Seatac Gardens » Garden Plants

Herb Garden Plants – Do You Know What They Are For?

admin — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:18:30 +0000

Herb plants come in annuals, perennials, and biennials like other types of plants. There are so many differing kinds of herbs and each one is different. If you’re interested in a specific kind of herb, you should research that one to comprehend the care it wants and the easy way to use it correctly. This article will get you going in understanding general different types of herb plants and what they are used for.

Annuals like basil, cilantro, and summer tasty will not survive a frost. They have to be planted from a seed or a tiny plant every year. Perennials like sage and winter savory can survive colder temperatures and will return year on year. Biennial herbs are plants that form leaves in their first growing season and flowers and seed in the second season, then die. Biennial herbs like parsley, angelica, or caraway should be sown in late spring right into the garden. Prepare the soil first by working it to a fine texture and wet it slightly. Plant the seeds in shallow rows then firm the soil on top of them. Fine seeds can be planted in a mixture of sand which will let them spread more evenly. You may cover the bed with wet burlap or paper in order to keep the soil damp during germination.

Herbs are also grouped into the classes for which they are used. Culinary herbs are probably the most useful to herb gardeners. They’ve a enormous range of different uses in cooking. Due to their strong flavors, herbs like chives, thyme, basil, sage, savoury, and marjoram are often utilized in tiny quantities to add flavor to different types of food. Parsley is an extremely popular herb that is used generally as a garnish. Savoury herbs have pleasant smelling flowers or foliage. Oils from savoury herbs like loyage, mint, and rosemary can be used to make different sorts of scents, toilet water, or other various scents. Parts of aromatic herb plants used intact may also be utilized in the home to smell linens or clothing. They may also be dried and made into potpourri which will enable them to be in a position to retain their aroma for a substantial period of time. Lavender and lemon verbena are great herbs to use for potpourri. Some herbs are also used for medicinal purposes. For centuries herbs have been thought to have the facility to cure the body. Present medical knowledge recognizes that some herbs are advantageous to one’s health, others are overrated. Herbs used for medicinal purposes should be used rigorously. Some herbs are safe but others can be dangerous if eaten.

Some herbs aren’t used for their flavor, power to heal or fragrance. Some herbs are also used for their beauty. Ornamental herbs have brightly coloured flowers and foliage. Many have whitish or various light coloured flowers like valerian that has crimson blossoms and borage and chicory which grow beautiful blue flowers.

While herbs can be specified into these different classes of uses, many herbs have multiple purposes. For instance, mint might be used for cooking, tea, and bug elimination. Irrespective of the reason you’ve got an interest in herbs, by grasping herb garden plants you are able to choose the herbs that’ll be most useful to you.

The majesty of herb garden plants

admin — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:23:42 +0000

Herb Garden Plants Like other types of plants, herb plants reach in annuals, perennials, and biennials. There is a vast variety of herbs and each one is uncommon from each other.

If a particular type of herb catches your interests, you are in, if you would like to understand how to concern for it you ought to do some seek to gain knowledge of the proper care it needs. In this article you will gain the proper experience and understanding the all-purpose different types of herb plants and what they are utilized for.

Annuals like cilantro, basil, and summer savory are the type of herbs that cannot last longer than during time of iciness. It requires for them to be planted from a seed or a trivial plant each year. Year as soon as year perennials such as sage and winter savory resolve return even in the same way as winter for the reason that they can subsist colder temperatures. For the biennial herbs they form their leaves in their to start with growing season as for the flowers and seed in the succeeding season, and it follows that expire. Biennial herbs such as parsley, caraway or angelica, needs to befall planted absolutely into the garden in postponed spring. Craft the soil organize to start with by working it to a fine feel and dampen it delicately. Propagate the seeds in rows with the purpose of are shallow after that harden the soil that lies on top of them. Inside a mixture of sand, fine seeds can be planted which will enable them to distribute evenly further.

