HERBS4U

Creating a Herb Garden

You don't need very much space to grow herbs; a small border, or even a collection of containers will provide an adequate supply. If you do have the room, of course, a full-scale herb garden is not only practical but rewarding and decorative as well.

Most herbs are undemanding and easy to grow. They are essentially wild plants and do not require rich, highly cultivated soil. A sunny, sheltered position protected from biting winter winds will suit the plants, though some such as Lemon Verbena and Bay may need winter protection.

A formal framework of rectangular beds and gravel paths keeps herbs neatly under control and makes cultivating and picking much easier.

DESIGN

Lavender makes a scented and sturdy hedge in a herb garden

A formal layout of small beds dissected by paths provides a satisfying framework for the lax, untidy growth of many herbs. It also makes tending and harvesting the plants easier.

A single species to each bed can look really effective. In complete contrast, an informal cottage-garden style provides plenty of scope for imaginative, exuberant planting.
Raised beds or large containers make easy-to-control self-contained herb gardens.

MAINTENANCE

Many herbs are prolific growers. Harvesting helps to keep them under control, but don't be afraid to cut them back ruthlessly. A light mulch of garden compost applied in spring or autumn, helps to keep the herbs in good heart. Most of the plants will stand dry summers, but moisture-lovers such as Mint and Valerian, which are apt to bolt if it is too dry, will need watering.

Herbs and Food

Plants are very nutritious. They are our main source of vitamins and minerals and provide carbohydrate, protein and roughage. The plants usually called herbs are particularly potent. This points out the narrow divide between food and medicine - a well-nourished body is less likely to get ill.

Nettle for example, contains iron and vitamin C. Kelp contains sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, aluminium and silica as well as vitamin B1 (thiamin).Alfalfa also makes a good multivitamin and mineral supplement since it contains all the vitamins as well as calcium, magnesium phosphorus and potassium.

Knowing about the nutritional value of herbs can change your attitude to cooking; adding generous portions of herbs to food becomes more than just adding flavour. Herbs can also be added fresh to salads as a pleasurable way of avoiding nutritional deficiencies.

Not only is what you eat important, but the efficiency with which food is absorbed is crucial. Many herbs stimulate digestive enzymes and encourage efficient intestinal activity. Some of these are still used as culinary herbs; Fennel, Caraway, Dill and Cumin all contain antispasmodic oils which reduce colic. Bitter herbs such as Dandelion encourage liver function. Others, such as Senna, encourage bowel activity.

THE POWER OF PLANTS: the Art of Herbalism

Use the various properties of beneficial herbs to help you feel more healthy and better able to cope with everyday problems. Very simple remedies can be easily made from dried or fresh herbs, and substituting herbal teas for stimulating drinks such as tea, coffee and cola will help you to relax and reduce tension. There is much you can do with herbs yourself to treat minor health problems and help your body deal with everyday stresses.

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas are also called infusions or tisanes, and are a simple and delicious way of extracting the goodness and flavour from the aerial parts of the herbs. You can use either fresh or dried herbs to make a

tea (use twice as much fresh plant material as dried). If you find the taste of some herb teas bitter, they can be sweetened with a little honey or flavoured by stirring with a Licorice stick or adding slices of fresh Ginger.

Please read our Disclaimer for important information about the use of herbs.

The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be used to prescribe, diagnose, treat or cure any illnesses or diseases or as a substitute for professional healthcare. If you have a serious health problem, we strongly recommend that you consult a competent healthcare provider.