Many wonderful creations from the kitchen are dependent on herbs. However, few people know that it is actually quite simple to start your own herb garden as these plants are quite robust. They are suitable for novices to try their hand at growing them. Also, herbs offer healthy alternatives to over the counter medication for minor ailments and are considered to be holistic by many. However, you should be aware that particular herbs might have particular needs for it to be really healthy.
Basil - This herb is one of the most commonly grown and is highly regarded by herb garden enthusiasts all over the world. The Basil herb grows well in climates of low humidity and fertile soil. Spring is the perfect season to start growing the Basil plant, but only after all threats of frost have been alleviated as this plant is highly sensitive to cold temperatures and may become damaged if exposed.
When planting Basil, it is important to remember to place each plant about twelve inches apart. This process, will allow each plant a sufficient amount of irrigation to thrive and mature into a beautiful plant. After planting the Basil plants, it will take about six weeks to produce mature leaves that are ready for harvesting.
After collection, it is important to ensure that the correct dehydration methods are used to get an aromatic dried herb suitable for numerous recipes to tempt your palate. By the time it is mid-summer, this hardy plant should produce deep green or purple leaves in combination with a beautiful white flower displayed on stalks about one to two feet high. Dill - Nothing could be simpler than growing the tasty herb Dill. A handful of seeds tossed into your garden will produce stalks that reach anywhere from two to four feet in height. It adds a charm to your herb collection and is used in many recipes.
Dills stalks will have special blue-green leaves that are feathery looking and have a bunch of striking yellow flowers. The Dill plant is a sun loving plant, so areas with full access to sunlight will ensure a thriving plant. A distance of eight to ten inches between plants is the best way to ensure a hardy crop. After sowing the seeds, you should go back in approximately 2 weeks when the herbs reach the height of 1 inch, and thin out the area around each herb. This process will ensure that each plant receives its required amount of nutrients from the soil as well as ensuring each plant is exposed to sufficient sunlight. The Dill plant is useful in many ways.
The beautiful bright yellow flowers make an excellent tool for decorating while the seeds and leaves are the perfect addition to dips and salads. When the flowers are in full bloom, you can collect them for adding fresh flowers to your home or dry them to make a lavish dried flower arrangement. After the yellow blooms have blossomed for approximately two weeks, you can then harvest the Dill seeds. The best way to do this is to cut the flowers and hang them upside down over a piece of paper or plate. This process will allow the seeds to fall and be collected for use.
Finally, crumbling the dried leaves is another way to add the distinct taste of Dill to any cherished recipe. Lavender - One of the most beautiful and fragrant herbs is Lavender. This aromatic plant makes for a wonderful ground cover for any herb or flower garden as it produces delicate pink and purple flowers nestled on very tall stalks. Lavender is a plant that grows all year round and is at its optimum during the warm summer months.
Commonly, Lavender is used in aroma therapy, sachets, soaps and potpourri. This hardy herb is easy to grow, however if choosing to start from seed form, may require a little extra work and TLC. The best way to introduce this plant into your garden is through fresh plants or root cuttings from your local gardening center. Such plants grow well in sunny areas with alkaline rich soil that is not water logged.
As the winter months approach, the beauty of these plants will fade, however, during the next spring and summer seasons these plants will return more hardy and lush then the last. Each of these herbs are a delectable treat offered by nature. With simple care and many uses for their beauty and taste, adding these herbs to any garden is sure to be an aromatic and pleasurable experience.
Moses Wright is a gardening enthusiast and loves to work in his garden whenever he is free. He started this site to help fellow garden enthusiast with rose gardening and bonsai gardening tips.