An Herb Guide can Help You Choose Herbs Wisely

Herbs are used for a wide variety of purposes today – from culinary to medicinal. Some people like to buy their herbs fresh from the local grocer or a natural food shop, while others prefer the DIY approach and grow their own at home. No matter how you like your herbs, it can be difficult to know which plants to use and when to use them, so an herb guide is a good source of valuable information.

Culinary Herb Guide
Culinary herbs form a long list indeed, which is why an herb guide is helpful in determining which seasonings to use in different dishes. Some herbs, like arugula and garden cress are primarily used for salads, while chamomile is best used for tea. Herbs like mint can be incorporated into a surprising number of dishes including meats, vegetables and soups. Cilantro is used often in southwestern recipes, and oregano if frequently the herb of choice in Italian fare.

Medicinal Herb Guide
Herbs have been used for centuries for their medicinal value, but a comprehensive herb guide is necessary to help you know which plants will be most effective for a variety of ailments. You can grow herbs at home that will help you boost your immune system or fight off infection. Some are good for energizing the body while others can be effective tension tamers. Medicinal herbs can also be taken in a variety of ways, from brewed teas to simple capsules. A good herb guide will help you to understand the best herbs to use for different problems and the most effective ways to take them.

Aromatherapy Herb Guide
One way that herbs can be used for their healing effects is through aromatherapy. This alternative field of medicine has been used for many years as a way to treat and prevent a variety of illnesses, and achieve better physical, mental and emotional health. A good aromatherapy herb guide can give you a listing of the most common herbs that are used in this area of holistic healing, and the different ways that they can benefit you. For example, some types of aromatherapy have a calming effect while others are good for energizing the spirit and the body.

Aromatherapy herbs can be enjoyed through essential oils that are put into baths, or used in diffusers. There are some aromatherapy herbs that should not be used while you are pregnant, which is another good reason to consult an herb guide before testing out any of these plants or oils.

Herbs have served many purposes for centuries and continue to do so today. If you are interested in learning more about the culinary or healing benefits of herbs, consult an herb guide for specific information.

Herb Planters: Use Your Windowsill to Grow Garden Herbs Indoors or Out

Herb planters are a great way to make use of a small amount of space. They come in a variety of shapes and some are even available as kits. While these can be used outside and there are herb planters that are specifically for outside use.

The majority of herb planters are going to be designed for indoor gardening or for use on a window ledge or sill outside like a window box. These can be every effect especially in kitchens that have a kitchen window near the cooking area.

Where to Place Herb Planters

The placement of herb planters really has to do with the growing conditions of the herbs that you are going to want to place in your planter. If you are using a planter kit then the kit will contain instructions as to where to place the planter in order to ensure that it will get the proper exposure to light.

There are a few things that you are going to want to consider when placing your planter. The first thing to consider is how much space you have available in the lighting conditions that you need for the herbs. You will have to measure carefully.

If you are using an indoor box, you will want to make sure that it fits securely in the space left to you by your windowsill without hanging over the edges. Most windowsills are about 6 inches deep. Therefore, you are going to want a planter that is narrow enough to fit on this windowsill.

The other option that comes with planters is to use a window box planter. This type of planter usually connects to the outside of the window and provides the necessary growing space for things like herbs and small flowers in the space below a window. This can be an excellent alternative for individuals who may not have access to windowsill or have windowsills, which are not small enough to contain a normal sized planter.

It is a good idea; if you use, a window box style planter to make sure the planter is securely attached and does not interfere with the window usage. This will make it easier to harvest the various herbs by allowing an individual to simply open the window. If your windows have screens then you may wish to consider other alternatives since the use of window box style planter's in this instance would mean having to exit the house each time herbs needed to be harvested.

Herb Plants for a Bountiful Kitchen Garden

Planting herb plants for your own kitchen garden is one of the most rewarding projects that a home gardener who loves to cook can undertake. Kitchen gardens are typically planted with culinary herb plants and often-used, easy-to-grow vegetables like onions and carrots.

There's nothing like stepping outside the back door while you're preparing a meal and harvesting fresh herbs and vegetables to use minutes after harvest. Fresh food just tastes better than grocery store produce.

Kitchen Garden Herb Plants

A typical kitchen garden for cooking should include the following herb plants: Basil - basil is a tender annual herb plant, which means it must be replanted every year, and it will not stand up to a frost or freezing weather. It can be grown with dark green leaves, purple leaves, or variegated leaves. Basil is eaten raw or cooked. Its most famous pairing is with tomatoes, served raw on tomato slices or cooked in tomato-based sauces.

Oregano: Oregano is a perennial herb plant, which means it may appear to die down during a harsh winter, but its roots are alive underground, and it will live from season to season without replanting. Oregano is a mild, flavorful herb commonly used in Italian and Mexican cooking.

Cilantro/coriander: Cilantro is two herb plants in one. Its flat, spicy leaves are used to season Thai food and Mexican dishes. Grown to maturity, its flower seeds are known as coriander, which is ground like a peppercorn and used in soups, sauces, stews, and omelets.

