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.
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.
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:
o Pay attention to the germination requirements for each type of plant
o The soil mix needs to be light and kept consistently moist
o Seeds need to be placed in a tray or shallow pot. The finer the seed, the shallower it should be sown.
o You will need to transplant your herbs into the garden in the spring.
o The soil mix needs to be light and kept consistently moist
o Seeds need to be placed in a tray or shallow pot. The finer the seed, the shallower it should be sown.
o You will need to transplant your herbs into the garden in the spring.
Herb Garden Information - A Primer
Reviewed by Samuel
Published :
Rating : 4.5
Published :
Rating : 4.5
