An herb is a seed-producing annual, biennial, or perennial that does not develop persistent woody tissue but dies down at the end of a growing season. It's highly regarded for its distinct medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities. If we talk about herbs, it is natural to step into the growing band of green thumbs interested in nurturing the desire for herb gardening for ornamental, medicinal or culinary taste indulgence. This is largely because the exotic world of herbs is now fast gaining popularity with more and more people world wide turning to cures and wholesome healing from nature's bounty: for body, mind and soul cleansing and rejuvenation.
The best part about growing herbs is that it is something that has been around for centuries and organically grown herbs in the privacy of your own garden give you the quality assurance that commercially grown ones never can match. What began traditionally with herbs being harvested in the wild from their native habitats went on to later being domesticated and grown in gardens. If you are one of the many herb gardening enthusiasts looking out for information on this fragrant venture, which is treat for the senses, here are some things to keep in mind:
Companion plants are essentially those plants that grow well together and do not inhibit the growth of its neighboring plant in any way. For overall garden health, it is imperative that the earnest gardener be aware of these combinations of companion planting, such as roses and garlic. The scent of garlic will repel some of the rose's worst enemies such as aphids- a fact that will ensure healthy garlic and pretty, sweet-swelling rose blossoms too.
People may have different reasons for indulging in herb gardening, ranging from the culinary to the ornamental or for medicinal purposes; whatever is the underlying reason, one still needs to determine a place for planting the herbs and having them flourish. This is dependant on which herbs you choose and how much room you will need for them.
You need to determine the place for your herb gardening according to the room your herbs will require and whether you want to sow them with vegetables or flowers, or stick strictly to an herb garden. Considerations have to be made for texture, height, color, fragrance and any other factors that affect the attractiveness of your herb garden should you choose to put them among vegetables and flowers.
Most herbs require six hours of light, and others like shade. Starting with a small, sunny plot is ideal for beginners and well-drained soil a must, with watering about every 2-3 days. Herb gardening guidelines dictate the smaller the seed, the shallower you sow; therefore if using young herb plants already started in growing trays, simply transplant them into your pots or garden bed.