Sage: Sage is a perennial herb plant, prized for its beautiful silvery leaves, which keep their form over winter in most U.S. climate regions. Sage is best known as the Thanksgiving seasoning that gives turkey dressing its savory flavor. It is also used to prepare meat and poultry dishes.

Thyme: Thyme is another perennial herb plant. Its tiny leaves and compact growth habit make it suitable for planting along the edges of paved paths or in between pavers or stepping stones. Thyme has a mellow, sweet flavor that enhances the flavor of vegetables and rice or pasta dishes. It is also delicious brewed in a mild herbal tea.

Herb Plant Care

Herbs are easy to grow. Perennial herb plants need full sun and little water. Annuals like basil should be grown where you can easily reach them with water, but your sage, oregano, and thyme plants will survive in most U.S. climate regions without pampering.

Culinary and Medicinal Herb Plants for Sale

If you're looking for herb plants for sale, you can relax. They are easy to find. More and more nurseries these days are offering extensive selections of herb plants for sale. Nurseries and plant sellers are growing more herbs than ever to meet consumer demand for herbs for culinary and medicinal use.

Medicinal Herb Plants

Many herbs for sale at your local nursery or home improvement store have medicinal uses. Medicinal herb plants that are for sale over the counter at a nursery are no excuse for regular medical care and getting a checkup from your doctor every year. But there are herbs that get made into medicine. Naturally, these herbs will have effectiveness for treating conditions like allergies, infections, and stress.

Echinacea – Many gardeners grow purple coneflower herb plants for sale because it is a beautiful plant, like a pastel version of a black-eyed Susan. But did you know that purple coneflower is the common name for Echinacea, an herb known for enhancing the body's immune system?

Yerba Santa: The leaves of this herb, also known by the common names "mountain balm," "gum bush," and "sacred herb," are smoked to relieve asthma, pulmonary problems, and bronchial disorders.

Solomon's Seal: This herb, indigenous to northern Europe and Siberia, is prized for its root. Poultices made from the powdered roots are used to soothe bruises, inflammations, and other skin problems.

Culinary Herb Plants for Sale

Also found for sale at nurseries, grocery centers, and home improvement stores, edible herb plants are sometimes called "kitchen herbs" because they are used in cooking, and many home cooks plant culinary herbs either in the kitchen or right outside the kitchen door. Among the most popular culinary herbs are:

Basil: The green and purple leaves of the basil plant are indispensable in Thai food and Mediterranean cooking – Italian and Lebanese, in particular. This strongly flavored herb is most frequently paired with tomatoes and with sauces and purees with a tomato base. The basil plant is extremely tender and cannot be grown outdoors when there is a danger of frost.

Chives are actually a member of the onion family. They are one of the most economical herbs ever, because they keep growing after you clip them, and chive clippings can be used fresh or dried or frozen for later use. The best known use of chives is sprinkled on a baked potato, soaked with butter and piled with sour cream.

Parsley is a natural breath freshener; thus its appearance as garnish on dinner plates. Parsley leaves can be stored fresh in a plastic bag in the refrigerator or dried and crumbled into omelets, mashed potatoes, and soups.

How to Grow an Herb Garden From Herb Seed

There are several ways an herb garden can be grown. Many people simply transplant already established plants. However, there is something to be said about growing an herb garden from herb seed. Not only that but also some plants are only available in herb seed form. This means that because they are not the types of herbs you would find in a nursery, usually because they are not well known, you can only find them in the herb seed form.

There are some special steps that need to be taken in order to grow herbs from herb seed.
Herb seed is just like any other type of seed there are some conditions, which need to be met in order to ensure that the seed has the optimum growing conditions. Failing to provide the optimum growing conditions for seeds can result in the seeds not sprouting or not being able to make it to the surface of the container.

Steps to Growing Seeds

The first thing that needs to be considered is the location. Once you have determined the proper location for your seeds the next step is to make sure that they have the right medium to grow in. This may take a little research in order to find the types of food and soil that the herbs you are growing like. If you are growing multiple types of herbs you will need to make sure that, you group the seeds into locations or containers that contain the same growing medium.

The same growing medium means that the temperature, soil type and food type are all the same for the plants growing in the particular medium. It is also a good idea to make sure that the plants growing will also have the same need for light. This will ensure that the plants have the optimum conditions for growth. Of course, this does not mean that they will indeed grow. There are other factors including how the seeds were treated from the time they were harvested until the time they arrive to you.

Because of this, it is a good idea to get your seeds from a grower rather than from the supermarket or garden center at a general merchandise store. The reason for this is that the growers understand the conditions of the seeds must remain at in order to increase the chance of producing a viable plant from the seeds.

How to Get the Most From Herb Seeds

Most herb gardens – whether you buy a kit or decide to make them from scratch yourself - require you to grow herb seeds to start the whole process off. These are available in small packets from your local garden store, and sometimes other stores as well. They are very cheap to buy and you can often get a few packets of herb seeds for a cheaper price than you would if you bought them individually.

