Herbs are well known for their medicinal attributes, and lots of herbs have been made into tea. Other herbs have been used for culinary purposes – adding flavour to dishes. Others have been made into creams, perfumes, and essential oils due to their fragrance. Most herbs have antioxidant properties, which made them really popular in tea form. If you’re planning to start your own tea herb garden, then here are a few herbs that you can later use as a refreshing healthy drink.

Chamomile: yes, the exact same herbal tea you’ll see in grocery shelves. Chamomile tea isn’t only a detoxifying drink. It is used for asthma and bronchitis for its expectorant properties, and it is also the drink of choice for the overstressed due to its relaxation effect it induces. Chamomile is often combined with other ingredients to make an even tastier tea. There are two common chamomile herbs that are used as teas: Roman and German. Most gardeners opt for buying a plant instead of a seed. If you’re going for Roman and German chamomile seed planting, make sure you put some distance between each plant.

Mint: Another herb that everyone is very familiar with. Mint is used to add flavour to food and drinks. Mint is often an ingredient for various kinds of teas; for instance, it is a vital ingredient of the Touareg tea. This doesn’t mean that mint doesn’t come in tea form. It’s just that a tea made solely out of mint would be difficult to drink up. But if you would like your tea to be a little cool, you can grow mints in your herb garden and you can add some mint leaves on to your chamomile or any other tea. You’re planting.

Tea herb gardening doesn’t stop here. There are a lot more herbs that you can grow to make for good teas. What makes tea herb gardening great is that you will experience the fruits of your labor, firsthand.

Mini herb gardens are small versions of the gardens where you’re going to need a hoe – really small, might I add. But having a single patch of soil and a single pot to hold multiple herbs can be a hassle. If you’re a beginner, try NOT going for a mini herb garden. One strong point of having a mini herb garden is if you do not have a backyard to care for them in. If space is an issue, then a mini garden would be your primary source. Besides, herbs can be grown indoors with no problem at all. There are two ways to have a mini garden: the one-patch of land, as mentioned above, and the potted individual herbs.

If you have a little space in your garden, then you might be thinking about planting all your herbs in that one patch of land. One thing you might want to consider is the type of soil that you have. Some soils are too compact to allow water through to get to the roots. Most times, cultivating the land doesn’t help. One alternative for this is to buy the kind of soil that you need. But if you are planning on doing that, then you might as well go for pots since they have special pottered soil resistant to root binding.

Alternatively, you can put one herb in one pot. Then you can just group your pots together by the windowsill, or you can semi-bury the pots in one bigger pot to have a single garden. The advantage of this is that you don’t have to worry about how much space you’re going to need for your herb garden.

Having a mini herb garden is simple. Herbs are actually easy to take care of. Once you have them in pots, you can just place them where there is adequate sunshine. Windowsills are preferred by most herb gardeners as they can easily take them out of the sun if the plants have been there for too long.

Exactly what can you get out of fresh herb gardening? Well, there are three primary reasons for it. There are herbs that you can use to spice up your cooking, there are herbs that can be used as remedies for various illnesses, and there are herbs that you can use for making products that you can actually sell and make money out of. You need not have a huge capital for this and you don’t have to have a big patch of land to grow them. You need to only consider the amount of sunlight they get, and the kind of soil that they grow on. As for the herbs themselves, here are a few that you might want to start with.

Lavender: Lavender is often used as an essential oil that you add to your bath. It is used most commonly to relieve stress and other stress-related disorders. You may add some lavender to your tub before soaking in it, and it makes your bath all the more relaxing. You may also grow lavender indoors to make use of its great fragrance.

Parsley: Parsley packs a lot of good things. For one, it is an expectorant and can help ease the coughing of those who suffer from asthma or bronchitis. Second, parsley is a popular kitchen ingredient. It is also an herb that increases urination rate – making it a very good antioxidant. Finally, parsley is served in restaurants after a tasty meal for bad breath control.

Rosemary: Rosemary is known for its medicinal qualities but is also very much associated with the kitchen. Rosemary is just one of those herbs that you can grow from your own home that both functions as an excellent herbal remedy as well as a seasoning. If you go with this herb, however, you have to get a young plant as rosemary can take a little while to grow.

These are just a few of the herbs that you can begin with it your fresh herb gardening. Note that most herbs serve multiple purposes, so try to see which ones you can actually use.

Then again, herb garden designs aren’t just about looks. You are, after all, going to be putting those herbs to good use instead of letting those useful products go to waste. If you’re not into the herb gardens because you want to benefit from the fruits of those herbs, then maybe you should invest in other kinds of plants instead. Back to herbs, there are a lot of things to consider regarding your herb garden and to give you a better picture, here are the basics.

