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- Zoy
- Aurora, Canada
- Holistic lover, enjoy biodynamic gardening, natural life style and herbal medicine.
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Growing Herbs - Your Indoor Herb Garden Ideas
We believe that gardening is good for our souls, well being and certainly our stress level!
A perfect way to get the taste of summer is by growing herbs indoors during the cold months. Most people don’t realize just how easy it is to have your own kitchen herb garden. It doesn’t matter if you decide to start your garden from scratch or from a handy herb garden kit, you’ll find everything you need to know here.
You also can save money on your grocery bill without compromising on flavor by growing your own herbs indoors during the winter. Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, parsley, oregano and marjoram have a reputation for being hard to grow indoors—but it's easy to keep these delicious culinary herbs alive all winter long if you give them the right amount of light, water and humidity.
Now, more than ever before, people are beginning to realize that good health does not refer to an absence of disease. Rather, it is a balance of physical, mental, emotional and social wellness. Herbal health care is becoming increasingly popular because herbs provide natural stimulants that activate the body's own defence mechanisms.
Due to our sedentary lifestyle, processed foods and industrial advances, we have managed to discover a large number of chronic illnesses that were virtually unknown in the past. Medicines used to treat these diseases have side effects. In time, these medicines also become ineffective as the human body develops a resistance to the medicine. After battling it out for many years, practitioners of conventional medicine are finally willing to admit that herbs (medicinal, tea and even cooking) are an effective source of healing.
Herbs from the home garden provide the path to a slower pace of life. What could be more relaxing than a sweetly scented cup of herbal tea. A warm cup of lemon balm tea can make life's troubles vanish, a tall tumbler of an iced peppermint infusion will take the heat out of the fieriest summer day. A sprig of lemon verbena thrown into the teapot with your favorite tea will bring a smile to the faces. Herbal teas can be simple, consisting of one type of herb, or a more complex blend of flavors with many different combinations of tea herbs.
Within this blog, you will find information about growing herbs in the garden and indoor herb gardening, as well as information about growing medicinal herbs. Find out how easy it is to garden when you have the Moon working for you! Gardening by the Moon will help you plan when to sow, plant, water and harvest. There are also sources for getting supplies and equipment for your own home herb garden.
If you would like to grow your own herbs but lack the knowledge of how to get started, then a herb garden kit can be the answer. There are a lot of questions that come along with starting an herb garden. By purchasing an herb garden kit you will have the answers to these questions... and much more.
Saving the Earth and protecting children and pets from dangerous chemicals are the reasons most gardeners cite for giving up pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, but guess what? Making the switch to organic gardening methods will save you money too! Here are six examples....
You are an ardent opponent of all kinds of pharmacological innovations and tablets? But colds and viruses attack you from all sides? Do not despair, we will tell you how without "chemistry" help the body to cope with the first symptoms of infection.
There has been a lot of hype in recent years about the potential for a global viral pandemic. SARS, avian flu and West Nile virus are examples from the recent past that could have far worse consequences than what actually occurred. Now it`s H1N1, the latest version of swine flu, that is the big concern.
When it comes to traditional tea, we have three main types, black, green, and white. But if you are ready for something different, try oolong tea. With a different flavor than black, green or white teas, oolongs are a rare treat.
Oolong tea is also sometimes known as Wu long tea or Wulong tea, after it's originator.
Surprisingly but herbs do get pests! While it is true that aromatic oils in many herbs keep the pest away, the tender herbs can become pest ridden. Herbs grown indoors can be easily plagued by pests. If you have purchased herb plants, you may have been surprised to find Fungus Gnat larvae in the soil.
During festive times, after a heavy night of drinking and merry making, people often wake up miserable and it is only then they start to think of a hangover cure. Today's hangover treatments contain ingredients like B vitamins, vitamin C, activated charcoal and many others.
Why would you want to grow herbs in your garden? Fresh herbs are awesome. I love just putting basil leaves on a tuna sandwich and in salads. For the culinary lovers herbs are something they need fresh. Herbs serve as a major source for seasoning in preparation of foods. Herbs have a wider range of use.
Advantages of Herb Garden Kits
If you would like to grow your own herbs but lack the knowledge of how to get started, then a herb garden kit can be the answer. There are a lot of questions that come along with starting an herb garden. Which herbs do better if they are grown from seeds? What is the right kind of soil to grow herbs in? How much water do they need? What kinds of herbs will I grow? By purchasing an herb garden kit you will have the answers to these questions... and much more.
Herb garden kits are specialized for a certain type of herb, and there are a large variety of kits available. Some examples are: Italian herbs, culinary herbs, international herbs, French herbs, herbal tea herbs, salsa herbs and many more. All herb kits contain similar items to get you up and running successfully.If you would like to grow your own herbs but lack the knowledge of how to get started, then a herb garden kit can be the answer. There are a lot of questions that come along with starting an herb garden. Which herbs do better if they are grown from seeds? What is the right kind of soil to grow herbs in? How much water do they need? What kinds of herbs will I grow? By purchasing an herb garden kit you will have the answers to these questions... and much more.All herb kits will contain the necessary seeds for the type of kit you have bought. They may contain a clear plastic dome or cover, giving consistent temperature and humidity to your plants to thrive and grow a healthy root system. There will be a base or planter to hold soil or growth pellets, where you will sow the seeds.
Again, all kits are different but, most kits will also provide either soil or pellets for growing the seeds. An essential part of each kit is the instructional guide, with easy to follow directions. Some kits even offer recipes for using the herbs that you are growing!