But once you have bought them you will need to plant your herb seeds to get the plants themselves to grow. And, this is where the beginner needs to make sure they follow the correct process to get the best results.

Make Sure You Read the Instructions

This might sound obvious but it is just as important when planting herb seeds as it is when you are planting bulbs or flowers. Every herb generally requires a slightly different approach, and different planting times are often necessary to get the best results. For example, basil grows best when you sow it in early spring – around March time – while mint fares better if you plant it slightly later.

This is why you need to plant your herb seeds according to a schedule, planting each one out at a separate time and making sure you allow room for the ones you will need to plant at a later date. Some herbs can be grown both indoors and outdoors, while others fare much better being grown indoors only as they are not as hardy. But if you don’t find this out before you start planting your herb seeds you may think you just aren’t that good at growing them, when in actual fact it could be the weather that is to blame!

Indoors or Outdoors?

Because herb gardens work equally well indoors and outdoors, it is generally assumed that the growing conditions for each location are exactly the same, but this is not true. Some herb seeds fare much better when you start growing them indoors, since the conditions are much better. They can still be grown outdoors but it may take longer for you to see any real growth.

That’s why you need to read the packet carefully to make sure you plant them in the right place at the right time, so you won’t be disappointed at the results. If you plant your herb seeds with due care and attention, you will be delighted at the results.

Using Herb Supplements to Improve Your Health

Our society is becoming increasingly health-conscious, and with this new awareness of personal health has come a movement toward more natural health care. Instead of relying on medicines and medical interventions to heal what ails us, many of us now depend on herb supplements and alternative treatments to maintain and improve our health.

How Natural Treatments Can Benefit You

The best time to start taking herb supplements is long before you need them. Using herb supplements that promote your long-term health and immune system can reduce the frequency with which you suffer from colds and other minor illnesses.

There is widespread belief that some herb supplements can even prevent the occurrence of major illnesses such as cancer and diabetes. While these beliefs have not been confirmed by medical studies, cultures that have used natural herb supplements and treatments for centuries do have lower incidences of these diseases.

There are a dizzying number of herb supplements available to us today. You can find them in the supermarket, the health food store, or through special mail order services. There are hundreds of different herbs, all believed to do something different for your health or your life.

If you would like to improve your mental acuity and increase your memory power, herb supplements containing ginseng can be of great benefit to you. For preventing a cold, Echinacea has been said to be extremely effective. You may even be able to slow the effects of aging by taking supplements containing gingko biloba or bilberry.

Keeping yourself Safe

Unfortunately, herb supplements are not closely regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Recent laws have placed some regulations on these supplements, but they do not have to undergo the rigorous testing and approval process required of medical drugs.

In order to prevent problems with the effectiveness and safety of herb supplements, make sure that you buy from a country with respected manufacturing processes. Supplements manufactured in the United States and most of Europe are generally considered to be of good quality. Be cautious of supplements from other countries where regulations are very relaxed.

Another good rule of thumb for protecting yourself is to buy only single-ingredient supplements rather than blends or mixtures of many types of herbs. In such blends, it's often difficult to tell just how much of each type of herb you are actually getting.

Herb supplements have made a positive difference in the lives of many people who take them to prevent or treat their conditions. Using herb supplements can change your life for the better, but you should always discuss the issue with your doctor prior to starting any new supplements.

Grow your Own Herb Tea

If you love to enjoy a cup of herb tea regularly but hate to spend the money for the commercial varieties, consider growing your own herbs at home. Many of the herbs that are used in tea can be easy to grow indoors or out, giving you the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing cup of herb tea any time of the year. Herbs can be brewed into tea right from the plant or you can dry your herbs and store in airtight containers for up to a year. No matter how you prefer to enjoy your cup of tea, providing your own herbs can be a fun way to enjoy a new hobby and your favorite beverage.

Best Choices in Herbs
What type of herb tea do you love? A relaxing cup of chamomile or a refreshing burst of mint? Perhaps you like your tea a bit on the sweet side, so a few stevia leaves might be just the ticket. Or maybe lemon is your "cup of tea", making lemon balm the herb of choice for your favorite beverage. All of these herbs can be grown in your garden or even on your window sill so you can enjoy your steaming cup with the freshest herbs possible.

Chamomile is an easy crop to cultivate in your outdoor garden. Although this herb is an annual, it does have a tendency to reseed, so don't be surprised if you find your plants coming up year after year. Instead of using the leaves of this plant to brew your cup of herb tea, you will use the tiny white flowers for your beverage. There are two types of chamomile; German and Roman, with the German variety making the better cup of tea.

Mint and lemon balm are two herbs that are closely related, but with much different flavors for your herb tea. Mint can be grown inside or out, and comes in many different varieties like spearmint, peppermint and even chocolate mint. Lemon balm can also be grown both indoors and out, and has a distinct lemony flavor that is truly delightful in herb tea. It can also be a delicious culinary herb when it is used with dishes like fish and poultry.