As well, you can cover the bed with wet burlap or paper so you can keep the soil damp in the course of the germination process.

Herbs are grouped into the categories for which they are used in addition. Herbs used for gastronomic are likely the the majority functional of all to herb gardeners. They hold a weighty range of various uses when it comes to cooking. For the reason that of the powerful flavors they possess, herbs like thyme, chives, basil, savory, marjoram and sage are commonly used in tiny amounts as spice additive to many varieties of food. Parsley is a well renowned, widely held herb that is used widely as a adornment. At hand certain herbs that cover pleasant smelling flowers or leaves. The oils from aromatic herbs like rosemary mint, and loyage can be utilized to turn out unique kinds of perfumes, toilet water, and other various scents. Distinctive parts of aromatic herb plants are typically used in households to aroma clothing and linens. Potpourri is an extra accepted item for consumption you can use herbs in following drying which will allow them to be able to maintain their pleasant aroma for a lengthy stage of time.

Lemon and lavender verbena are fantastic herbs for use in potpourri. Various herbs also are used for medicinal purposes. In many centuries long-ago, herbs engage in been thought to have the medicinal capability to alleviate bodily ailments. Contemporary medical technology is aware that some particular herbs are beneficial to one’s health although others are overhyped. Herbs for medical advantage ought to be used with proper caution taking part in mind. Present are herbs that pose no impairment although others can be treacherous if consumed.

Hardly any herbs are not used for their essence, medicinal power or fragrant aroma. Approximately herbs are lavished for their beauty and elegance. Decorative herbs possess incandescent colored flowers and plants. A splendid total have whitish light colored flowers with a variety of unique features like valerian which has reddish blossoms and chicory which grow gorgeous blue and borage.

While herbs can be classified into many various categories of uses, many herbs hold further than one function. For illustration, mint can be used for tea, cooking and pest repellant. Whichever the goal you may possibly have fascinate in herbs for, by having proper comprehension in herb garden plants you are able to pick the herbs that will submit you the most benefit

Herb Garden Plants – Coriander, Silantro or Dhania – Schizophrenia reigns

admin — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:06:45 +0000

Coriandrum sativum (Umbelliferae)

Appearance:

These entire herb garden plants make a decorative addition to any herb border – they may also be cultivated in pots quite successfully and will reach a height of 45 cms (1.5 ft). The lower leaves are fan-like (similar to flat-leafed parsley), upper leaves are filigreed and the tiny flowers in high summer are a pinkish mauve.

Description:

Coriander has developed into 2 distinct categories – the seeds and the leaves. Despite the seeds being cultivated and used for over 3000 years, the leaves were virtually unknown in the West as a culinary entity up until the mid 20th century; coriander leaves are now reputed to be in the top 5 most popular herbs worldwide. Once seldom listed as herb garden plants in information brochures, fresh coriander has come into it’s own at last.

Known variously as silantro (or cilantro), coriander or dhania – depending on your country of residence – the leaves of coriander have taken the world by storm. Before the seed ripens these herb garden plants can be distinctly odorous, but on maturity the rich aroma develops.

Usage:

For the best flavour, seed should be freshly ground shortly before use. In Indian cooking the seed is roasted before being ground for use and the leaves are used either in a curry or as a garnish – or even both. Seeds are often added to a potpourri mix.

History:

The rounded beige seeds of coriander are best known as a flavouring for pickles and curries in both Europe and America. But in India and the Far East green coriander seed – or the fresh foliage – accounts for one of the distinctive curry flavours. The foliage part of these herbgarden plants is happily becoming a must-have item in western supermarkets.

A native of southern Europe and the Middle East, coriander used to be popular herb garden plants in England up to Tudor times. The early settlers in America included coriander seed among the beloved items they took to the New World, as did the Spaniards in Mexico. Today, coriander enjoys a wide popularity. However, among certain groups it still has mythical associations – the Chinese believe it to be endowed with the power of immortality and Jews include it in the bitter herbs prepared for the Feast of Passover.

