  A neat trick  for using your herbs in soups/stews is to  place  your chopped up herbs in an ice tray  and cover with water and freeze.  These cubes are handy to add to a simmering pot of soup or sauce.

The third way is using a medium.  You can use either vinegar or salt.One great example is to use chopped mint, basil or tarragon with vinegar.  It will stay preserved for months.  If you’d like to make flavored salt, just alternate layers of fresh herbs between salt.  When completely dry, separate the brown herb from the flavored  salt and store in an airtight container.

Herbs transform ordinary meals into magical delights.  Even if you already cook with herbs, having your own herb garden will inspire you to experiment and discover new ways of making an old recipe new.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Italian Herb Garden

Imagine serving your own special tomato sauce seasoned with your own fresh picked herbs, basil and oregano.   And don’t forget crisp Italian  garlic bread, served with your own freshly made pesto sauce.   The list is endless.   Growing an Italian herb garden is fun  and relatively easy.    Here are a few of the best known Italian herbs to get you started.

Basil, a well known Italian herb, name means “royal.”  Basil has a spicy-sweet flavor with peppery undertones.  Its fragrance is strong, fresh and very pungent.  If you want to improve the flavor of your pepper and tomato plants, you must plant  this herb next to them.  Not only is this herb delicious to taste, but is a very beautiful ornamental.  In addition, flies and mosquitoes are repelled by it., so make sure you grace your picnic table with  freshly cut basil in a vase.

Parsley is such a versatile herb that you can add to almost any dish.  Its flavor is tangy with undertones of sweetness, The fragrance is fresh and clean.  Before the invention of breath mints, fresh parsley was passed around after a  flavorful meal to eradicate bad breath.  Hence even today we use parsley as a garnish.

Oregano, when it is mature will sprout beautiful purple flowers.   Although we often think of pizza when we think of oregano, its culinary uses were secondary to its medicinal uses.  Oregano tea clears the nasal passage and eases sore throats.  It is an herb that is both spicy and pungent and is highly aromatic.

Fennel  leaves and seeds have mild licorice/anise flavor.  This herb needs to be harvested   before the plant blooms.  The actual plant loses its sweet flavor as it matures.  Every few years it needs to be divided and replanted to maintain its flavor.  In your garden it helps to repel both nasty slugs and snails.

Rosemary was an herb that Greek student  made into garlands to be worn  in their hair.  It was thought to strengthen memory.  The flavor of rosemary  is strong with a hint of pine.  The plant consists of tiny pink to purple flowers and makes a fragrant foundation planting that attracts bees; however, it is very sensitive to frost.

Sage has a warm, homey aroma.  We can use either fresh or dried in dishes ranging from stuffing to vegetables to meats.  The new shoots of the plant contain the most flavor.  You can pick individual leaves anytime.

Garlic is synonymous with Italian herbs.  No Italian garden can be complete without this useful herb.  Garlic can be added to many vegetables, sauces, breads and even oils.   However, if added to oil, we need to soak it in vinegar for 8-24 hours before adding.  .  Doing this acidifies the garlic and curtails  bacterial growth.  Garlic cloves can be planted and will thrive with very little attention  in just about any garden.

In order to make your Italian Herb Garden your own, you need to think about which herbs you will actually use.  In addition, the growing conditions of each plant needs to be taken into consideration.  In addition to the great taste they add to so many dishes, they also make amazing additions to our landscape designs.  These herbs add not only color, and fragrant flowers but also lingering aromas.   As you walk through your Italian herb garden you will feel like you are in  Tuscany.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Herb Garden Plants

Herb Garden Plants

Herb plants are like any other in they may be biennials, perennials or annuals. If your interest is in a specific plant, then you need to do a separate research to discover its caretaking requirements and correct method of use. This article will provide you with a general view and a basis for learning the different general varieties and uses of the many herb plants available.

An annual will not survive the frost. These plants, such as cilantro, summer savory and basil will need to be planted from fresh seed every year. A perennial is growing in its natural environment and will be able to survive the cold quite nicely and return each and every year. Winter savory and sage are two examples for gardens in areas where frosts may occur. Biennials ( herbs such as caraway, parsley and angelica) are very interesting in that their leaves are formed during the initial growing season, but the seeds and the flowers don’t appear until the second, after which they die.

These biennial herbs need to be sown in the garden in late spring. The soil must be prepared by making it into a fine texture, wetting it slightly. Do not drench it. The seeds need to be planted in even rows, shallowly, after which you will firm down the soil on top of them (gently). You can also plant the finer seeds in sand mixed soil which allows the spread to be more even. Covering the herb bed with a wet burlap or paper is also recommended. This will protect the germinating seedlings.