Stevia is a sweet herb that can be grown in an herb tea garden for the express purpose of keeping your tea sweet and flavorful. The other advantage to growing stevia in your herb garden is that it acts as a natural pest repellent, which is perfect for organic gardeners. This herb takes a bit more care to cultivate, but it can be worth the effort to round out your herb tea garden.

The only thing better than a cup of herb tea is a cup of tea that you have grown yourself. Put them on a windowsill or plant them in your garden, but herbs for tea are a popular choice for many gardeners today.

How to Build Indoor Herb Gardens: A Guide to Container Gardening

If you are looking for information on how to build an indoor herb garden or how to build indoor herb garden layouts then the internet is probably your best bet for finding this information. There is a lot of information available on how to build an indoor herb garden and how to build indoor herb garden containers as a result it is important to know what you are looking for prior to doing your search.

Steps on How to Build Indoor Herb Garden

There are a few ways that can be used to create an indoor herb garden. There are also a few steps necessary to completing an indoor herb garden. The first step is to locate information on the types of herbs that want to grow within the indoor herb garden. Having this information before you start the process of creating the indoor herb garden is important, because not only will it tell you how much space is needed for the plants but also it will tell you where they need to be placed based on lighting conditions.

Once you know how much space is going to be taken up by the mature herb plants Aaron to know what lighting conditions. They need in order to grow. The next step is to create the actual garden.

There are a couple of ways to do this, the fastest way is to take a container, soil, and already mature plants and transplant the plants into the container. The second fastest way is to use an indoor herb garden growing kits, which is available online or through most retailers. This provides you with everything that you need to grow an indoor herb garden.

Finally, the last way to grow an indoor herb garden is to grow the garden from seeds. This is not usually, except in the case of growing kits, the quickest or most effective way to grow an herb garden. The reason being is that often seeds will not sprout. This can be due to a number of reasons, but is usually attributed to the fact that the soil temperatures are not monitored or even looked at.

Seeds and not only seeds need the correct amount of food and light as well as water, but they also need to be at a certain temperature .n order to reach the optimal conditions for growth. If you are looking to grow an indoor herb garden from seeds, this needs to be taken into consideration.

Indian Herbs: Give an Exotic Flavor to Any Dish or Garden

Having an herb garden is one of the great joys of cooking, and there are hundreds or even thousands of options that can provide both beauty to your garden and excellent flavor to any dish. If you are looking for something to give both an exotic flavor to your food and also an exotic twist to your kitchen garden or container garden, consider Indian herb species.

If you have ever tried Indian food, you know that there are some distinctive flavors that can be found only in these dishes these are due to the various types of Indian Herb species that are available and native to India. Indian herb species are hardy and can grow in a variety of climates due to the various climactic changes within India itself.

Growing Indian Herb

There are a few things to consider when growing Indian herb varieties. The first thing is the type of environment they are used to growing in. Keep in mind that India as a number of different climates and the herbs are going to be used to growing in these environments. There are some adaptations, which can be used that can provide for allowing these herbs to grow in other types of climates. However, it is usually best to grow them in the type of environment they are native too.

If you are getting your herbs through a growing, ask the grower the type of conditions that you will need to have in order to ensure the proper growth and development of your plants. They will usually be able to tell you how to grow them and if there are any ways that you can use in order to adapt your home growing environment to one that the plant is more used to growing in.

For example, some plants need to have a frost, this means if you live in a southern area that you may need to bring these plants in and place them within the freezer every year once the growing season is over. Other plants need high moisture, while others need little to none.

All of these factors need to be taken into consideration when growing plants. If you are growing exotic herbs, it is a good idea to consider doing indoor container gardening of these herbs. This gives you greater control over the environment in which they are growing. Of course, another option is to also consider the zones that are located on most plants and save time and trouble by only growing herbs and plants for your zone.

Creating an Indoor Herb Garden

If you love cooking you will know how enjoyable it is to create different variations of dishes that you cook regularly. Even changing a few minor ingredients can make a big difference to the final dish, so it’s worth experimenting every time you go into the kitchen to cook a meal.

One of the nicest ways to add an extra something to your cooking is by using herbs and spices, and luckily it is very simple to create an indoor herb garden to make sure everything you use is as fresh as it possibly could be.

How do You Begin?

Think about where you could put your indoor herb garden to begin with. Most people put one on their kitchen windowsill as this usually promotes the most growth, but any position with a lot of sun will get great results.

You can buy an indoor herb garden which is ready made and easy to use, but it’s just as easy to create your own if you start with the right container. All you need to do is fill it with compost and a mixture of herbs that you like, and water it regularly.

You have two choices when it comes to a container – you can either use one long trough style container, which means your herbs may start to mix in with each other, or a number of separate pots which all stand on a long oblong shaped saucer. Either version looks great when you are creating your own indoor herb garden.

The Benefits of Having an Indoor Herb Garden

There are plenty of benefits – not least the fact that you can harvest your herbs as soon as they are growing plentifully. This gives you herbs that are at their freshest, which are ideal for cooking and much better than anything you could buy anywhere else.