Growing herbs indoors from a herb kit has many benefits. The consistent growing conditions that are provided lessen your worries about winterizing herb plants or herbs that are not able to survive the winter weather conditions. The herbs have a constant temperature in which to thrive.
Most herb garden kits are small and compact, so are great for small spaces or apartments. You can easily control how much light and water your herbs get. By growing herbs indoors and following the instructional guide, you will take out the guess work. Success guaranteed!
Also, with the herbs right there in the kitchen, it will be easier to enjoy and use them. No treks out to the garden to collect a bit of one herb or another to add a little zing to the pot on the stove or to make an original herbal tea. It is also very easy to harvest the mature herbs and freeze or dry them for the future.
Although you will certainly want to become an expert herb gardener with an outdoor herb garden, by starting with a herb kit you can experience different herbs and decide which you would like to grow permanently. You will have a good idea also about the growing conditions your herbs require. Now, just take your herbs and transplant them from the kit out into your garden and you are on your way to becoming an herb expert.
Gardening expert Nicki Goff offers a free e-mail starter course all about her main passion... herb gardening. For access, visit her website, http://www.HomeHerbGardener.com. You'll find more great tips, and her new comprehensive e-book on creating, maintaining and enjoying your own home herb garden right here.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Advantages of Herb Garden Kits
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Growing Herbs In Your Garden
Why would you want to grow herbs in your garden? Fresh herbs are awesome. I love just putting basil leaves on a tuna sandwich and in salads. For the culinary lovers herbs are something they need fresh. Herbs serve as a major source for seasoning in preparation of foods. Herbs have a wider range of use. Some are used for scents and cosmetics while others for medicinal purposes. Effective Ayurvedic herbs and Chinese healing herbs are indications of the ancient remedies. Some herbs are believed to have possessed Magical charms and many a story has been written about magical potions. Herbs and spices have been major sources of trade between kingdoms and countries.
Herbs of yore are being rediscovered by modern science for fragrances and curing illness. Our ancestors knew the uses for almost every wild non-poisonous plant. Some of these plants were needed in the garden more as they never had refrigerator or the modern preservatives. These herbs served in many purposes like dyeing homespun fabrics, storing with linen to prevent insects and adding fragrance, preserving or enhancing the tastes of food.
Herb Gardens were almost an essential feature of pioneer homes. Sunny corners of the house that were readily accessible to home makers were planted with seasoning herbs. Wild crafted herbs that grew wild in the country side were also grown in the garden. Gardeners are not rediscovering the value of these herbs and are taking pleasure in producing their own herbs.
Herbs can be classified according to their use: culinary, aromatic, ornamental and medical.
Culinary Herbs
These are the most useful to herb gardeners. Garnishes and flavoring is where they are used more. A common list is Parsley, Sage, Chives, Thyme, Savory, Marjoram, Mint and Basil.
Aromatic Herbs
This sweet smelling foliage has been used for producing perfumes. Flowers are mostly used but even plant parts are used. Dried herbs retain their aroma for longer periods. Some aromatic herbs are Mint, Marjoram, Lovage, Lavender, Rosemary and Basil.
Ornamental Herbs
These herbs have bright flower and foliage. Variegated Thyme, Chives, Lavender as well as Valerian with crimson blossoms and borage and chicory with blue flowers are some ornamental herbs.
Medicinal Herbs
Some plants are thought to have healing powers. Modern science has researched and recognized some herbs as true healers while others have been said to be over rated in healing powers. Some of these herbs must be consumed carefully or it could result in dangerous consequences.
Gardeners Classification
Annuals, Biennials, and perennials are so called because of the nature of blooming and life span of the herb.
• Annuals bloom one season and then die. These herbs include Anise, Basil, Chervil, Coriander, Dill, Summer Savory, etc.• Biennials live for two seasons. They bloom only in the second season. These include Caraway, Parsley, etc.
• Perennials bloom each season. These include Chives, Fennel, Lovage, Marjoram, Mint, Tarragon, Thyme, Winter Savory, etc.
Gardeners Tips for You
• If you intend to begin an herb garden then your guide to herbs for you to are Winter Savory, Rosemary, Sage, Sweet Basil, Dill, Mint, Marjory, Parsley, Chives and Summer Savory. You could choose any other herb to grow in your garden but know whether they are annuals, biennials or perennials.
• Herbs do not grow in wet soil. Good drainage is a must. Improve drainage by placing a 5 inch layer of crushed stones 15 to 18 inches below the top soil.
• Mix the soil with compost and sand to lighten the texture and increase fertility. Do not use fertilizers as highly fertile soils produce excess foliage with poor flavor.
• Almost all herbs can be grown from seeds. If possible sow seeds in shallow boxes in late winter and transplant these seedlings outdoors in spring. Anise, coriander, dill and fennel can be sown directly. Biennials should be sown in late spring directly into the ground. You could obtain an indoor herb garden kit and start of growing herbs indoors as well.
• Cutting and division is a useful method in propagating certain herbs.
• Harvesting in the form of picking the leaves is to be done when the plant has enough foliage to maintain growth. Harvest leaves before the flower buds open. This is when the flavor is at the peak . Pick seed heads when the color changes from green to brown or gray.
• Very few diseases or insects attack herbs. Rust infects mints and aphids may attack Caraway, Fennel, Dill and Anise.
• You could refrigerate or even dry herbs for later use.
http://www.herbportal.com is an attempt to make known some ancient rediscovered wisdom of herbs. The guide to herbs , indoor herb garden kit, etc. are articles that are aimed to provide comprehensive knowledge on herbs. What ever be the way you use herbs fresh or in perfumes it has a lot of benefits. Discover these and more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Norma_Maria
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