Thursday, November 13, 2008

How To Grow Herbs

Growing herbs can be an easy process and the results can be used to add flavor to meals, make soothing and relaxing teas or for making fragrant sachets, potpourri, scented candles and oils. Whether you're growing herbs in a garden for food purposes or as ornamental flowers following a few simple steps will ensure you have a successful and bountiful harvest.

 

Where to Plant Growing Herbs

 

The first step in planning an herb garden is to determine what types of herbs will be grown. Once this has been decided, what section of the yard will be used for growing herbs will be the next decision. Growing a wide variety of herbs nearby makes it conveniently accessible. If you're interested in having only one or two growing herbs for cooking or for display and fragrance purposes only, you also have the option of growing herbs indoors.

 

The Basic Herbs

 

There are many varieties of herbs and which ones you choose will depend on the type of cooking you do and the flavors you like. Some of the basic and easiest growing herbs include thyme, garlic, oregano, basil, dill and chives. Adding a little of lavender, peppermint and chamomile to your herb garden could make delicious teas. wher transplants do not work well it is better to grow these herbs from seedlings. For other types of herbs it is better to go for standard plants and then transplanting them to your garden.

 

Growing Herbs in a Garden

 

One of the most important steps for growing herbs is having proper sunlight for the better part of the day. The majority of herbs do best in sunny locations and only a few do well in the shade. The best and easy way to provide nutrition for producing flavoural herbs is to use compost enriched soil. A healthy herb with good taste shows that it has got enough water and sunshine. Do not plant in an area where water tends to accumulate and stand and if necessary, raise the beds so there will be good drainage. Protect your plants from moisture by covering them all aorund with mulch.  If pests become a problem, use an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Pestcides can be harmful. The point of growing herbs is to have fresh and flavorful varieties straight from your garden without any additives.

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