Herb Gardening Companion Planting
Planning an herb garden with herbs, medicinal herbs and aromatic herbs
Planning an herb garden can be fun and rewarding. The Herbs have been used for centuries for culinary, medicinal and aromatic reasons. For generations tribal leaders and healers passed secrets herbs. Many modern medicines have an herb base. Modern herbalist mix medicinal herb for their clients. Many herbalists also mix aromatic herbs for the purpose of beauty. But, of course, the culinary herb is still the most used. You can become a kitchen gardener in a garden of herbs growing in your kitchen right in a window sunny.
For discussion of herbal gardening today we will plant the herbs found in Elizabethan and often mentioned in William Shakespeare's works. Plants selected will be culinary herbs, medicinal herbs and herbs, all to experience the aromas and flavors of the season.
Herbal gardening is wonderful since herbs can be grown in a variety of ways. Plant a container garden for you deck or patio for great colors, textures and super aromas. Planning a garden of herbs on the ground will grow to a traditional herb garden outside the kitchen. Or if you have limited space, become a kitchen gardener in plants and herbs in a window or a window box.
When planning your herb garden remember that the herbs need well drained soil, they hate wet feet. Test your soil for the garden and make sure it is alkaline. All herbs need at least six hours of sunlight.
When Elizabethans planted aromatic herbs, herbs and medicinal plants used a symmetrical pattern rectangular or square. The Elizabethans were very formal and felt their herb gardens should be too. Its gardens of medicinal plants had passages like strolling through the garden was a popular pastime. They had no TV! If you are planting your herb garden near a patio, think about adding a walking path for himself. The paths will add character to it herb garden.
In planning an herb garden be sure to take into account the growth habits of each herb. Plant the tall grass busy in the back garden, small, compact front. Most herbs are perennial which means re-grow every year. Any of the herbs that need to be planted each year must go into a place in the herb garden that is easy to reach. Give each herb much space to grow. Herbs need ventilation to prevent mold. This step in planning an herb garden is essential because when the plants become mature they do not like to be moved.
When you plant a garden, you can start from seeds or get small plants from your garden center. Plants Garden Center give you a better chance of achieving success in a garden of herbs. When the seeds to use, plan ahead because the seeds may need to grow for several months before they are ready to plant the herb garden. Especially if you're a beginner, I recommend using the small plants from the garden center.
Go to a reputable garden center to buy you herbs. Inspect your herbs carefully to make sure they are healthy. An infected plant can ruin all your herb garden. By using the small herbs from the garden center you will be able to harvest your herbs much sooner. When you take the herb to be planted in the herb garden, remove the plant pot and loosen the soil around the roots. Put the herb in the location you have chosen or the container you have prepared. Cover all the roots with soil and press down gently. Give plenty of water your herbs re-verification of moisture every day. Never let the soil dry out but do not do grass roots too wet. If you are planting a container garden remember that the dirt in a container will dry more quickly then the ground. You may find that the herbs to lean on a couple of days. Do not worry it's the shock, but they will recover.
Once you have learned the patterns of growth herbs you can get to nip out to get a bushier herb. When you first start, keep a journal for your herb garden to keep track of each herbs strengths and weaknesses. After you get to know your herb garden you will be able to tell when the plants need attention.
Over the centuries herbs have evolved into very resistant plants. Once you herbal garden is established, you need very little care. To retain moisture for longer grass, straw around the plants. This is a good garden tip whether you plant the herbs in container gardens or on the floor.
Herbs are natural insect repellents, but if you have to deal with pests be sure you use a non toxic treatment since you'll be eating your harvest. Marigolds are a natural repellent so that you may want to plant some of these flowers. Planting companion plants are like most of Shakespeare gardens were made.
Harvest can begin as soon as you have several leaves on the grass. It is best to cut the grass before starting to flower for the best flavor. This is when the most oils are stored in the leaves. Wait until all the morning dew has dissipated before cutting but harvest before the sun is out. You can cut the herbs right before you want to use them. If the stems are tender they can be used in their recipes.
If you have an abundant harvest you can freeze or dry herbs. Dry them by hanging upside down in a group tied in a warm, dark place. You can use them to microwaves, placing them between two paper towels and microwave for 2 minutes. Put them in an airtight container, which will last up to one year.
Freezing the bounty of your herb garden will let them last a little longer, a year after year and a half. Chop up the herbs and place on a sheet of wax paper. Freeze for at least 2 hours. Another method is to place the herbs in ice cube trays with water. Freeze until firm, pop them and put them in zip lock bags. Whenever you need herbs for soups, stews or sauces, just throw grass on an ice cube.
Now here is the list of Shakespeare herbs to plant in your Elizabethan herb garden including herbs, aromatic herbs and medicinal plants. She will actually make you a kitchen gardener.
Bay, Box, Broom, Calendula, Chamomile, Chives, Heartsease, hyssop, lavender, lemon balm, parsley, mint, rosemary, rue, Salad Burnet, Summer Savory, Bachelors Buttons and thyme. For more information about each herb, email me or search on the internet.
Happy Gardening!
Copyright © Mary Hanna, All rights reserved.
This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright, links and resource box are unchanged.
About the Author
Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com http://www.GardeningHerb.com and http://www.ContainerGardeningSecrets.com
About the Author
About the Author
Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com, http://www.ContainerGardeningSecrets.com, and http://www.GardeningHerb.com
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