Classifications Of Herbs

Herbs have been companions of man for many,

many centuries. You have seen the many uses to

which herbs can be put, accompanying and serving

man through his life.

Herb garden plants thrive not only outside in the

garden, but year after year they reveal their

undefinable ability to grow to ones heart. The variety

of fragrances, the display of brilliant colors, the pride

of their majestic growth, the surrounding liveliness of

humming insects, all these imponderables and more

make lasting impressions upon the soul of the

observant grower.

Herbs are classified as tender annuals (like basil,

marjoram, borage, nasturtium), as Hardy annuals

(like chamomile, hearts ease), as Biennials (like

clary sage, angelica, mullein), as Tender Perennials

(like rosemary, curry plant) and as Hardy Perennials

(like lavender, sage, hyssop, chives).

The annuals have to be seeded each year unless

conditions are favorable enough in the garden to

have these annuals seed themselves. The biennials

also should be seeded each year so that, for

example, a mullein will be in flower each year. These

plants form leaves only the first year and flower the

following year. The perennials last for many years

with proper care and be started from either seed or a

purchased plant which over the years can be divided

or used for cuttings. Placing the herbs in the garden

should take into consideration these differences of

above mentioned categories. Perennials quite often

are planted as the framework of a garden around

which the annuals are grouped.

To start herb seed indoors is easier than anyone

think. There are just a few rules to follow and steps

to take. Herbs to be started indoors for later

transplanting are best started from seed no earlier

than March; otherwise they will get too spindly,

weak or fall prey to insects and diseases.

On the other hand, a large variety of herb plants has

to be propagated from stem cuttings because either

the plants do not form seeds or the seeds do not

come true to variety. A cutting is actually a term

used for the sprig which is cut off the tip of a branch,

and for information should be about three inches

long.

These qualities and more of herbs can mean only

that you have more reason than ever to raise herbs

in your garden.

If you want to know more about herb garden plants

and how to raise your own herb garden successfully,

click on this site

http://www.herbalgardeningonline.com and sign up

for a FREE mini-course on Herbal Gardening Online.