If you are wondering how to start herb garden without much fuss, you have come to the right place. Let us have a quick run in with the world of herb gardens to set you on your way to start herb garden without a sweat.

Nurture your Desire

Let your heart and mind desire the herbs you would like to surround yourself with. The desire starts as a seed of want inside you to have an herb garden of your own. Nurture it by gathering enough information to get you started.

Know the Herbs you Want or Need

There is no point in growing an herb just for the heck of it. Each herb has a purpose for existing in this planet, may it be culinary, medicinal, ornamental, or aromatic. Make a list of those herbs that you will need and use, for whichever reason, everyday or occasionally.

Know your Grounds for Herb Garden

Some are blessed with lots of garden space to accommodate most of the popular herbs in their backyard. Stop fretting if you are not among those lucky few. Herbs are relatively easy-to-grow plants and will thrive well both outdoors and indoors without complaining. Herbs can be grown in pots or containers or directly in the ground. Take your pick and garner ways to make it happen.

Start an Indoor Herb Garden

If you would rather start an indoor herb garden, the first step would be to select the pot or containers to sow the herb seeds in. Small ones are convenient to move around while large ones are a good choice if you like to grow two or more herbs in one pot. Pots or containers with good drainage are your ideal choice as herbs have an aversion to excess water.

Location Logistics

To start an indoor herb garden you have a choice of windowsills, patios, kitchen counters, and hanging baskets. Keep in mind that herbs need a lot of sunlight to grow while considering your choice of location.

Sunshine Nourishment

Any word would fall short of describing how critical sunlight is for the healthy growth of herbs. Few herbs such as parsley will do fine under partial shade, but even those require a certain amount of full sun everyday. However, it is also equally important to shift them indoors or under shade during intense summer heats of the afternoons.

Waterways

Water is essential to keep the soil sufficiently moist. Care should be taken to prevent water logging during rainfall at all costs. Too much water smothers the herb plants and can prove fatal for them.

Soil Significance

Preparation of soil is one of the most important steps in this entire process of how to start your own herb garden. Organic matter should be added to the potting soil used for pots and containers. The native soil of your garden has to be reworked to provide optimum level of growth to the herbs. This can be done by mixing required amounts of organic matter and compost to the well-drained soil. Attractive mulch can be applied to avert excess water retention.

Sowing the Herb Seeds

Now that you are all set to initiate the real action, you can sow the herb seeds in the designated place without much ado. Make sure that the seeds are planted shallow in the soil avoiding overlapping of seeds. The finer the herb seed, shallower it has to be sown to speed up propagation.

Watch them Grow

This is the most anticipated phase once you start your own herb garden. Watching them grow into mature plants with green shapely leaves and lovely vibrant flowers is sheer delight. The feeling is very personal – a one on one connection with each herb that you grow that should never be missed.

Container Herb Garden Design

Growing herbs in pots is the focus of container herb garden design. Almost all herbs take to container planting. In fact, most of the herb seeds have to be sown in pots and kept indoors to transplant them outdoors later as seedlings. Windowsill herb garden layouts and hanging basket herb gardens are two types of indoor herb garden designs. One essential consideration while choosing the location for the potted herbs is sunlight.

Formal Herb Garden Design

Herbs are relatively easy-to-grow plants needing very little intervention on our parts for them to thrive. However, do not underestimate the planning and the maintenance required to take care of an herb garden set in a formal herb garden layout. Landscaped herb gardens need a lot of care and detailing. Formal herb garden plans include symmetry in the form of geometric patterns, knot gardens, and interweaving herb gardens that offer a sense of structure to your herb garden.

Select the herbs you desire in your homes. Map your garden space on a piece of paper with the dimensions. Consider the design or structure that you want for your herb garden and the unique characteristics of each herb plant that will be planted in your herb garden. Characteristics of an herb plant include its height, color, fragrance, life span, growth conditions such as spacing, soil, sunlight, and water, and the purpose for which it is to be grown in your herb garden. Formal herb garden design needs a focal point in the centre such as a birdbath. Few ornamental herbs are sure to add a riot of color and texture to the topiary such as those discussed below:

Zing of Ornamental Herbs in the Herb Garden Designs

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – is a Mediterranean, woody, perennial herb belonging to the mint family. It is known as “dew of the sea” due to its proximity to the sea and is a mark of remembrance. Rosemary has shiny green pointed needlelike leaves with little blue flowers in early spring. This herb is excellent as a hedging plant and blends well with coarser plants. It can be trimmed and shaped to fit in with the formal herb garden design. It reaches a height of two feet. Due to its fragrant flowers and foliage, it can easily add value to aromatic landscaping designs.