Herbs can also be categorized by their use. Most herb growers are interested in their culinary capabilities. The herbs usages in cooking are too numerous to mention here. Very strong herbs such as savory, basil, thyme, marjoram, chives and sage are generally used sparingly so as not to overpower the subtleties of a food’s natural flavor. A decorative herb is parsley, used today mostly as a garnish but which historically was used as a breath freshener after a meal. There are the aromatic herbs which have the sweet smelling foliage and flowers. Makers of perfumes and toilet waters are fond of the oils of loyage, rosemary and mint. Many of these aromatic herbs can be used to create delightful potpourris to pleasantly scent linens, clothing or the home. Drying them for this purpose enables them to keep their aroma over a long period of time. Other favorites for potpourri include lavender and lemon verbena.

The usage of herbs in medicine is widely known in Asia and Europe and is catching on very quickly in the States. There is much which needs to be studied to determine the most effective medical usages of herbs. Some are very useful, others overrated, some safe and others dangerous to ingest. The Chinese are very sophisticated in their usage of herbs for health, but Westerners are advised to proceed with caution and do research on specific remedies before using them. What works for some people may be dangerous for others, especially if you are already taking other medications.

So we see herbs are desired for their fragrance, for their taste, and for their medicinal attributes. But some we enjoy simply because they are beautiful! Valerian brags with its crimson blossoms, chicory and borage show off their shades of incredible blue, a generally rare color in the plant world.

Some herbs are not so cubby holed into single use and actually are more versatile. You can use mint, for example, to control some pests, take it your tea, or in your cooking. Working and living with herbs makes us more attuned to our own nature as we pick and choose the ones we wish to use for the reasons we wish to use them.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Herb Garden Information You Need To Know

Herb Garden Information

Beginnings:
According to Genesis, all the plants except the grass and trees were herbs. There are many references in the Bible and medieval documents that show how herbs were used daily in most households.  The Chinese like to boast that their knowledge of herbs and their healing qualities is the oldest in the world.  After the Greek and Roman civilizations passed, walled monastery gardens became the center of herb-growing activity.  The monks, forbidden to eat meat and committed to manual labor, studied how these herbs could help the poor and sick.  Today, we can still grow the descendants of the very herbs that were cultivated centuries ago…and smell the same wonderful aromas.

Start Small: Cultivating your own herbs not only provides you with a ready supply of flavor enhancers for your daily menu, but also provides you with herbs you may use for medicinal purposes, unique potpourris, special teas, vinegars and oils. They also can be used as cosmetics for your skin and hair, and even to control garden pests such as slugs.  Gardeners everywhere are rediscovering the magic of herbs and herb gardens.  Herbs are so easy to grow.  If you are a beginner gardener, herbs are a must for you.  Not only is their care simple and straightforward, but the results will spur you on.

Once your garden is established, it takes so little effort to maintain, that you will have the confidence to cultivate other plants, vegetables and flowers. Herb gardens can be grown in pots, window sills, patios, or acres of land.   Herbs can be grown in the sun, shade, wet or dry soil.  There is a plant for every need.  Amazingly, very few insects or diseases attack herbs; however, sometimes if the weather is very dry and hot, red spider mites can be found on low-growing plants. Also, aphids may attack dill, caraway, anise or fennel.

Get Started: It is very tempting to over order when we page through catalogs that show off beautiful herbs.  Decide what you are interested in using herbs for.  Are you a cook, interested in using herbs for medicinal purposes, making vinegars, wreaths?  Know why you are growing your herb garden. This will allow you to make the correct selection of herbs. Your herbs will bring you much greater pleasure and satisfaction if your garden is easy to tend (think weeding, watering, etc.). Start with the basics.  Almost all herbs can be started from seeds or plants bought and planted into your own garden.

Although it is easier to buy the plant, it is much more rewarding to grow an herb from a seed.  Here you will experience the entire process from birth to death.  It is practical to start your seedlings indoors.  This will give you a jumpstart on the season.  Success is almost always guaranteed if you are aware of the following:

•    Pay attention to the germination requirements for each type of plant •    The soil mix needs to be light and kept consistently moist

•    Seeds need to be placed in a tray or shallow pot.  The finer the seed, the shallower it should be sown.

•    You will need to transplant your herbs into the garden in the spring. Herb gardens hold a special magic.  Imagine bringing nature into your home even in the cold dreary winter.  You can grow whatever herb you are interested in.  Part of the fun of an herb garden is experimenting with new-to-you herbs.  You are sure to meet some new favorites along the way.

