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The 3 Important Herb Garden Plants Tips

November 8th, 2009 No comments

Like other types of plants, herb garden plants come in different forms. There are different varieties of herbs. If you are planning to have one type of herb garden plant, you should know how to care for it and how to use it properly. To better understand different types of herb garden plants and their uses, you should continue reading this article.

Annuals like basil, cilantro, and summer savory cannot survive a frost and they need to be planted from a seed or a small plant every year unlike perennials like sage and winter savory which barely lives in cold temperature and grows every after a year. Those herb garden plants that form leaves in their first growing season and flowers and seed in the second season and eventually dies are known to be biennial herbs. Parsley, angelica, and caraway belong to this group and they should be sown in late spring directly into the garden. Prepare the soil first by working it to a fine structure and wet it slightly. Planting the seeds in shallow rows and firming the soil on top of them is recommended. It is advisable that fine seeds be planted in a mixture of sand to allow them to spread evenly. Covering the bed with wet burlap or paper allows moisture of soil during germination.

Herb garden plants are categorized according to their uses. Culinary herbs are considered the most useful to herb gardeners. They are mainly use in cooking variety of foods. They add flavors to different kinds of food because of their strong taste. Some examples of these are chives, thyme, basil, sage, savory, and marjoram. Parsley is the most commonly used garnish. Aromatic herbs are those extracted to get their oils and are used in different perfumes, toilet water, and other various scents because they pleasant smell. Some of them are loyage, mint, and rosemary. Aside from that, some of the parts of the aromatic herb can also be used to scent different linens and clothing in the house. Others are dried to make potpourri which retains its scent for a long period of time. Lavender and lemon verbenas are the most commonly used in making potpourri. There are also herbs used in medical purposes for it is believed long time ago that they have the ability to cure the body. Even if the use of herb plants is now accepted in the field of medicine, we should still be cautious with their proper use because of them maybe poisonous when eaten.

Herbs are also used as decorations to add beauty in the house. The most commonly used flowers are valerian for their crimson light colored flowers and borage and chicory for their elegant blue flowers.

Herb garden plants are categorized with their uses but still some of them can be used in different purposes. Mint can be used either for cooking, tea, and pest control. Whatever purpose you have in herb plants, at least you have the right knowledge of their proper uses.

Before you continue your gardening research online, make sure you check Jack Grants’ excellent free tips on Herb Garden Plants, and sign up for additional garden solution for his free newsletter. Click here.

The 7 Tips To Consider About Italian Herb Garden

October 26th, 2009 No comments

Having your own herbs in an Italian herb garden has a lot of things to consider. Italy is commonly known for its famous and tastiest herbs in the world. Some of their famous herbs are used for their best cuisines.

Basil is the most commonly used herb garden in Italy. Aside from its additional flavor to Italian recipes, it is also beneficial to other garden plants. If you plant basil beside peppers and tomatoes, it improves their flavor and it also repels flies and mosquitoes.

Parsley, another Italian herb is also favorite to used as a garnish to many dishes despite of the bad breath it leaves on the mouth after eating it as fresh and raw. It is not only useful to Italian dishes but also to other types of recipes. The tradition of serving it every after meal continues and is still being practiced nowadays.

Oregano is as decorative in an Italian herb garden as it is flavorful. When it is fully mature it will sprout pretty little purple flowers. Italian herb garden owners know that Oregano should not be harvested until it has flowered because this is when the plant is most flavorful.

Fennel is a famous part of an Italian herb garden for its seeds that grace and enhance the flavors of Italian sausage. The interesting thing about fennel is that the plant looses its flavor as it matures. It is a perennial plant that should be divided and replanted every few years to savor its flavor.

Rosemary along with basil is also beneficial to the garden. It is an evergreen perennial plant sensitive to frost and helps in the Italian garden by attracting bees. Rosemary grows into a large shrub that sprouts pretty little blue flowers.

Flavors of Italian cuisines will not be complete without this herb named as garlic. Yes it is true that it is not so attractive in the garden but its life span is long and can be stored in the refrigerator for a long time once it is harvested.

The flavors of sage, another herb useful in Italian cuisines are found with its new shoots. It is encourage to let new shoots grow so better trim it and do not let it become woody. Garden owners are aware that sage plants are harvested only after it blooms.

Before planning to own an Italian herb garden, be sure that you can take care of the herbs and apply them with their proper uses. You should look at the herbs not only as additional flavors to dishes but beyond that. It is really great feeling if you have your own Italian garden at home, it is like having an Italian hillside as your own.

Jack Grant is a passionate gardener who cultivated his skills in Italy. Make sure you get the latest Italian Herb Garden information and sign up for his Free Herb Garden Secrets Newsletter. Join now – Click here.