Where to situate your herb garden Ideally herbs should be grown in a sunny, sheltered location with well drained soil. If you have heavy clay soil then incorporate some coarse grit and organic matter such as well-rotted manure, or compost to improve the porosity of your soil before planting. In addition, you may benefit from growing herbs in a raised bed instead, to ensure better drainage. The best soil ph for growing herbs is neutral to alkaline although most herbs will tolerate a slightly acid soil. You can use a spin ph testing kit to identify your soil type (see Outdoor Skills/ Testing soil ph.) If your outdoor area has very acidic soil then add some lime when preparing the planting area. Although most herbs prefer a sunny position there are a few which will happily grow in shady conditions and moist soil, such as Chervil, Parsley, Meadowsweet, Mint, Lemon balm and Chives. See Outdoor Development/ Site Development Ideas/ Herb Garden for further information and resources. Which herbs to choose (Scroll down for extra Herb info pages) When planning your herb garden, it is worth noting whether your chosen herbs are annual, biennial or perennial; scroll down for lists. (See Outdoor Development/ Outdoor Learning Site Development Ideas/ Herb Garden for ideas on making your own herb garden. See Outdoor Development/ Outdoor Knowledge/ Annual, biennial or perennial? for explanations of each.) Annual and biennial herbs are fast growing and may need to be sown at intervals throughout spring and summer to ensure you have a continuous fresh supply. Perennial herbs are slower growing and will require a more permanent home. If you are growing herbs from seed then hardy annual or biennial herbs such as Parsley, Coriander, Dill and Chamomile seeds can be sown from March until August. Sow the seeds at intervals of three to four weeks throughout this period, to ensure a continuous supply of fresh herbs. All of these are relatively easy to grow and can be sown directly into their final position outdoors. Dill in particular is difficult to transport from pot to pot successfully. Alternatively you can sow many of these herbs under cover in seed trays and plant them out at a later date - always follow the instructions on individual seed packets. Basil is not very hardy outside and must be sown in spring under cover in warmth, only planting out after all risk of frost has passed. You may find basil performs better indoors on a sunny windowsill particularly if the summer is wet or not very warm. Seeds of perennial herbs such as Sage, Rosemary, Chives and Fennel should be sown in the spring under cover or inside in warmth, and then potted on when large enough to transfer them successfully. The plants may be transferred to a cold frame first before planting out into their final positions later on. (A cold frame is a transparent-roofed enclosure, built low to the ground, used to protect plants from adverse weather, primarily excessive cold or wet. The transparent top admits sunlight and prevents heat escape via convection that would otherwise occur, particularly at night.) Looking after your herb garden Herbs require frequent watering and feeding if grown in a planter or pot. Trimming herbs back in the spring will encourage new healthy leaf growth for the summer. It's also best to dead-head your herbs by pinching off the flowers to channel the plant s energy into leaf growth. In the autumn it's usually best to leave any dead foliage on the plant to help protect it throughout the winter. However, with lowgrowing herbs (such as Thyme and Lavender), it s best to clear any debris and fallen leaves off to prevent fungal diseases.
Annual or Biennial Herbs Annual or Biennial Herbs Basil Chives Caraway Comfrey Chamomile Fennel Chervil Horseradish Coriander Hyssop Dill Lemon Balm Lemon Grass Lovage Mexican Marigold (sweet mace) Meadowsweet Parsley Mint Purslane Oregano Rocket Rosemary Summer Savory Sage Sorrel Tarragon Thyme Always follow the instructions and guidance on individual seed packets.
Mint Name Origins Mint derives its name from the ancient Greek mythical character Minthe. According to Greek mythology, Minthe was a river nymph. Hades, the God of the Underworld, fell in love with Minthe and when Hade s wife, Persephone, found out, through a rage of jealousy she turned Minthe into a plant. Persephone wanted everyone to walk all over Minthe and crush her. Unable to undo the spell, Hades only option was to add a magnificent aroma to the newly created plant, therefore he could smell Minthe and be near her when people trod on her. Geographical Origins Mint is thought to have originated in Asia and the Mediterranean region. Historical Uses Greeks used mint to clean their banqueting tables and added it to their baths to invigorate their bodies. Romans used mint in cooking sauces, as an aid to digestion and as a mouth freshener. Medieval monks also were known to use mint for its culinary and medicinal properties. In many cultures, mint symbolised hospitality and was offered as a sign of friendship to welcome guests. Mint contains natural antibacterial and cooling qualities and so has been utilised in many manufactured products such as toothpaste, shower gel and medicines. Mint is often used as a medicinal herb to treat stomach ache and chest pains, to sooth indigestion and heartburn, and to treat the common cold, headaches and bad breath. Mint can also provide a cooling sensation to the skin, which makes it an ideal choice to treat minor burns and skin irritations due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Mint helps to promote good health. Mint is a rich source of vitamins A, C and B2. It also contains valuable minerals such as calcium, copper and magnesium.