An indoor herb garden also makes a great addition to any windowsill, and can be a little more unusual than using a plant or flowers to decorate your kitchen. If you really start to enjoy using them, you could even consider starting to dry some herbs to see whether you get better or different results in your cooking from using that method.

Lots of people find that an indoor herb garden is the easiest and most rewarding way to grow herbs at their home. An outdoor one works well, but you won’t want to go outside to fetch some if the weather is bad!

How to Grow your Own Kitchen Herb Garden

Many of us love cooking with fresh herbs, but the standard fare in the produce department of the local grocers just won't do. You want that just picked off the vine flavor, and the best way to get it is by planting your very own kitchen herb garden at home that you can access whenever you need to. An herb garden can consist of a plot of ground just past the backdoor, or it can be a line of pots on your windowsill. It will be up to you, your preference and the amount of space you have as to where and how your kitchen herb garden will evolve.

Choosing the Best Site
If you decide to plant your kitchen herb garden outdoors, you will want to find a spot that gets at least five hours of sun each day, since most herb plants crave the light. It is also important to place your plants in good soil that has plenty of drainage and is slightly alkaline. If you need more drainage, mound your crops up a bit to allow for water to run off easier. If your soil is too acidic, you can add lime to balance the pH for your plants. It is also a good idea to place an outdoor garden within convenient access of the kitchen, so that you can easily run outdoors and snip off a few leaves when you want them.

Choosing the Best Plants
Most kitchen herb gardens will consist of a variety of culinary herbs, like oregano, basil, lemon balm, parsley and dill. Some of these herbs will be perennials, meaning that you can plant once and enjoy them for many seasons. Others will grow as annuals in colder climates, so you can choose to either bring the plants indoors in the winter, or simply replant your kitchen herb garden each spring. It is important to research the growing habits of each individual herb that you include, to ensure that you give them the best environment and care possible.

While some herbs will grow well from seed, others will be much harder to begin this way. For example, rosemary is a difficult crop to start from seed, but can be quite successful when started from cuttings. You can also purchase rosemary plants from the neighborhood nursery and plant them directly into your kitchen herb garden. If you are starting your herbs indoors, they are generally started with seeds and require plenty of light and water to begin the growing process.

Your own kitchen herb garden will be a fun hobby that you can enjoy for the summer, and provide you with many delectable seasonings all year long. Herbs are generally easy to grow, fun to harvest and delicious to eat!

Herbal Tea and Magic Herb Tea Help Support the Body's Essential Functions

Herbs have been known to produce many positive effects in the human body. One can find herbal supplements for nearly any disease or condition, as well as for the promotion of overall health.

One of the most common traditional ways to ingest herbs is in tea form. People have been drying, steeping, and drinking herbs in this way for thousands of years, all around the world. The benefits of herbal teas range from immune system support to weight loss to sleep assistance and beyond.

Condition-Specific Teas Are Hot Sellers

Many herbal teas that are popular with health-conscious folks these days work to address chronic health issues. While their effectiveness is not proven and the ingredients are not strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they may help to reduce the effects of serious health problems.

Cholesterol-lowering teas are among today's best selling teas. They help remove "bad" cholesterol which can reduce the risk of future heart problems. Weigh loss teas are also extremely popular and have been said to stave off hunger while keeping you alert.

There is also a product called magic herb tea which may help to reduce blood sugar in diabetics. Magic herb tea contains a blend of many different types of herbs which all work together to support the pancreas' function. Again, magic herb tea is not regulated by the FDA as a supplement, but people who have used it swear by its effectiveness.

Other products are also marketed under the name "magic herb tea." These teas also promise to improve your health or mood in one way or another. There are magic herb teas which contain several different types of mint that are said to calm and soothe the drinker. Another magic herb tea contains cranberry to support the healthy function of the urinary tract.

Drinking Tea Just for the Pleasure of Drinking Tea

Of course, not all herbal tea is designed specifically to increase your health. Some herbal tea claims no purpose other than providing a tasty beverage that also happens to be free of caffeine and calories.

Drinking a mug of warm herbal tea just before bedtime is a nightly ritual for many people. The warmth and great taste of the herbs can be very soothing and can help lull you into a restful and peaceful slumber, where you no doubt dream of sipping your favorite herbal tea with your favorite people.

Do it Yourself Microwave Herb Drying

There's a feeling of loss that comes with the beginning of fall and the end of the summer vegetable and herb growing season. The sun sets early, and nights grow cooler. As leaves begin to change color, every gardener knows it's time to put their crops to bed. Green tomatoes get picked and pickled; beans get harvested, corn is picked, and cornstalks are pulled up and set aside until Halloween, when they will be arranged on the front porch with pumpkins and other decorations.

Microwave Herb Drying

Late summer and early fall is the perfect time to preserve summer herbs, dried in your microwave oven. When herbs dry in a microwave, the essential oils of the herbs are absorbed and stored in the leaves that result from the drying process.