Cultivation:

Coriander grows best in a dry atmosphere – in fact it is difficult to grow in damp or humid areas, and needs a good dry summer at the very least if a reasonable crop is to be obtained. Choose a sunny place and sow seed in situ once all danger of frost has passed. Alternatively, sow into decorative containers and continue to cultivate as a container plant on an apartment balcony, sunny patio or yard. The stems are weak – either add a stake or give it a companion to lean against. Coriander makes a good Winter crop, depending on local climate. Where I live, a dry warm Winter gives good results and we indulge in many hot curries with coriander garnishing.

Harvesting:

Sprigs can be frozen or preserved in salt and oil; fresh leaf coriander does not dry successfully. The best flavour is obtained by using leaves soon after picking.

3 Important Tips for Your Herb Garden Plants

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:59:50 +0000

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 will not survive a frost. They need to be planted from a seed or a small plant every year. Perennials like sage and winter savory can survive colder temperatures and will return year after year. Biennial herbs are herb garden plants that form leaves in their first growing season and flowers and seed in the second season, then die. Biennial herb garden plants like parsley, angelica, or caraway should be sown in late spring directly into the garden. Prepare the soil first by working it to a fine texture and wet it slightly. Plant the seeds in shallow rows then firm the soil on top of them. Fine seeds can be planted in a mixture of sand which will allow them to spread more evenly. You can also cover the bed with wet burlap or paper in order to keep the soil moist during germination.

Herb garden plants are also grouped into the categories for which they are used. Culinary herbs are probably the most useful to herb gardeners. They have a huge range of different uses in cooking. Because of their strong flavors, herbs like chives, thyme, basil, sage, savory, and marjoram are generally used in small quantities to add flavor to different types of food. Parsley are extremely popular herb garden plants that are used mostly as a garnish. Aromatic herbs have pleasant smelling flowers or foliage. Oils from aromatic herbs like loyage, mint, and rosemary can be used to make different types of perfumes, toilet water, or other various scents. Parts of aromatic herb garden plants used intact can also be used in the home to scent linens or clothing. They can also be dried and made into potpourri which will enable them to be able to retain their aroma for a long period of time. Lavender and lemon verbenas are great herb garden plants to use for potpourri. Some herbs are also used for medicinal purposes. For centuries herbs have been thought to have the ability to cure the body. Present medical knowledge recognizes that some herb garden plants are beneficial to ones health, others are overrated. Herbs used for medicinal purposes should be used carefully. Some herb garden plants are harmless but others can be dangerous if eaten.

Herb garden plants are not only used for their flavor, scent, or ability to heal. Some of them are used to decorate houses because of their brightly colored flowers and foliage. Valerian which has light colored flowers and crimson blossoms are favorite decors. Borage and chicory are also used because they have beautiful 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.

Picking Out Garden Plants And Flowers For A Bountiful Harvest

admin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:10:12 +0000

When starting a garden you have two choices when it comes to the garden plants and flowers you grow, you can raise them from seed or you can purchase your vegetables. Your gardening success will depend on the quality of these small starter plants. Knowing the difference between good plants and bad plants will go a long ways toward you having a bountiful harvest in the fall.

You need to choose the place you buy your garden plants and flowers carefully. Looks are important and healthy plants will usually appear green and strong. They need to be a good size, not too big and not too small. This article will look at a few essential things you need to know to pick out strong vigorous plants for your garden.

The place you decide to purchase your plants has everything to do with their success rate. It is your money you are spending so pick carefully the place you decide to buy your plants. You can go to a home improvement superstore or local hardware store to purchase your vegetables. Many people like to get in the car and drive outside the city a little ways and find a farmer or roadside stand that sells starter vegetables. It may be wise to watch how the employees take care of things. You can often learn a lot by standing back and simply watching what is going on. Wherever you decide to buy from make sure they look good.