Coriander Geographical Origins Coriander is part of the parsley family and is thought to originate from Southern Europe, North Africa and West Asia. Cultivation of coriander started some 2000 years BC. Historical Uses Coriander was one of the many plants cultivated in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Ancient Egyptians believed that coriander could be used as food in the afterlife and so used to bury it with mummies. Ancient Greeks used coriander not only as a source of food but also as an ingredient of perfumes. Coriander can be used in treatment of indigestion, skin inflammation, painful joints, high cholesterol, diarrhoea, mouth ulcers, anaemia, smallpox, conjunctivitis, skin disorders, and blood sugar disorders, while also benefiting eye care. Coriander contains phytochemicals that can help to preserve food. Since heat destroys the flavour of coriander, leaves are often added to a dish to enrich flavour just before serving. Coriander is rich source of dietary fibres, vitamins K, A and C and minerals such as magnesium, iron and potassium.
Lavender Name Origins Name "lavender" originates from Latin verb lavare, which means to wash. Geographical Origins Lavender is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the mint family. There are more than 30 different species of lavender that originate from Mediterranean region, northern and eastern parts of Africa and southwestern Asia. Historical uses Ancient Egyptians used lavender during the process of mummification. Lavender was used as part of bathing rituals in the ancient Rome because of its disinfect and antiseptic properties. Europeans wore bracelets made of lavender to protect themselves against the plague and other dangerous diseases in the 13th century. Lavender was used in art during the period of Renaissance. Painters (including Rubens), used lavender to improve the quality of their colours in the paintings. Lavender is widely cultivated for its essential oils that are used in soaps, lotions, skin care products, shampoos and perfumes. Essential oils from lavender are often used in aromatherapy because they produce relaxing effect in most people. Lavender has antiseptic, antibacterial, analgesic and anti-depressant properties. It is used to treat headaches, insect bites, burns, acne, muscle and joint aches and insomnia. Unlike humans, pests such as mice, flies, mosquitoes and moths cannot stand smell of lavender. Many people keep bunches of lavender in their homes to repel unwanted pests. Lavender is used in human diet as an ingredient of various sweet (cakes, chocolates...) and salty meals (it is sometimes combined with cheese). It can be also consumed in the form or tea or honey (made of nectar from lavender flowers). Lavender can be used as natural insecticide as it can deter aphids if planted near roses.
Dill Geographical Origins Dill is a type of herbaceous plant that belongs to the celery family. This plant is native to South Europe and West Asia, but it can be found widespread today. Historical Use Dill was cultivated and used as culinary herb in the ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. In addition to being eaten, dill was used as currency in the past. During the medieval period, people hung dill in their doorway to keep witches away from their homes. Dill was also a popular used ingredient for magic potions in the past. Ancient Greeks used dill for the production of perfumes. Greek athletes used tonic made of dill to improve their muscle tone. Today, dill represents one of the most widely used spices of European and Asian cuisine. Dill is rich source of dietary fibres, vitamins C, B9 and B2 and minerals such as manganese, iron and calcium. Oil extracted from the seed is used in the cosmetic industry in the manufacture of soaps. Dill can be used to treat digestive problems, lack of appetite and jaundice. It reduces flatulence and can be used as a cure for hiccups. Dill can also be used to calm babies and help them to fall asleep during teething.
Parsley Geographic Origin Parsley is a type of herbaceous plant that belongs to the same family as celery, carrot and cumin (Apiaceae). The exact origin of parsley is unknown, however, some researchers believe that parsley originates from Sardinia. Cultivation of parsley started 2000 years ago Historical Uses Parsley was used by The Romans as ingredient of salads and as ornament in the form of garlands for the head. Gardeners like to plant parsley near to roses (to keep them healthier and to intensify their smell) or tomatoes (because parsley attracts bees - the main pollinators of tomatoes). Parsley is rich source of vitamins K, C, A and vitamins of the B group. It also contains dietary fibres and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. It is used as an ingredient of salads, soups, stews and dishes containing tomato, meat and fish. Chewing of parsley can aid in elimination of bad breath, especially after the consumption of garlic. Some believe that the oil extracted from parsley can help in the prevention of cancer. Parsley has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Tea made of parsley improves blood circulation. Leaves can be used in treatment of surface wounds, while juice squeezed from a root reduces swelling. Parsley is also used in soaps and body lotions, providing benefits for dry skin.
Chamomile Name Origin The name chamomile originates from the Greek words chamos, which means ground; and milos which means apple. This is because it grows close to the ground and smells like apple. Geographic Origin Chamomile is herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. This plant originates from Europe, Asia and North Africa, but it can be found worldwide today. Historical Uses Ancient Egyptians discovered the healing potentials of chamomile and it has been used for medical purposes ever since. Chamomile was used in the process of mummification by the Ancient Egyptians. Chamomile is often used in perfumes and in aromatherapy oils due to its beautiful scent. The oils are extracted from the flower. Even though beneficial effects of chamomile are not scientifically proven, chamomile is used in treatment of more than 100 different disorders. Chamomile is thought to contain anti-inflammatory properties; it can be used for disinfection; and also to relieve pain. It is mainly used for the treatment of infections, skin rash, toothache, respiratory pain, migraine, insomnia, and anxiety. Homemade chamomile tea is also thought to lighten blond hair. Chamomile can be used in the form of tea, lotion, capsules or various drops. It is worth noting that chamomile can induce side effects when it is consumed in combination with other medications. People that are allergic to ragweed will probably exhibit allergy to chamomile.