Herb Garden Plants - How to Select Which One to Grow by Julie Brown

What is it you most desire from your herb garden plants? Is it the culinary, medicinal, aromatic, or decorative herbs that you desire? You need to know which, or how many, of those you want. Another consideration is how much time you have to devote to the garden. Some herbs are easier to grow than others. If you are a beginner in gardening, you might want to stay with the herbs that are easiest to grow.
Some of the more common culinary herbs might include basil, dill, mint, anise, savory, sage, chamomile, thyme and oregano. These all have a product that comes from stems, leaves, and roots. Of course, there are many others. If you are a cook, you know which herbs you use on a regular basis.

Your plan for an herb garden might not involve seasonings at all. A lot of gardens are just for decoration and fragrance. The flowers that come at maturity are often left on the plant for the satisfaction of the gardener. Even if you just want the show, it is best to plant herbs that can be used for more than one purpose, as your plans for them might change after they grow. Climate is a consideration in any type of gardening. If your growing season is a short one, some herbs will not do well there. Annuals cilantro, basil, and summer savory cannot take frost and have to be replanted each year. Consider what you will be able to harvest from them if you are in a colder climate. Winter savory and sage, two perennials, do well in the cooler areas and will keep growing year after year. Choose your herbs based on where you live. Your supplier can fill you in on which ones are good for your section of the country.

For the person who wants the fragrance of the herb more than the other benefits, mint, rosemary, and lovage produce wonderful aromas. The oils of these plants are used in various scents, perfumes, and toilet water. Potpourri created from herbs can maintain an aroma for a long period of time. Lemon balm and lavender are two of the most common herbs used for this.

Medicinal herbs are plentiful, but always read everything about them before you plant. Just as you must be careful with prescription drugs, so must you understand how the herb is used properly. Under the wrong applications, herbs can prove harmful or deadly.

Herbs present so many wonderful options that it may be hard to choose which ones you want in your garden. For beauty, consider the blue blossoms of the chicory or the crimson ones from the valerian. For aroma, lavender and mint are prime choices. For culinary use, there is basil, chives and a list that goes on and on. Medicinal herbs are available in over 100 varieties. Any of your choices for herb garden plants are the right ones. What is your pleasure?



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