Catmint (Nepeta × faassenii) – with its small grayish-green leaves and beautiful lavender flowers in summer promises an arresting look adorning the edges of the herb garden landscape. It grows to 18 inches tall and has an arching habit that gives the impression slanting plant. It is often used as a groundcover in most of the herb garden designs.

Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) – is a low perennial plant with white daisy-like flowers in summer and pleasant smelling aromatic threadlike leaves. It grows to 12 inches. It is used as a patchy groundcover in the herb garden layouts usually planted in between paving stones.

Oregano (Origanum laevigatum) – with its proud purplish-pink flowers in summer grows uninhibited in stonewalls to a height of 2 feet. Rich purple-tinted dark green leaves and the delightful purple-pink flowers add zest to an ornamental garden and blends well in any herb garden landscape.

Silver Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – thrives well in cracks and crevices growing up to 12 inches tall. Its lush abundance of aromatic silver-edged leaves and smallish lavender-pink summer blooms softens the hard edges in herb garden landscaping and can be planted dotting the pathway.

With little bit of planning, hard work, and herb garden designs your herb garden can easily become your fashionable haven of restful retreat.

Ayurveda – Use of Medicinal Herbs from the Vedic Age

The Science of Ayurveda has its foundation in the study of medicinal herbs since the Vedic Age in India. Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Atharva Veda, and Sama Veda – the four Vedas of that era bear testimony to the use of medicinal herbs as a natural way of treatment for leading a healthy life.

Medicinal Herbs for Health Management

Diabetics Treatment – Garlic, fenugreek, blueberry, and ginseng are few medical herbs that regulate the sugar levels for both Type I and Type II Diabetics.

Cholesterol Management – Medicinal herbs such as alfalfa, garlic bulb, licorice root, fenugreek seeds, thyme, aloe vera, turmeric, ginseng, and cayenne revitalizes your internal system and aids in cholesterol management.

Healing Hypertension (high blood pressure) – Medical herbs such as cayenne, hawthorn berry, aloe vera, parsley, and garlic aid in treating people afflicted with hypertension.

Heart Tending Herbs – Garlic, hawthorn, cayenne, valerian, and bilberry are few medicinal herbs that increase blood circulation thereby protecting your heart.

Dealing with Digestive Disorders – Growing medicinal herbs such as German and Roman chamomile, ginger, goldenseal, lemon balm, licorice, peppermint, and turmeric will help soothe the stomach and deal with digestive disorders.

Mending Mental Problems – Medicinal herbs like St. John’s Wort, ginseng, licorice, and valerian assist in fighting depression and anxiety.

Growing Medicinal Herbs for Better Health

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) – provides refreshment and is used as an air freshener and an inhalant.

Garlic (Allium sativa) – is a perennial herb with flat leaves and pink summer flowers. The globose bulb of garlic containing 10 to 15 cloves are used directly or as extracted essential oil to treat bacterial infection, reduce fever through increased perspiration, lower cholesterol and sugar levels and blood pressure. The pungent herb is also considered an aphrodisiac. It is effective against acne, spots, and lupus. Consumption of garlic has a positive effect on diabetes and gastric problems.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) – Herbal tea made of the leaves of sweet basil treats indigestion. Massaging with its cold oil relaxes sore muscles.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum moseranum) – is around 2000 years old and was used to ward off evil spirits and witches. It is an easy to grow hardy perennial shrub with bright yellow flowers. It can be grown from seeds as well as by rooting small cuttings. It is a medicinal herb for treating anxiety, depression, kidney ailments, and pulmonary problems. Leaves of the herb are used to make teas and tincture.

Chamomile (German – Matricaria recutita, Roman – Chamaemelum nobile) –
Chamomile is a sweet smelling plant that has blue flowers and slightly bitter leaves. Homemade chamomile tea is known to soothe frayed nerves instantly. It is usually made out of its flowers that can be dried and stored for later use. Chamomile paste treats toothaches. Chamomile is a popular medicinal herb for improving the immune system, alleviating stomachaches, and treating colds. Another interesting fact is the presence of chamomile as a hair rinse and in cosmetics.

Angelica (Angelica archangelica) – Angelica has antibacterial and antiseptic properties and its dried leaves are used to make herbal tea for increased blood circulation, and reducing flatulence.

Catmint (Nepeta musinii) – is a member of the erstwhile mint family and is a strong smelling aromatic perennial herb with purple-blue flowers. Cats love to nip on its leaves and are a popular sedative. It is an effective treatment for cold, fever, headache, and stomach upsets.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – The flowers of this plant is used as a mouthwash for gums and the creams made out of its petals can be applied on cuts and bruises. The extracts of calendula have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

Borage and thyme for courage, lovage for love, basil for romance, peppermint for warm feelings, rosemary for improved memory and chamomile and lavender to ward off evil eye. This is enough proof of the holistic nature of the medicinal herbs.