For a garden that will thrive all summer long you need to pick out strong, healthy plants. Take a look at their overall appearance. Does the plant look healthy? Does the color appear to be normal? You want to pick something out that will survive. Make sure it is a healthy green before you load it into the car. Make sure your find is the right size to take home with you.

You want your future harvest to be just the right size. If it is too small it may take a long time to catch up and delay your harvest. Plants that are huge may have been hanging around the nursery too long. I like to pick out a nice medium size. This size plant seems to give a very good success rate. Look for any abnormalities or defects that may affect the way your plant will grow.

When you purchase your garden plants and flowers somewhere you need to remember their care up to that point has been in another persons hands. They may not have the love for green things that you have. A rough start can often be overcome with a little tender loving care. Treat your garden well and it will reward you many times over all year long.

Gardening: Gardening Plants

admin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 03:03:57 +0000

When it comes to gardening plants, there are too many to name. Gardening plants can refer to flowers, shrubs, herbs, vegetables, fruits, and many more. There are also gardening plants that are in season at different times of the year, some in fall and winter, others in spring and summer. Whatever type of gardening you decide is your forte; there are plenty of gardening plants available to suit your preferences.

If you want gardening plants that you can actually use instead of just look at, vegetables, herbs, and fruits are all very satisfying. Edible plants add an excitement to gardening because of the produce available at harvest time. The main vegetables grown in smaller, home gardens as well as larger ones include corn, peas, cucumbers, potatoes, squash, peppers, onions, carrots, spinach, lettuce, and beets. Popular fruits are pears, plums, tomatoes, blueberries, apricots, cherries, and strawberries. Herbs are used for their wonderful fragrances, to spice up a salad, and in cooking. Herbs that are often home grown include thyme, sage, dill, mint, lavender, and chives.

It is fairly easy to have a colorful garden in the spring and summer months, but it is a whole different ball-game during the cold, winter months. Even though it is difficult, with planning and a little more care you can have a colorful garden year round. One gardening plant that thrives in the fall and winter months is the Rudbeckia, a beautiful yellow perennial. Others include the Christmas rose, the Japanese Anemone, and Cosmos.

When you think of flowers you automatically think of a spring garden full of many different, beautiful colors. Spring and summer gardening plants are some of the prettiest things on earth and give inspiration to all who grow them. Some of the most grown spring plants are tulips, daffodils, and violets. Favorites of the warmer months of summer are lilies, dahlias, and roses.

When gardening, many people will opt for decorative grasses or shrubs. Monkey grass is an all time favorite, especially for a sidewalk. These will gardening plants can be for looks, can act as a border or fence, and can be used for privacy. Shrubs are easy to take care of and add a defining look to any yard or garden.

There are so many different kinds of gardening plants available. Many gardening plants actually have a purpose and can be used, whereas many of them are just for looks. The kind of gardening plant you choose to have in your garden is completely up to you, but remember, no matter what kind it is, it will require some maintenance and without proper care you will end up with a garden full of just dirt.

Herb Garden Plants – Foxglove – Both Doctor and Killer

admin — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:40:52 +0000

Digitalis purpurea (Scrophulariaceae)

Appearance

One of the taller herb garden plants, the foxglove attains from 1 to 2m (3? to 6?) in height and provides an early to midsummer flower show. It has tongue-shaped, deeply veined, soft and dark green attractive foliage, but its real crowning glory is its hanging steeple of purple/red bell-like flowers with a spotted inner face.

History

The stuff of mystery novels and intrigue, the Foxglove has an ancient provenance; it certainly goes back at least as far as the Anglo-Saxons. Its virtue of as a cardiological regulatory measure was only recognised by a Dr. Withering in the 18th century. the venerable Gerard counted it as one of his essential herb garden plants and recommended it as a poultice for severe bruising and external wounds. The migration to the New World of Foxglove was only accomplisher after the virtues involving the heart were recognised and publicised. Truly a wonder drug of the day, with its toxicity making it a Jekyll and Hyde amongst herb garden plants.