Just as dried tomatoes, dried grapes (raisins) and dried plums (prunes) have a more concentrated flavor than the fresh fruits, dried herbs are many times more potent than fresh herbs. If you harvest fresh herbs from your garden at the end of the summer growing season and use microwave herb drying to preserve them, you can preserve enough concentrated herbs to meet your cooking needs for the entire winter.

How to Practice Microwave Herb Drying

Microwave herb drying starts with the harvest process. Herbs that are going to be dried should be harvested before they flower. When any plant flowers, it concentrates its energy into creating a flower, robbing the leaves of the essence of the plant. By harvesting the herbs before the flower starts to form, you collect the essential oils while they are still in the leaves of the plant.

Always cut herbs in the morning, before the heat of the day begins to radiate, and use sharp clippers or shears. Cut stems low on the plant. Gently shake the cut leaves to remove loose dirt or bugs. Taking just a few stems of the herb at a time, wrap a small bundle of herbs in a kitchen towel and place it in the microwave oven. Put a glass measuring cup full of water in the microwave to protect the towel and herbs from burning.

Heat the herbs for 30 seconds on high. After the timer goes off, remove the herbs from the oven. Do not unwrap the towel until it has cooled completely. Remove the dried leaves from the stems of the herbs and store them in a cool, dark area in a glass jar or plastic container. Dried herbs tend to look alike, so be sure to mark the container with the name of the herb inside.

Mint Herb Varieties

As a culinary herb, mint is a versatile addition to any kitchen. However, every gardener dreads finding mint in their garden. Mint grows like a weed, and once it crops up in an area, it can be invasive, choking out other plants.

The advantage of the invasive quality of mint is that it is easy for beginners to grow. Mint is virtually impossible to kill. It is not frost-hardy, and it will appear to die off with the first hard frost of fall. However, the underground root system is extensive and extremely hard to kill, so tender shoots of mint will pop up again next spring, seemingly out of nowhere. Mint will grow in full sun or partial shade.

Grow Mint Herb in Pots

Because of the invasive nature of the root system of mint plants, many gardeners prefer to grow mint herbs in containers or in a small planting bed that is surrounded by paving or concrete. However, if you have a natural area in your garden where you don't mind letting mint herbs run rampant, you may wish to grow mint in that area where you will not mind if it grows wild and takes over the entire area.

Harvesting Mint

The advantage of growing a great deal of mint herbs in your garden is that, when harvest time comes, you will have abundant amounts of mint herbs available at your fingertips. Besides, every herb gardener knows that harvesting mint is one of the most pleasant gardening chores you will ever have to do, because of the fragrant aroma that emanates from these plants as you work among them.

Growing Catnip

The herb mint commonly known as catnip is actually cat mint, or nepeta. Scientists believe that a cat's susceptibility to catnip is an inherited trait; thus, cats that love catnip will love it for their entire lives, while other cats will pass a catnip plant by without even noticing it. With catnip, it's all or nothing. If you cat enjoys catnip, you should plant it in the ground, not in a pot.

Cats love to roll in catnip and strip the leaves from the stems with their teeth. A potted plant is likely to topple over under this attention, but putting a plant in the ground will give cats the leverage they need to enjoy the herb mint known as catnip. Whether you plant spearmint, peppermint, or catnip, growing mint is fun and gives a beginning gardener a lot of confidence. Why not plant some mint herbs today?

North American Herb & Spice: Native Inspirations

Nothing works better when making when making when making North American dishes then using North American herb & spice. North American herb & spices are herbs and spices, which can be found within North America. This does not mean they all are herbs and spices, which had been brought into the country from other places but are actually needed to the North American continent.

There is a wide variety of North American herb & spice options that can add a distinctive flavor and tone to any dish. North American herb & spices can also the end in itself to providing a local and native feel to any kitchen garden. In fact, in some areas using North American herb & spices and a kitchen garden is actually recommended because there is a greater chance of these types of plants actually growing well in the environment. This is because they are native vegetation to the area.

How to Find Native Herbs and Spices

There are a number of ways to find herbs and spices that are native to your area. The first thing to do is check with your local nursery. Local nurseries usually have a good idea of the types of plants that are native to the area and can provide a significant amount of assistance. When attempting to locate native herbs and spices. Often times these herbs and spices are going to be native plants you may not have even considered to be edible.

Another option is to check with agricultural clubs or gardening clubs these can be another great resource. When looking for plants that are native to a particular area. Another option is to use the Internet. The Internet can provide a significant number of resources in regards to the various options for native vegetation and a given area. They can also provide a wealth of information in regards to gardening and growing these native plants.

Finally there is always the option of checking out gardening books and other printed resource materials which can be ordered either online or can be found through your local library system. Any of these options can provide you with the necessary information not only to grow and locate these herbs and spices but also dishes and other way is that these herbs and spices can be beneficial to you through either medicinal or through cooking mediums. They can also provide a great way to have a wonderful native garden.

Why to Use Organic Herb Seeds

Most experts agree that organic herb gardening, with natural fertilizers, natural weed removal methods, and organic herb seeds, is preferable to non-organic gardening.
Genetically modified seeds are the opposite of organic herb seeds. When something has been genetically modified, the very nature of its being has been altered.