Seeds: Make sure that the herbs you are trying to grow actually grow in your region. Some herbs are only found in specific climates and the way the temperature and weather changes may be affecting the growth of your herb. Another factor is that the kind of soil you planted the seeds in may be unfavourable for herb growth. Learn all you can about the herb that you want to grow to ensure success in actually growing them. Also, try to avoid buying seeds from online.

Sunlight: All plants need sunlight, and herbs are no exception. Herbs, of course, do not really grow tall so you’re going to need to plan ahead before getting them. You’re going to need to put your herbs where they’ll get sufficient amount of sunlight. Take care not to over-saturate them with sunlight as they’ll die. You can leave them out to bask in sunshine, and take them into the shade. Windowsill gardens are perfect for herbs. They get access to sunlight, and you can remove them if you think they’ve had enough.

Space: Depending on the type of herb you’re trying to grow, root space may become an issue. After your first successful and productive herb, you’re going to want to add other varieties of herbs. Space them evenly so as to not compete with sunlight and air.

These are just a few considerations you have to take note of before you go on planning on your herb garden designs. Herb gardens do not require a master’s degree, so you can learn it if you remain diligent about it.

Scented rooms: Some herbs have pleasant smells while others are just not fit to be placed inside the house. Some herbs bloom flowers when grown, but these are not necessarily those with the best scents. If you enjoy the aroma of flowers inside the home, you can grow a scented herb garden that you can place in your windowsill. Some of the best herbs for these are bergamot, lavender, pineapple sage, scented and pelargoniums. Actually, there are other uses for the mentioned herbs besides smelling good. Scented herbs can be used for making your own perfume or for culinary purposes.

Easy Seasonings: Growing your own culinary herbs in your windowsill instead of an outdoor garden gives you liberty to just pluck out whatever you need and head back to the kitchen to continue cooking. If you grow them inside your house by placing them on your windowsills, you can rest assured that your herbs won’t be attacked by pests. This makes your job easier, especially if you love to cook. The best herbs for cooking that you might want to plant are parsley, oregano, sage, chives, coriander, thyme, and rosemary. Rosemary can take a little time to grow for culinary purposes so buy a young plant instead of planting the seeds yourself if you are in a hurry.

Healthy House: No doubt you’ve heard of the healthy benefits of herbs. Herbs are medicinal in nature which is why most of the pharmaceutical products are derived from herbs. You’ve also probably heard the words “Chinese herbal remedies”. Yup, that’s herbs in action for you. Know the ins and outs before you grow a medicinal garden. Some of the most common herbs are mint, rosemary, chamomile, lemon balm, parsley, and oregano. You might have noticed that some were mentioned as culinary herbs above.

These are just a few good things that you can get if you want to grow a windowsill herb garden. The reason that you have to put it on the windowsill is for them to make your house look a lot nicer. Besides, your herb garden will need the sunlight.

All plants need three main things in order to grow successfully; sunlight, soil and water.  Herbs are no exception.  Sunlight is key to growing any type of plant including herbs whether they are grown indoors or in a garden.  You should place herbs grown in a kitchen or other room in a south or west facing window to get the best kind of sunlight.  Different types of herbs have different light requirements but, for the most part, all need a sunny location.  Some home herb growers supplement the light source with “grow lamps” or fluorescent lamps.  Herbs also need a well drained, not too rich soil to grow in.  Add two parts of sterilized potting soil with one part coarse sand or perlite for herbs that are grown in containers.  You will also need about an inch of gravel at the bottom of each pot to ensure that the plant has good drainage.  Herb grown in pots indoors can also be supplemented with one teaspoon of lime per 5-inch pot to ensure that the soil is sweet enough for the herbs.  Herbs grown in pots also need water.  Misting the plants and moistening the pebbles will help to keep the herbs within humid conditions.  Since they are being grown in containers they do need to have more water then herbs that are grown in a garden but, you should avoid getting the roots of the herbs drenched or soggy.

An advantage to growing herbs in a container is that you have the freedom to move them about as you please.  Annual herbs can spend all of their time indoors but, perennial herbs do better if they were to be placed outside during the summer.  Although all herbs should be brought inside before the first frost in order to avoid the loss of foliage.  This rule is over looked when it comes to mint, chives, and tarragon.  These types of herbs will go into a rest period then form firmer and fresher growth after it is introduced to a light frost.