Usage

The cardiac glycosides extant in and obtained from Foxglove are used therapeutically in the treatment of cardiac failure, because of their anti-arrhythmic effects. As far as we can establish, no commercial synthetic drug has yet successfully superseded the cardiac glycosides that are obtainable from the foxglove and a few other sources. In spite of its extreme toxicity to man, its virtues give it an overweening importance as an absolutely essential healing medicinal herb.

Other sources of cardiac glycosides:

Plants.

Strophanthus – ouabain Digitalis lanata – digoxin, digitoxin Nerium oleander – oleandrin

Animals.

Bufo toads

Cultivation

The Foxglove it is a true biennial – its rosette of leaves is forms during the first year and the flower spike the second; thereafter the plant dies, but leaves a legacy in the form of a brood of offspring around it. It has been observed that a late-season rosette may hang in there for the second year and flower in the third.

Foxglove grows easily from seed, and once established there will always be some offspring about, in fact the Foxglove has a set pattern of broadcasting its seed to populate its patch with successive generations. Good rich soil with leaf mould makes the Foxglove a happy plant – although dappled shade tolerant, it prefers siting in full sun. A winter mulch of pine needles should be applied after the ground has frozen. Plants living in damp soil should be transferred to growing frames during winter for Spring replanting.

Enjoy Herb Garden Plants All Year

admin — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:53:59 +0000

One of the neat things about growing herbs is that you can grow them year round. Herb garden plants grow very well indoors which means you can continue to have fresh herbs all winter. Plus, all the beautiful greenery really perks up your home.

There are many different herbs with many different uses. In addition to adding wonderful flavor to your dishes, they can be decorative as well as produce a wonderful fragrance. Herb garden plants are much nicer and healthier to smell than commercial sprays that are used to freshen the air in your home. There is nothing like the sweet smell of a fresh herb garden when you walk into your home.

Herbs are also used for medicinal purposes. They have been used for healing for hundreds of years. A popular herb used for medicinal purposes is mustard seed. It has been known to provide relief for sore muscles and arthritis when applied to the skin. It is used to help with respiratory problems and, when ingested, aids the digestive system.

If you are interested in growing herbs for medicinal purposes then do a little research to learn more about these herbs. There are many that have lots of different healing properties. You will find lots of information on the internet and there are some good books available that will tell you all about the many uses of various herbs. Before using medicinal herbs it is always a good idea to check with your physician.

Growing herb garden plants in your kitchen is great because, if you like to use fresh herbs for cooking, they are right there within easy reach. If you have limited space you might want to choose which herbs to grow based on those you will use most when preparing meals.

A very popular herb and one of the easiest to grow is Italian herbs. These herbs are great for cooking but are beautiful and have a wonderful fragrance as well. Some examples of Italian herbs are oregano, parsley, basil, fennel and garlic.

Some other ideas for your herbs include adding some fresh sage to your turkey dressing and adding thyme to spice up a Cajun dish. Mint leafs added to iced tea makes a tasty drink to go with your meal.

Culinary herbs are excellent for growing indoors in the winter. When the markets are low on supply you will have all the herbs you need right at your fingertips. You also have the added benefit of their wonderful aroma and beautiful foliage.

I shouldn’t speak of wonderful scents without mentioning lavender. For fragrance this is perhaps the most popular of all herb garden plants. It is known for its calming effect and is widely use in sachets and potpourri. There is nothing like relaxing after an herb filled meal with the wonderful aroma of lavender filling the room!

Herb Garden Plants – Basil, Sweet Basil

admin — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 19:31:56 +0000

Ocimum basilicum (Labiatae)

Appearance:

Sweet basil herb garden plants bear tiny, white, purple-tinged flowers in midsummer and produce juicy aromatic leaves. A healthy plant reaches about 30 cms (1 ft) in height with good foliage. ‘Dark Opal’ has a gingery aroma, and when used shredded in salads adds a decorative air and exotic flavor.

