Herbs are one of the fascinating plant species on the planet. Humans have grown herbs for millennia and eaten herbs from the very beginning of time. They have added to our lives in several different ways. The humble little plants have been utilized in the following areas: flavoring food, medicinal remedies, fragrances, dyes, landscaping, pest control, and industrial uses. In recent years growing herbs has experienced a giant leap in popularity. One major factor is that they provide an attractive method of entry into the gardening fraternity because they are so easy to grow.
Many plants are included in the herb family. This causes a little bit of a challenge in defining family members. The strict botanist school definition of an herb is that it is a plant that does not form woody tissue. Ergo, the name herbaceous, was used to describe such a plant. Practical herb gardeners are a little more liberal in their definition of herbs, including plants with flowers, leaves, roots, stems, or fruits that provide any of the manifestations ascribed to herb plants. These qualities include ornamental, aromatic, medicinal, culinary, and household uses. Many plants with woody stems are included in the definition of herbs. Cultivated types (cultivators) such as thyme, lavender, and rosemary along with vines, trees, and shrubs are in there. Many cultivators are included in the legion of herb plants on the market today.
Under the right conditions, herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow. They can do well in a wide range of growing conditions and soils, but the key factor is drainage. Herb plants do not like “wet feet,” and they must be planted in well-drained soil, or they will not live. Richer soils will cause the plants to grow larger stems and roots rather than the oils that produce the desired flavors and aromas. When planning an herb garden, consider the native origins of the herbs to be included in the garden. Herbs originally from the Mediterranean Sea area will vary in their requirements from East Asia.
Annual Herbs
Annuals herbs are plants which go through their whole life cycle from seed to flower, and again to seed in one growing season. Once this happens, the plant dies. If you collect seeds, you can replant in the same year (e.g., spring and fall), or save and replant the following year. Common annual herbs are:
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Chervil
- Summer Savory
Biennials Herbs
Biennials are plants which require two years to complete their life cycle. The top of the herb may die, but the herb will overwinter with proper protection in most areas, here are a few:
- Dill (this herb is a biennial but is normally grown as an annual.
- Parsley (often grown as an annual)
- Sage (hardy for longer in zones 5-8)
- Stevia
Perennials Herbs
Perennials herbs, if well cared for, can last for years in the correct climate conditions. This makes them an excellent investment in both time and money. Of course, you may end up with more of them than you could possibly eat, which is the case with all the large rosemary bushes in my landscape. We use what we want, and the rest look good and attract pollinators.
In cooler climates, the plant to may die back in the winter and will return in the following spring; assuming cold temperature do not exceed their tolerances. Perennials herbs will continue growing through the winter if you live in some of the more temperate zones. Some common perennial herbs are:
- Bay leaves
- Chives
- Fennel
- Lavender
- Marjoram
- Mint
- Oregano
- Rosemary
- Tarragon
- Thyme
- Winter Savory
Common uses of herbs
Among the common uses of herbs are:
Culinary
Culinary herbs are prized for their fragrant leaves, used to add flavour, aromas and colour to dishes. From adding them to cooked or uncooked food as an accent of flavour and aroma through garnishing to infusing oils and vinegars infused with the herb itself; all the way through to its medicinal qualities such as disease fighting antioxidants, antibacterial and antiviral benefits.
There are an abundance of culinary herbs to choose from, each boasting their own distinct taste and use. Thyme adds warmth and depth to soups, stews, roasted vegetables and dressings – it is especially beloved in French cooking but can also be found in Turkish, Greek and Mexican cuisine. With its subtle sweet fragrance it makes an excellent choice for herb-infused butter or soup mixes.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is one of the most versatile culinary herbs, featuring both peppery and herbal characteristics. A staple in both Italian and Mexican cuisine, oregano can also be added to salads, soups and pasta dishes for extra flavour and is even used as part of Mediterranean herb oil!
Mint (Mentha spp) is one of the most beloved culinary herbs, thanks to its subtle sweetness and refreshing menthol fragrance. Used extensively in beverages like mint tea, mojitos and cocktails as well as salads, herbal beverages and baked goods; mint also adds depth and depth of flavor when creating delicious dishes and sweet treats!
As soon as it comes to selecting culinary herbs, the primary goal should always be catering to the palate of those you are feeding. Some individuals may not enjoy the more bold flavours found in oregano and rosemary for example.
Not to be forgotten is that fresh culinary herbs offer greater levels of phytochemicals and antioxidants than dried varieties; to preserve these health-giving benefits it is wise to add them at the beginning of cooking or as garnish when serving – this will ensure their effectiveness stays intact.
Medicinal
Herbs add flavor and aroma to food, perfumes and natural medicines; some even help boost immunity while alleviating symptoms associated with certain health conditions.
Medicinal herbs are used in herbal medicine to treat illnesses such as coughing, headaches, sore throats, menstrual cramps and arthritis. They may be taken orally or made into teas and tinctures; common medicinal herbs include Echinacea Thyme Garlic for instance.