All herbs can be grown in containers but some herbs do better then others.  Mint is an herb that needs to be contained or it will take over the garden.  Over all it is fairly easy to maintain an indoor herb garden.  It keeps the herbs handy and within reach anytime you need them for cooking.  With these tips listed above, you will be able to care for your herbs and ensure a healthy plant.  You should also include periodic light feeding and yearly repotting for optimum health of the herbs.  You will also have to remember to replant annuals each year and move perennials outdoors when needed.  Plus, use your herbs as much as you want as well as harvest them occasionally.  It is no secret that pruning plants encourages new growth.  This rule also applies to herbs.  So use them in your recipes, store them and give them away to friends.

Herb garden kits contain a large variety of herbs and can be categorized into Italian herbs, culinary herbs, international herbs, German herbs, herbal tea herbs, salsa herbs and many, many more.  All herb kits are different but contain similar items in which to get started with.  All herb kits will contain seeds.  Some herb kits will contain a dome that will provide consistent temperature and humidity for the herb plants to thrive and to grow a healthy root system.  They will also contain an instructional guide.  This will give the herb grower easy to follow instructions to succeed with their herbs.  Some kits will offer recipes in which to us the herbs that you are growing.  Other websites that sell herb garden kits will offer a newsletter you can sign up for which will provide recipes and additional useful information.  Kits will also provide the planter in which the herbs will be grown in.  Again, all kits are different but, most kits will also provide either soil or pellets in which to grow the seeds with.

Growing herbs indoors from an indoor herb kit has many benefits.  First off it is easier to enjoy the herbs because they are right at your finger tips.  You don’t have to trek out to the garden to add a little seasoning to the pot on the stove.   It is also just as easy to harvest herbs and freeze them for future use.  Plus, with the constant growing conditions that is provided to plants in indoor conditions, you don’t have to worry about winterizing herb plants or herbs that don’t survive the winter weather conditions.  The herbs have a constant temperature in which to thrive.  Plus, all herb garden kits are different but most are small and compact.  They are great for small spaces or apartments.  Plus, when growing plants outdoors it can be hard to judge which area in the garden will get the right amount of light for each plant.  Plus, rain fall makes it easy to water plants but too much rain can also be harmful.  By growing herbs indoors with a complete instructional guide, you are able to take the guess work out of this hobby.  Your herbs will be successful every time.

There is probably a better feeling of accomplishment when you become an herb expert and can grow any kind of herb in your garden.  But it takes work to get there and a good way to learn is through an herb kit where the difficulties are removed and you are left with the enjoyment of the herbs.  Once you get to know the herbs you are growing a little bit more, you can move them into your garden and you are on your way to becoming an herb expert.

Basil is a well know Italian herb and useful in many Italian recipes.  Basil will not only add flavor to many Italian cuisines, it is useful in the garden to other plants.  Planting basil next to your peppers and tomatoes will actually improve their flavor.  Plus, basil will also repel flies and mosquitoes.

Parsley is a relatively hard herb plant to grow but it is useful in not only Italian dishes but many other types of cuisines.  Many generations ago before their were breath mints it was found that eating fresh, raw parsley after a meal eradicated the bad breath left over from enjoying a flavorful cuisine.  The tradition arose to serve parsley on a small dish after the meal.  The tradition lives today by using parsley as a garnish on a variety of meals.

Oregano is as decorative as it is flavorful.  When it is fully mature it will sprout pretty little purple flowers.  Oregano should not be harvested until it has flowered because this is when the plant is most flavorful.

Fennel is famous for its seeds that grace and enhance the flavors of Italian sausage.  The interesting thing about fennel is that the plant looses its flavor as it matures.  It is a perennial plant that should be divided and replanted every few years to savor its flavor.

Like basil, rosemary is an Italian herb that is beneficial to the garden.  It grows into a large shrub that spouts pretty little blue flowers.  It helps the garden by attracting bees.  Although it is a tough evergreen perennial, it is sensitive to frost.

Probably the most used herb in Italian cuisines is garlic.  No Italian herb garden would be complete without this useful herb.  Garlic gloves can be planted and will thrive in just about any garden with very little attention.  They can be stored to be used at a later time after they are harvested by freezing them or pickling them to store in the refrigerator.

Sage is used in a variety of Italian dishes from meats to salads.  New shoots of the plant contain the most flavor so it is recommended not to let sage plants to get to woody by keeping them trim.  New shoots will be encouraged to grow.  Sage can be harvested after it blooms.