Golden Question – How to grow herbs for profit?

It is no different from growing herbs for yourself in your own herb garden except for the following few pointers:

* Plan ahead in detail.

* Research the area you are living and the consumption habits of your target customers.

* Research your herbs thoroughly keeping in mind the above point and the climatic conditions suitable for growing them.

* This is on a larger scale, so be serious about your business and keep yourself updated of the latest news on growing healthy herbs.

* Replicate what you would want as a customer in your produce by providing optimum conditions for the herbs to thrive.

* Give extra attention to the use of compost and organic matter while preparing soil for planting herbs to ensure increased amount of nutrients and enzymes in the final product.

Herb Business – Testing Waters

‘Start small, think big’ should be your motto if you are not ready to take a full plunge at the onset. Start your own herb garden with those herbs you would need for the day-to-day chores of your life. For example, if you love cooking Italian dishes, you cannot do without the addition of Italian herbs such as basil (can you imagine pesto sauce without it?) parsley, oregano, and sage to name a few, in your herb garden. Once you are done using them for whatever purpose you intended, you could try selling the extras in the market for a profit.

As you keep placing the herbs on offer for sale every now and then, you will soon learn the herbs that are in demand, their selling price, and the approximate profit to be made. Starting small involves very little monetary risk as growing herbs hardly costs anything. Initial investment is low and the profits definitely alluring once you get the hang of the business end of growing and selling the herbs.

Various Avenues of Selling Herbs for Profit

There are several different ways in which to profit from your herb garden. They are as varied as the uses of herbs.

Sale of Fresh Herbs in the Farmer’s Market

You can make a profit from growing herbs by selling fresh herbs in the local market as there is growing demand for fresh produce. Popular herbs in demand are sage, chives, tarragon, parsley, basil, fennel, thyme, mint, and rosemary. Most of these are culinary herbs used to flavor food preparations. Growing medicinal herbs for profit is also a lucrative idea. There are two essential criteria to be taken care of right after harvesting to keep the herbs fresh for a longer period – lower the temperature and prevent loss of moisture both of which can be achieved by quickly dunking them in cold water and letting the excess moisture evaporate before packaging them.

Sale of Dried Herbs

Dried herbs can be sold to the stores or supermarkets, as there is enough demand for those too. Fresh cut herbs can be either air dried by hanging a bunch of herbs upside down or by using a dehydrator on a tray laid out with the herbs to be dried. A hot and dry temperature dries the herbs faster and helps retain the flavor and the aroma of fresh herbs much better.

Sale of Herbal Amulets

Charms and amulets are still in vogue and carry a lot of hope as they did ages ago. This is a profit-making venture if you can use the herbs from your garden to make amulets. The following are few herbs and their symbolisms:

Basil – Romance
Bergamot – Enchantress
Borage – Courage
Mint – Wisdom and Virtue
Cardamom – Peace
Parsley – Rejoice
Sage – Memory and Immortality
Rosemary – Friendship and Protection

Growing herbs for profit is an extremely profitable venture and an enjoyable experience that any layman can try a hand at.

Handy Herbs for Growing – Top Picks

There are an astounding number of herbs for growing in your herb garden for various purposes.

Culinary herbs for growing – Basil, parsley, thyme, fennel, chives, oregano, sage, and rosemary

Medicinal herbs for growing – Garlic, mint, anise, fennel, and basil

Ornamental herbs for growing – Lavender, rosemary, thyme, and mint

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Brilliance

* Traditionally basil stands for love and romance.

* Varieties include lemon basil, Thai basil, Holy or sacred basil, and sweet basil. Sweet basil is the most popular culinary herb that is extensively used in salads and tomato dishes. It is the main ingredient in the preparation of pesto sauce.

* It is a tender annual that can be grown from seeds both indoors and outdoors.

* Sunlight is essential for its growth and as it does not survive frost, it has to be shifted indoors during winters.

* The best time to harvest basil is right before it produces flowers for once it does, the leaves loses its flavor.

* Spicy global basil serves as an edging plant in the ornamental gardens due to its spectacular purple hues.

Priceless Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

* Parsley represents merriment and is a biennial plant usually grown as an annual as it bolts (flowers prematurely) and perishes quickly in the second season.

* Parsley seeds have a long germination period of three to four weeks and the plants are ready for harvest in 14 weeks.

* Curly-leaved and flat-leaved parsleys are two popular varieties and both can flourish in full sun and partial shade.

* Curly ones are bitter and it the flat-leaved or Italian parsleys that are best known for their culinary uses.

* Harvest whole stems and remove only one-third of the leaves at any point in time to encourage better growth.

* The leaves of the plant taste better during the first year.

* Parsley if grown indoors needs large pots to grow in due to its elongated taproots.

