Herb garden plants come in annuals, perennials, and biennials like other types of plants. There are so many different types of herbs and each one is different. If you are interested in a specific type of herb garden plants, you should research that one to understand the care it needs and how to use it properly. This article will get you started in understanding general different types of herb garden plants and what they are used for.

Basil, cilantro, and summer savory which are known to be annuals will not survive a frost. They have to be planted from a seed or from a small plant every year. On the other hand, sage and winter savory which are known to be perennials survive in cold temperatures and comes back every after a year. Herb garden plants which are biennial form leaves in their first growing season and flowers and seed in the second season, then die. Some examples of biennial herb plants are parsley, angelica, and caraway. These should sown in late spring directly into the garden. The preparation of soil is important. It should be worked into a fine texture and should be slightly wet. Seeds should be planted in shallow rows then firm the soil on top of them. You can plant fine seeds in a mixture of sand which will allow the seeds to spread more evenly. Covering the bed with wet burlap or paper is possible in order to keep the soil moist during germination.

Herb garden plants 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 are extremely popular herb garden plants that are 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 garden 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 verbenas are great herb garden plants 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 herb garden plants are beneficial to ones health, others are overrated. Herbs used for medicinal purposes should be used carefully. Some herb garden plants are harmless but others can be dangerous if eaten.

Some herb garden plants 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 herb garden plants 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.

Before you move on with your garden research online, make sure you check Jack Grants’ excellent free tips on Herb Garden Plants, and sign up for additional garden solution for his free newsletter. Click here.