Although there are so many more herbs that can be included in an Italian herb garden, you really should consider which herbs you will use.  Think about the growing conditions each plant needs and consider whether or not you can provide them.  Yes, Italian herbs add flavor to food but they should also be looked at as more then that.  They also make amazing additions to landscape designs.  They can be displayed for color and their aroma.  By planting Italian herbs amongst other plants, you will be graced with the sweet aromas straight from Italy.  It will be like taking a stroll on a Italian hill side.

Annuals like basil, cilantro, and summer savory will not survive a frost.  They need to be planted from a seed or a small plant every year.  Perennials like sage and winter savory can survive colder temperatures and will return year after year.  Biennial herbs are plants that form leaves in their first growing season and flowers and seed in the second season, then die.  Biennial herbs like parsley, angelica, or caraway should be sown in late spring directly into the garden.  Prepare the soil first by working it to a fine texture and wet it slightly.  Plant the seeds in shallow rows then firm the soil on top of them.  Fine seeds can be planted in a mixture of sand which will allow them to spread more evenly.  You can also cover the bed with wet burlap or paper in order to keep the soil moist during germination.

Herbs are also grouped into the categories for which they are used.  Culinary herbs are probably the most useful to herb gardeners.  They have a huge range of different uses in cooking.  Because of their strong flavors, herbs like chives, thyme, basil, sage, savory, and marjoram are generally used in small quantities to add flavor to different types of food.  Parsley is an extremely popular herb that is used mostly as a garnish.  Aromatic herbs have pleasant smelling flowers or foliage.  Oils from aromatic herbs like loyage, mint, and rosemary can be used to make different types of perfumes, toilet water, or other various scents.  Parts of aromatic herb plants used intact can also be used in the home to scent linens or clothing.  They can also be dried and made into potpourri which will enable them to be able to retain their aroma for a long period of time.  Lavender and lemon verbena are great herbs to use for potpourri.  Some herbs are also used for medicinal purposes.  For centuries herbs have been thought to have the ability to cure the body.  Present medical knowledge recognizes that some herbs are beneficial to one’s health, others are overrated.  Herbs used for medicinal purposes should be used carefully.  Some herbs are harmless but others can be dangerous if eaten.

Some herbs are not used for their flavor, power to heal or fragrance.  Some herbs are also used for their beauty.  Ornamental herbs have brightly colored flowers and foliage.  Many have whitish or various light colored flowers like valerian which has crimson blossoms and borage and chicory which grow gorgeous blue flowers.

While herbs can be categorized into these different categories of uses, many herbs have multiple purposes. For example, mint may be used for cooking, tea, and pest control.  Whatever the reason you have an interest in herbs, by understanding herb garden plants you are able to pick the herbs that will be most useful to you.

Herb gardens can be grown in different ways such as an indoor herb garden in the kitchen or a small plot in the garden.  A small plot of four feet by six feet is a large enough area to support a small family.  Although a popular use for herbs are for cooking known as culinary herbs, they are also grown for their aromatic foliage and some for the beauty of their flowers.  They can be used fresh or dried.  Some herbs are used as garnish for plates or salads while other types of herbs can be used to perk up the flavor of a dish.

Like all other plants herbs grow as annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees.  When planting herbs, you should use well-drained soil.  If you find that your soil is heavy or compacted, you can add organic matter to it.  Fertilizers are not necessary either.  Most herbs prefer a sunny location although a few prefer full shade.  Many herbs will grow well with afternoon shade.  Amazingly, very few diseases or insects attack herbs.  Sometimes in dry, hot weather red spider mites can be found on low-growing plants and aphids may attach dill, caraway, anise, or fennel.  Rust can also affect mint.

Herbs can be bought and planted into a home garden or they can be grown from seeds.  It is an honor and a joy to be able to see a plant be grown from a single seed.  You are able to enjoy every step of the process from birth to death in a respect.  When growing a plant like an herb from a seed the experience is all the more rewarding because herbs are so useful.  Almost all herbs can be grown from a seed.  Seeds should be placed in a shallow pot or box in the late winter.  Use a light, well-drained soil to grown your seeds in.  Since herbs do not have a deep root base, make sure not to cover the seeds too much with the soil.  They should be planted shallow.  Follow the rule: the finer the seed, the shallower it should be sown.  You can transplant the seedlings to the outdoors in the spring.  Although most herbs can be grown from seeds, some herbs do not transplant well.  Herbs like dill, fennel, anise, and coriander should be planted directly into the garden.

Although growing herbs in a home garden is extremely easy and worthwhile, there is a lot of information you need to know and understand about herbs.  This article has given you a lift and now it is time to complete the journey with more information.  And you can find all of the information you need right here!  Good Luck!