Some seed modifications seem to make sense, like making a plant less susceptible to disease or infestation. However, long-term effects of these genetically modified seeds are unknown, while organic herb seeds are known to be healthy. Furthermore, using genetically modified seeds reduces the variety of foods available as we lose the old heirloom seed varieties of yesteryear.

Corporations have been very successful in securing legislation that exempts genetically modified seeds from certain healthy food regulations. Without regulation, how can we trust the food producers to harvest, ship, and sell their foods with proper labels so consumers can choose healthy, organic product. Fortunately, several organic herb seed sellers offer their products over the Internet, making it easy to purchase organic herb seeds online.

Park Seed

Park Seed has offered organic seeds for generations. Park sells organic arugula, basil cinnamon, catnip, chives, and dill. Park's organic herb collection is a best seller, including basil, cilantro, oregano, parsley, chives, thyme, and dill. Other organic herb seeds available for purchase at Park Seed include cilantro, safe, English thyme, and Italian flat leaf parsley. All of Park Seed's herb seeds are certified organic by the Clemson University under the USDA organic labeling program.

Seeds Of Change

Seeds of Change offers 100% organic products such as sauces, soups, and cereal bars. All their herbs are harvested from plants grown only from organic herb seeds. Mumms sells seeds made especially for sprouting, meant to be eaten as sprouts. It is essential that these sprout seeds be organic herb seeds, because sprouts are so potent an herb.

Eat Organic

Organic food is healthier than non-organic. A four-year study, called the biggest study ever about organic food, established that organic vegetables and fruits contained as much as 40% more antioxidants than non-organic food. The study found further that a certain variety of organic tomatoes from Greece had significantly greater levels of antioxidants that are attributed with reducing coronary heart disease.

To sum up, when shopping for organic herb seeds or vegetable seeds for your garden, look for the certified organic seal. Rest assured that you are doing the right thing by growing antioxidant-rich herbs that have been grown from seeds you can trust.

Pre-Planted Herb Gardens take the Guesswork out of Gardening

Do you love the flavor of fresh herbs in your foods, but are afraid to try growing those plants on your own? Are you afraid that your lack of a green thumb will leave your herb plants less than desirable for your culinary needs? Here is a way to indulge your love of fresh seasoning with a garden that is nearly carefree. Pre-planted herb gardens have become a popular business today, and with good reason. Now you can enjoy fresh herbs on your windowsill year round by simply opening the package and adding water!

Pre-planted herb gardens take the guesswork out of gardening by providing you with all of the elements necessary to successfully cultivate your own herbs. These kits can be used indoors or out for a successful garden any time of the year. Some of these pre-planted herb garden kits don't even need natural light to thrive since they come equipped with their own lighting to keep them healthy. There is no easier way to enjoy the gardening experience and the freshest herbs right from your own home garden.

Types of Pre-Planted Herb Gardens
There are different types of pre-planted herb gardens that you can choose from to ensure that you get the easiest type of garden for you. The first kind includes herb mats that you simply place in a pot or outdoor garden plot without ever touching a seed. Each mat contains approximately 70 seeds so you are ensured of enjoying a successful crop. The mats come in sets of four, and include chives, parsley, dill and basil. You can find these kits online, or at home improvement stores.

Another type of pre-planted herb garden includes the lighting as well as the plants. The aero garden allows you to enjoy fresh herbs year round without the worry of whether your plants are getting enough natural light. This kit provides pre-planted seed pods that should begin to grow quickly and easily once your pre-planted herb garden is set up properly. The advantage to this type of garden is that you can add more seed as your plants need to be replaced to keep the entire kit blooming indefinitely.

There is nothing better than cooking with fresh herbs right off the plant, but herb gardening can be time consuming and messy at times. The good news is that with pre-planted herb gardens, you can enjoy fresh herbs year round with minimum effort and little need for a green thumb.

Growing the Rosemary Herb is Easier than You Think!

The rosemary herb has gotten a bad rap as a plant that is difficult to grow, but this is simply not the case. This herb can actually handle a lack of attention and care quite swimmingly if it is given the best start in life. The key to successfully growing the rosemary herb lies in its humble beginnings; if you get that part right, the rest of the growing season and a bountiful harvest are sure to follow.

The Attraction of Rosemary
The rosemary herb is known as a triple threat for gardeners, because it is ornamental, fragrant and full of delightful flavor. In warmer climates, rosemary can be grown year round, but in colder areas, this herb needs to be brought indoors during the frosty months of winter or grown as an annual. It is much more challenging to keep the rosemary herb happy indoors during the winter months than it is outdoors during the summer, which is why many gardeners will choose to grow it as an annual.

As an ornamental plant, the rosemary herb is an evergreen shrub that can thrive in any type of soil and prefers full sunlight to partial shade. Larger rosemary shrubs can be shaped to a form that the gardener prefers, making it a wonderfully versatile and attractive addition to the landscape. As a culinary herb, rosemary can be used to season many of your favorite recipes, especially meat dishes. Rosemary herb that is grown over the summer can be harvested and dried to enjoy throughout the rest of the year.