Herbs can be annual, biennial, and perennial plants; unlike woody plants, herbs have soft stems which wither away after each growing season has ended. Although seeds are an easy method of propagation for herbs, cuttings should only be taken once flowering has completed; using sharp, disinfected pruning shears take your cuttings in autumn after flowering has ended, dip them in rooting powder/solution then plant into moist soil either indoors or outdoors for best results. Water them regularly to get established plants!
Herbs can be used both for their taste and aroma, and as medicines; flowers, seeds, roots, bark and inner bark of some plants may also be utilized as remedies. Herbal remedies have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities which make them useful as medicine; these herbs can be inhaled through infusion or made into liquids or pills to be taken orally for medicinal use. Some species of herbs also boast aphrodisiac qualities used to boost fertility.
Herbal remedies have been around for thousands of years. The earliest herbal medicines were recorded on clay tablets from Sumerian civilizations; Ebers Papyrus from ancient Egypt described over 850 medicinal plants including opium. Today herbal medicines play a central role in Ayurveda and Sidha practices and modern medical sciences alike.
Most people are familiar with culinary herbs like basil, parsley and dill; others, such as rosemary, thyme and sage which have medicinal applications; coriander (cilantro) can also serve both functions.
Aromatic
Aromatic herbs produce pleasant scents that stimulate or relax the digestive and nervous systems, often used for aromatherapy treatments.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), for example, has been found to benefit brain health by helping prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine chemical messenger. Plus it’s packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds; making it an excellent addition to soups, stews, casseroles or sprinkled over salads for extra burst of flavor!
Other aromatic herbs include fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), chervil (Umbellifer), parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and oregano (Origanum vulgare), the latter of which is one of the most popular culinary herbs, easily growing in any warm, sunny garden conditions and offering its distinctive flavor and aroma as an addition to pizza or pasta dishes or soups and stews.
The terms ‘herb’ and’spice’ can often be used interchangeably; however, experts generally differentiate between the two by looking at where each plant-derived ingredient originates. For instance, cilantro’s leaves (Coriandrum sativum) can be considered herbs while its seeds from its fruiting stem are considered spices (Spicer and VanDyk, 2003).
Most likely, you are already using herbs in your kitchen – whether fresh or dried. Not only are they easy to grow and provide many culinary and medicinal uses, they’re also a refreshing diversion from modern life’s demands.
Are you seeking ways to relieve your daily stresses? One effective and inexpensive strategy could be planting fragrant herbs in your garden or pot on your windowsill, and harvesting leaves from them throughout the day or opening your door just to breathe in its fragrance. Or make your own invigorating herbal tea blend and experience its invigorating properties for yourself! Taking small moments of mindfulness may help stave off cabin fever or stress by providing instant, cheap relief that improves wellbeing instantly and affordably.
Ornamental
Herbs add vibrant color, texture and fragrance to any garden environment. They thrive in numerous conditions from sunny informal borders with perennials, annuals and shrubs to more formal herb gardens or kitchen gardens. Also use herbs as groundcovers along walkways or in vegetable beds; many attract pollinators making them great choices for butterfly gardens.
Most herb plants require full sun and well-drained soil for proper growth. Since these fast-growing plants need regular trimming to promote branching and avoid overcrowding, and some varieties are especially susceptible to pests – most can still be managed with adequate growing conditions, harvesting practices and regular pruning practices.
Herbs typically possess leaves with either a green or silvery sheen that can range in texture from smooth, serrated, scalloped and serrated leaves, smooth serration or scalloping, smooth serration, serrated serration or scalloping, depending on their species. Their leaves come in an amazing range of hues: purple, blue, dark green and chartreuse are just a few to name. Flowers blooming from some herbs can feature yellow-orange-pink flowers such as those produced by Chamaemelum nobile produces daisy-like blooms with blooms that come in various shades: white-yellow yellow-orange or pinkish-purple hues when grown on large ornamental grasses like these two. Herbs grow to anywhere between small- to medium-size ornamental grasses to 2 to 6 foot tall flowering plants such as yarrow & sage to name just two examples!
Some herbs, like fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), boast anise-flavored seeds used in sausages and salads. Its attractive fern-like foliage makes fennel an appealing garden addition while the tall stalks attract swallowtail butterfly caterpillars. Dill (Anethum graveolens), on the other hand, draws butterflies with its beautiful yellow flowers and fragrant seeds.
An herb garden is the perfect complement to a patio, where herbs can be planted closely together for an aromatic landscape that can be enjoyed all season. Aggressive-growing herbs such as thyme and mint should be grown in containers so as not to take over. A potted herb garden also makes an attractive addition to an apartment windowsill where herbs can still be enjoyed and harvested without leaving home. Furthermore, herbs offer medicinal value; many contain cancer-fighting antioxidants, valuable nutrients, fat-free flavor enhancers, as well as many health benefits.
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