Description:

Tender herb garden plants, several types are in cultivation. The large leaved, common or sweet basil, Ocimum barilicum, is the plant to choose for the kitchen with its strong, spicy, clove-like aroma. Dwarf or bush basil, O. mimimum, is hardier but has a weaker flavor.

Usage:

Companion plant to tomatoes, peppers and squashes and essential in a classic Italian tomato sauce accompanying pasta.

History:

An ancient plant from the Pacific Islands which reached England via Asia and Europe in the sixteenth century, and was taken by early settlers to America as essential herb garden plants.

Cultivation:

In zones with a cold winter, sow basil in early to mid-spring in boxes or in frames, or later out of doors after all danger of frost has passed. Start the seedlings off in an environment with good protection and temperature until they can be hardened off and planted out safely.

In warmer zones, sow directly into beds – thereafter thin out to about 20 cms (8 ins) apart or transplant. Basil seedlings transplant easily. A plant can be potted up and kept indoors to maintain a fresh supply of leaves until late fall, or be grown indoors in a spot affording at least five hours of sunshine daily. Good patio or window-box herb garden plants which enjoy a sunny outdoor environment.

Do not plant near Rue, Basil and Rue seem to repel one another.

Other uses:

As a fixative in potpourri’s, used in bowls or bunches to repel insects indoors. (Bruise leaves occasionally ) Basil is both an antiseptic and tonic as well as being beneficial when rubbed on the temple for a headache.

Harvesting:

Leaves are best picked young. Mine seem to do better the more often I pick leaves off. Because I employ rotational planting I have fresh leaves from late spring to late autumn (fall) – and we use plenty. Bush basil can be kept in a pot in the kitchen for gathering almost at will. Although not quite as flavorful, it is still wonderfully aromatic.

Herb Garden Plants – Parsley and the Devil

admin — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 09:38:29 +0000

Petroselinum crispum (Umbelliferae)

Appearance:

All forms of parsley are grown as annuals, although strictly speaking they are biennial plants. By removing the flower heads the productive life of the plants can be extended and the quality of the foliage flavour maintained.

The most familiar ones are the frilly curled-leaved sort (called French curly-leaved parsley in America) – herb garden plants beloved by fishmongers as a garnish. The plain-leaved kind, P.C. Neapolitanum called Italian plain-leaved parsley in America, has a more pronounced flavour and is preferred by some cooks, especially for long slow cooking.

Usage:

Taste this iron and vitamin-rich plant and you will discover the refreshing flavour. It deserves better than to be labelled a garnish – its fine flavour is exploited by knowing chefs to create magical results. Used globally in bouquet garni, sauce verte and sauce tartare, or as a tonic and diuretic in the form of a tea. Hamburg parsley – P.C.Tuberosum – has plain non-curly leaves – the roots are harvested as a winter crop and eaten as a vegetable.

History:

First known usage of these herb garden plants is recorded around the area of the Black Sea. Because of its slow germination, popular folklore about herb garden plants has it that parsley seed goes nine times to the devil and back before germinating.

Cultivation:

Best sown in mid to late spring as a border in either the herb garden or a flower bed. Germination can be unbelievably slow – around six to eight weeks.Try soaking the seed overnight. Damp the growing medium before sowing. Thin the sprouts to about 30cms (1ft) apart. In temperate regions parsley should be sown from early spring to autumn (fall).

Harvesting:

Trim the floral shoots as they develop to prevent drooping as well as preserving the flavour. Like many herb garden plants, parsley does well in containers; keep containers near the kitchen for easy access. Parsley does not dry or freeze well; its fresh colour and leafy appeal as a garnish are lost by drying or freezing, although flavour can still be good.