Starting a Rosemary Herb Plant
Getting a rosemary herb plant started is generally the most challenging part of growing this plant. Starting from seed is no easy task, but if you decide to give it a whirl, soak your seeds for a few hours before planting to increase your odds of success. Most gardeners will choose to start rosemary from a cutting, which will generally yield more positive results. However, you can also pick up a rosemary herb plant or two from your local nursery in the spring and plant them directly outdoors for best results.

Once it is successfully established, rosemary herb plants require very little care and watering to thrive. They tend to like a lot of sun and good drainage, and rarely require fertilizer. However, you can choose to feed your plants once in the spring with a fish/kelp emulsion for best growing results. The rosemary herb is a delightful, aromatic addition to any garden that can also be used to enhance your recipes all year long.

Grow your own Sage Herb

If you love to spend your summers up to your elbows in dirt and plants, then a garden is the perfect hobby for you. Herbs are a great choice for gardeners of all levels of experience because many of them are easy to grow and can provide a bountiful harvest to enjoy all year long. There are many types of herbs to choose from, but one that is a favorite for vegetable and ornamental gardens alike is the sage herb.

About the Sage Herb
Sage herb is a perennial that belongs to the salvia genus. This herb is used for many culinary creations, including in teas and as a seasoning for meat and poultry. Some cooks add sage to their favorite Thanksgiving stuffing recipe as well. The sage herb plant is also used for ornamental purposes, because the leaves offer a colorful contrast to other foliage in a landscaping theme, and the flowers will bloom throughout the latter part of the summer.

The sage herb plant is an easy one to grow, because it does not demand an inordinate amount of attention and care. However, it can evolve into a woody shrub that needs to be replaced every few years. To extend the life of your sage herb plant, offer frequent harvesting and pruning after the first year. Sage in the first season should be left alone as much as possible to allow it to establish itself in your garden bed.

How to Grow Sage Herb
Most gardeners will begin sage herb plants by seeding the garden in the early spring, after the danger of frost is passed. Others will prefer to begin plants indoors for a head start when spring rolls around. You can begin plants indoors up to six weeks in advance of outdoor planting. Sow your sage in a well-drained area that receives full sun for best results. This plant can tolerate drier conditions, making it a good choice as a xeriscape plant.

When you first plant your sage herb plant, it is a good idea to forgo harvesting in the first year to allow the plant to establish. After the first year, you can harvest this plant either right before or after flowering for the best flavor. Snip the healthy stems, bundle into bunches of four to six, and then place the bundle in a brown paper bag with plenty of holes cut into it. Hang upside down in a cool, dry spot for a few weeks until the leaves are completely dry. Store your dried sage in an airtight container and use for up to one year.

The sage herb plant makes a lovely addition to any garden and can be enjoyed year round as a seasoning in many of your favorite dishes. Add some sage to your landscape today, and enjoy its many benefits!

The Fragrance, Charm and Function of a Windowsill Herb Garden

Do you love the flavor of fresh herbs in your cooking? Wouldn't it be great if you could simply head to your windowsill anytime you needed a fresh snip of parsley or a sprig of oregano? Actually, you can grow your favorite seasonings in a windowsill herb garden, and it won't take you much time or effort at all. Many herbs are quite easy to grow, as long as you select the plants that thrive in an indoor environment – and there are many to choose from.

Most Popular Indoor Herbs
Many of the culinary herbs that are used in many recipes can easily be grown indoors as long as they have sufficient light and regular watering. Basil can be started from seed and placed in the sunniest window in the house. Oregano will work well alongside the basil in that sunny window, but it is generally better to start this herb from a cutting. Round off your windowsill herb garden with delectable culinary herbs like rosemary, sage and parsley for a pretty, aromatic and functional collection.

Planting Basics
A windowsill herb garden can be planted in a single long container or a variety of pots, depending on your preference and the types of herbs that are planted. The container should be at least six inches deep to allow for sufficient root growth. You can use a standard potting soil for your herbs, but a soilless mix will help to prevent some types of plant diseases. You can also use a combination of equal parts potting soil, compost and vermiculite or sand to grow your windowsill herb garden.

If your window does not provide sufficient sunlight, you can add florescent lighting to help your plants along. Herbs do not like to sit in too much moisture, so water sparingly. Since your plants will not get fed from nutrients in the earth, you will also want to fertilize your herbs every month to promote growth and health. If you like, you can transfer your plants outdoors during the late spring and summer months and move them back inside to your windowsill herb garden when the cold weather returns.

Fresh herbs can add pizzazz to any recipe, whether it is a marinade for a summertime barbecue or a seasoning for a hearty winter stew. Many herbs can be easy to grow, especially if you purchase starter plants and transfer them to your own pots in your window. Some herbs, like basil, can even be successfully started from seed. By growing your own herbs in a windowsill herb garden, you can enjoy herbs fresh from the stem all year long.