Terrific Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

* Thyme, a perennial plant, is a symbol of courage and daring.

* Thyme is one of the relatively easier herbs for growing even for novice herb gardeners.

* It is a Mediterranean herb requiring lot of sun and is used in most of the traditional French cuisines as garnish, part of bouquets garnis, in clam chowder, and seasonings.

* Thyme retains the flavor and aroma of fresh herbs even when dried.

* It requires frequent pruning for healthy growth and is harvested by cutting it back to the ground.

* It makes excellent fillers around the crevices and along the pathways and permeates intoxicating scents when crushed on.

Refreshing Mint (Mentha)

* Mint is popular for refreshment and is an invasive hardy perennial spreading easily like wild fire.

* It has to be contained while planting as it can take over the entire garden and your home.

* Enclosing it with edging and mulching will help contain the plant.

* Mint varieties include apple mint, pineapple mint, bergamot mint used in colognes and potpourris, Corsican mint, peppermint, pennyroyal, and spearmint, almost all of which make refreshing teas.

* Spring is the best time to harvest mint sprigs.

Lovely Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

* Lavender is a colorful perennial that identifies with the feeling devotion.

* Lavender is known to heal our headaches, soothe our nerves, and relax our senses.

* It is considered to be one of the best aromatic ornamental herbs that is popular for its perfumes and as decorations because of its vibrant hues ranging from shades of purple, blue, and white.

* It matures into a very large plant with beautiful flowers.

Growing herbs is a rewarding process that can be a real stress buster. The experience of planting herbs as seeds, tending to their needs, and watching them grow into mature foliage that provides an incredible range of uses is indescribable.

Purposeful Existence

The benefits of herbs grown in your fresh herb garden far surpass your toil to grow them. Herbs are much easier to grow than any other plant in the garden and require minimal care and attention throughout their growth. Understanding their various purposes will throw light on the merits of having a fresh herb garden within your homes.

Food & Faith – Each herb has a definite purpose; they are here for a reason. Culinary herbs for growing such as parsley, sage, and oregano enhance the taste of a meal by adding flavor to food. Basil (known as tulsi in India) apart from adding zing to many dishes takes a pride of place in the Hindu religion as a sacred herb offered as blessing from God. Myrrh, ague root, and frankincense are few sacred herbs used in Christianity.

Miracle Cures – Garlic, chives, peppermint, and ginseng are few medicinal herbs for growing in the herb garden that have been used for centuries as herbal remedies for treatment of several ailments. Their medicinal benefits find mention even in holy texts such as the Bible, Koran, and the Vedas. The parts used for these purposes vary from herb to herb such as their seeds, roots, leaves, flowers, and even pericarp of the plant.

Pest Repellants – The wonders of beneficial uses of herbs never cease. They are also used for pest control. Herbs such as mint and pennyroyal help get rid of insects and bugs such as flies, mice, ants, flees, and moth. Herb plants are also used as companion plants to ward off insects with their strong aroma.

Aromatic Decorations – Ornamental and aromatic herbs for growing in your herb garden such as lavender, silver thyme, chamomile, oregano, sage, and rosemary add a whole new vibrancy with their incredible hues and aromas to the herb garden landscape as well as your homes.

The use of fresh herbs from your herb garden enhances the beneficial properties of the herbs thereby enriching everything that the herbs are used for – tastier meals, potent medicines, exhilarating fragrance, and enchanting decorations.

Growing Herbs in your Fresh Herb Garden

* Prepare a list of fresh herbs and procure the herb seeds

* Finalize the location of the herb garden – whether indoors or outdoors, plenty of sunlight is a consideration.

* If you are planning an indoor or container herb garden, get pots depending on the size required for different herbs.

* Preparing the soil for growing fresh herbs is an important step in the entire process. Add the required amount of organic matter to create an optimum soil condition for growing fresh and healthy herbs.

* Plant the seeds in the well-drained potting soil and watch it grow by providing the right amount of water to keep the soil sufficiently moist.

Harvesting and Preserving the Fresh Herbs

* Most of the herbs that are harvested for their leaves, the best time to harvest is right before they produce flowers as the leaves lose their flavor after that.

* Frequent pruning is critical for the growth of several herbs such as parsley and lavender for healthy growth.

* The leaves along with the stem can be cut and wrapped in a bundle and hung dried for later use.

* Dehydrator can be used for drying and preserving the fresh herbs by storing them in an airtight container or jar.

* Freezing fresh herbs is another method of preserving them for later use.

* Freezing is a better option than drying as it retains the flavor of the fresh herbs much better that is essential to add value to your cooking.

* Frozen herbs are better used for cooking purposes than as a garnish or in raw salads.

Fresh herb garden is a sure shot way to a healthier life as fresh herbs boast of increased levels of nutrients than the store bought ones.