Lesson 1: Lesson One - Pot Herbs Vs. Garden Herbs
Making choices about your garden. Which herbs do best in containers. Which herbs need a lot of space.
Making choices about your garden.
In any plan of action, including creating an herb garden, you must first make some choices. When you signed up for this course you probably had in mind which herbs you wanted to grow. Or, perhaps you wanted more information to make those choices. In either case, you are aware of your limitations in regard to garden space, or potted garden space. So, let’s begin with deciding which herbs you are most interested in planting. Then go on to the practical application of space and environment.
Basically, the herbs you choose will depend on the focus of your interest. Are you wanting to grow herbs to improve your health, your culinary skills, or for the sheer enjoyment of their aroma and beauty? Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs is the best place to start researching if you are not already familiar with the world of herbs. It will instruct you as to the history of a specific herb and delineate uses of the plant as well as safeguards and growing conditions. This is one volume that never leaves my desk. You can also browse some of this information by linking to the web site http://www.gardenguides.com/. Click on their herb guide to find background and planting advice on most of the common herbs.
Another book that you may wish to include in your library, especially if you are looking for medicinal herbs, is Rodale’s New Healing Herbs. This guide is more user specific in addressing the healing properties and the safeguards associated with 100 of the most common healing varieties. It is the best selling herbal reference book of all time. You will note, when you begin your research that many herb plants overlap in their uses. For instance thyme is just as comfortable in your kitchen as it is in your medicine cabinet. Remember the old song: ‘Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme’. Any of these will cure an illness as well as seasoning your lamb chops. Rosemary has long been grown to ward off evil spirits. It should be planted next to your garden gate. (For the gentlemen reading this you might want to note that if Rosemary grows well in your garden it means a woman runs your household).
Another website to visit while you are making your decisions regarding herbs is http://www.christopherhobbs.com. Mr. Hobbs is a fourth generation herbalist and has an excellent website for herb information as well as classes in herbals. Don’t forget to check Suite 101’s School of Health where a class in Herbalism @ Home is being offered by Anne Ellis. Anne has an impressive background in holistic health including herbal remedies. If your focus is on medicinal herbs I would highly recommend her course of study.
Whether you have decided to create a simple kitchen garden or an elaborate fragrance display with an abundance of Lavender for luck and love, it all begins in the same way; soil, water, light and air. So, make your choices and let's get growing.
