As there are such a wide variety of herbs with a vast
range of uses, many people think that growing herbs is
difficult and must be an aspect of gardening that is
probably best left to the "professionals". Nothing could be
further from the truth.
Herbs are actually quite undemanding plants to grow and
they will thrive in a number of different environments.
Almost all herbs prefer a warm sunny spot and they can be
grown in containers, greenhouses, aeroponic containers,
window boxes and almost anywhere. Herbs are generally quite
hardy plants and also have a wide range of appealing
properties. Many have attractive flowers and foliage, some
are pleasingly fragrant and others can deter pests and
attract friendly insects to the garden.
The main decisions to be made in growing herbs are how much
space you want to devote to them, whether you want to grow
them indoors or out and for what purpose you wish to grow
them. They have a wide range of cooking and medicinal
purposes and are mostly decorative enough to consider for
borders, with the added benefit of the beautiful smells as
you brush past.
Annual herbs such as basil, fennel, coriander and saffron
can easily be grown from seed, planting in the spring and
mostly survive for just one season. Many produce seeds at
some stage of their growing cycle and these can be
harvested ready fo replanting the next year.
Perennial herbs such as mint, thyme, oregano and sage, with
the right care, will survive and flourish year after year.
Even although they may look devoid of life in the winter,
in lacking any foliage and with no visible signs of growth.
They are merely lying dormant and come the warmer weather
will spring back to life and blossom.
Both the annual and perennial herbs can be propagated and
as the colder months approach they can be dug up and
potted, or alternatively cuttings can be taken. Pots of
herbs will need some care over the winter and in the
greenhouse will require good light, watering, ventilation
and prompt removal of dead leaves or flowers.
Herbs are very versatile and can be stored either freshly
frozen at their peak of flavour, usually just before
flowering, or cut and dried and stored in airtight
containers.
Herb gardening is an ideal area for a project for the
novice gardener, with a wide selection of herbs to choose
from. They can be grown in almost any location and a
provide a usefully fragrant or edible product as a reward.
----------------------------------------------------
John McGuire is an active gardener and manages his own
smallholding with extensive gardens and keeps a range of
farm animals. He is also an internet marketer and runs his
own gardening information and products website.
http://www.TheGardenLovers.com
range of uses, many people think that growing herbs is
difficult and must be an aspect of gardening that is
probably best left to the "professionals". Nothing could be
further from the truth.
Herbs are actually quite undemanding plants to grow and
they will thrive in a number of different environments.
Almost all herbs prefer a warm sunny spot and they can be
grown in containers, greenhouses, aeroponic containers,
window boxes and almost anywhere. Herbs are generally quite
hardy plants and also have a wide range of appealing
properties. Many have attractive flowers and foliage, some
are pleasingly fragrant and others can deter pests and
attract friendly insects to the garden.
The main decisions to be made in growing herbs are how much
space you want to devote to them, whether you want to grow
them indoors or out and for what purpose you wish to grow
them. They have a wide range of cooking and medicinal
purposes and are mostly decorative enough to consider for
borders, with the added benefit of the beautiful smells as
you brush past.
Annual herbs such as basil, fennel, coriander and saffron
can easily be grown from seed, planting in the spring and
mostly survive for just one season. Many produce seeds at
some stage of their growing cycle and these can be
harvested ready fo replanting the next year.
Perennial herbs such as mint, thyme, oregano and sage, with
the right care, will survive and flourish year after year.
Even although they may look devoid of life in the winter,
in lacking any foliage and with no visible signs of growth.
They are merely lying dormant and come the warmer weather
will spring back to life and blossom.
Both the annual and perennial herbs can be propagated and
as the colder months approach they can be dug up and
potted, or alternatively cuttings can be taken. Pots of
herbs will need some care over the winter and in the
greenhouse will require good light, watering, ventilation
and prompt removal of dead leaves or flowers.
Herbs are very versatile and can be stored either freshly
frozen at their peak of flavour, usually just before
flowering, or cut and dried and stored in airtight
containers.
Herb gardening is an ideal area for a project for the
novice gardener, with a wide selection of herbs to choose
from. They can be grown in almost any location and a
provide a usefully fragrant or edible product as a reward.
----------------------------------------------------
John McGuire is an active gardener and manages his own
smallholding with extensive gardens and keeps a range of
farm animals. He is also an internet marketer and runs his
own gardening information and products website.
http://www.TheGardenLovers.com
