Herb Gardening Tips
Herbs are various kinds of herbaceous plants whose fresh or dried parts are used to season foods, provide fragrances, supply natural dyes, or make industrial and pharmaceutical products. Culinary herbs are used in cooking; some common culinary herbs are basil, French tarragon, rosemary, and thyme.
Common Culinary Herbs
Basil: Basil, also known as French basil or sweet basil, is a popular tender, annual herb. It is native to India and Asia and is grown for its aromatic leaves, which are used fresh or dried as a flavoring. Basil can be direct-seeded or transplanted to the garden in late spring, after all danger of frost is past. The seeds normally germinate in 8-14 days. Basil requires full sun and prefers moist and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0. Typical spacing for basil is 12 inches between plants and 24 to 36 inches between rows.
Basil grown for dried leaves or essential oil is cut just prior to the appearance of flowers. The foliage should be cut at least four to six leaves above the ground to allow for regrowth and a subsequent crop. Japanese beetle, Fusarium, and powdery mildew are potential insect and pest problems on basil plants.
Culinary herbs are usually distinguished from spices, although the two categories overlap. Culinary herbs generally consist of fresh or dried leaves, while spices are seeds, roots, fruits, flowers and bark. Culinary herbs usually have a mild flavor, while spices tend to have a stronger, pungent flavor. Several common spices are cinnamon sticks, anise seeds, and ginger roots.
Planting
Most herbs will grow well with the same sunlight, fertility, soil, growing conditions, and cultural techniques required by vegetables grown in the Northeast. Gardeners should pay special attention to drainage and moisture requirements of certain herbs since many are very sensitive to soil moisture conditions. Sage, rosemary, and thyme require a well-drained, slightly moist soil; parsley, chervil, and mint grow best on soils that retain moisture. Raised beds may provide the necessary moisture and drainage requirements for herbs that require good soil drainage.
Herb Selection
The beginning herb gardener might want to start by growing herbs such as basil, chive, dill, oregano, parsley, sage, and thyme. These herbs can be grouped in “classic” herb gardens, and can be incorporated into flower beds or vegetable gardens.
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