This article has given you some basic information on how to get started and what you need to know and understand about herbs.

Your journey is about to start right here. Cultivating your own herb garden will provide you with a pure, unadulterated result, fresh air, exercise and a very relaxing hobby.

The articles you will find here are designed to increase your knowledge and bring you to where you are an “expert” herb gardener and able to enjoy the fullness of this wonderful activity. And don’t forget our HERBAL GARDEN MINI-COURSE (completely free for the taking) which is immediately available to you to enjoy. You can subscribe to it right now and begin your journey today! Get Started and Good Luck!

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Growing Herbs In Pots

Growing Herbs in Pots

Many of us, whether we have access to an outdoor garden or not, will enjoy the beauty and convenience of growing herbs in pots or other types of containers. We can grow these herbs indoors or out, as we choose. Neither is harder to do than the other and both approaches have the same basic requirements to encourage the herbs to healthily grow. Water, proper soil and the correct sunlight is what any plant requires, and herb plants are no exception. If you live in the northern hemisphere, and if it is at all practicable, you should place your herbs so that they will have a southern or western exposure to benefit by the best light. Of course there are some herbs that will require a different light, but for the most part you will find they all require a good and sunny placement. The use of “plant lights” which can be fluorescent lamps is also used by some growers with success.

The soil you choose should be a healthy potting soil with good drainage, usually one part perlite or a course sand to 5 or 6 parts soil for those herbs which are grown in containers. Drainage is especially important and you can help that by having about an inch of gravel in the bottom of each pot. To ensure that the soil remains sufficiently “sweet” for the herbs, you can add some lime, usually about a teaspoonful for each 5” of pot.

Watering your herbs is also, as you would expect, a requirement that must be properly done. Misting regularly will help to keep them damp, but never soggy. Overwatering is just as bad as under. You must avoid letting the roots get drenched and bloated. Being raised in pots or containers, the herbs will require more watering than they would outdoors, but be careful not to overdo it!

A nice thing about growing herbs in containers or pots is that they are portable; you can move them around. If you are growing annual herbs you will find them happy indoors all of the time. But if the herbs are perennials, they will prefer to be placed outdoors during summer months. It is a good idea to bring all herbs, except mint, chives and tarragon, back indoors before irst frost so that they don’t lose their foliage. The exceptions
listed will enjoy a hibernation during wqhich time they will develop fresher and more firm rebirth after being exposed to a light frost.

You can grow any herb in a pot or a container. Some will outshine others. You have to be careful with mint and it really needs to be contained since it could easily dominate your entire garden. But for the most part, keeping an indoor herb garden in good health is a pleasurable and easy task. Enjoying the convenience of having fresh herbs available whenever you cook adds to the pleasure of seeing and smelling them when you’re not.

Following the preceding tips will ensure that you are successful, but remember not all herbs are equal and some will inevitably do better than others..  Remember to also be aware of the amount of light your herbs are getting and, if necessary, provide periodic exposure to “grow lights” as well as an annual repotting. Add to that list replanting your annuals each year and shifting the perennials when required.

Harvest your herbs occasionally, even if not using them, to keep them healthy and encourage growth. Usually don’t remove more than a third of the leaves at a time. Pruning is healthy for all plants, and herbs are no exception. Store the leaves you prune, preserve them, use them, give them as gifts. You will find them a wonderful joy to have and to share.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

• Get your free

  Herbal Garden Magic Free Mini-Course!

  Get your free mini-course on how to have the most beautiful, delicious, healthy herb garden growing in no time at all.

  Just enter your first name & e-mail address and we'll email you your first lesson right now. Remember, your privacy is important to us and no information will ever be shared! Feel safe and come on in!

  

  First Name:
  Email:

  

  **Double-check your email for accuracy to ensure you receive your free mini course.

  Privacy Assured:
  Your email address is never
  shared with anyone
• Main Menu

  • Herb Garden Information You Need To Know
  • Growing Herbs in Pots
  • Herb Garden Plants
  • Italian Herb Garden
  • Using Herbs From a Home Herb Garden
  • How to Start an Herb Garden – Five Common Mistakes Newbie Herb Gardeners Make
• Recommended Reading

  Available for Immediate Download

  

  Click here to download now
• ADDITIONAL ARTICLES Select Category Additional Articles One  (11) Interesting Articles  (6) Uncategorized  (1)

©Copyright herbalgardenmagic.com 2009

• Terms Of Use
• Site Map
• Contact Us
• Privacy Policy
• Additional Articles One
• Additional Articles Two
• LINKS
• About Us