by Snow Vandemore

Created on: July 24, 2009   Last Updated: July 27, 2009

Creating and maintaining your own practical herb garden is satisfying, both to your senses and to your pocketbook. Herbs are easy to grow, can be used in cooking and baking, developing your own signature teas, potpourri projects and soap making. Herbs have also been used for centuries for their powerful medicinal benefits.

To make the most of your efforts, here are some frequently asked questions and corresponding answers to help you make your own essential herb garden a reality:

- What herbs should I grow?

Herbs are classified as either annuals, biennials or perennials. Perennial herbs, such as chives, lavender, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme, live more than one year without reseeding.

Annual herbs, like basil, dill, coriander, garlic, and summer savory will only live one year and must be reseeded to establish a new plant.

Biennials, including caraway and parsley, do not flower the first year, but in the second. After the bloom, the plant dies off after it reseeds itself.

Which herbs you decide to grow is totally up to you. Whether you are growing herbs for either culinary or medicinal purposes, there are a number of interesting and useful herbs from which to choose. The website, www.gardensablaze.com, contains a comprehensive list of both annual and perennial herbs and their uses.

- Is location of the herb garden important?

Herbs primarily require full sun in order to thrive. Choose an area that is preferably south-facing and receives 6-8 hours of unobstructed sunlight per day.

Due to the sprawling nature of some herbs, you will want to provide adequate space for each plant in your herb garden to grow.

- What kind of soil is best for growing herbs?

Like most plants, herbs prefer a well drained- soil. Most herbs do not fair well with wet feet, so proper drainage is key to a healthy plant.

If you start your herbs from seed, the seed packet will provide specific instructions regarding planting depth, space and water requirements.

- Is it necessary to mulch an herb garden?

In order to prevent weeds and grasses from overtaking your herb garden, establish a physical barrier on top of the dirt , such as rock or cypress mulch, to help keep the moisture in and the weeds out of your garden during the hot summer months.

- When is the best time to pick herbs?

Most herbs reach their peak of flavor just before they flower, which usually occurs in mid to late summer. Flower buds may be pinched off at this time to extend the growing season.

Herbs should be harvested early in the morning while it is still cool. Any dew should be wiped off of the leaves and stems before beginning the drying process, or mold may set in. Pick only stems with healthy leaves.

- How do I dry and store herbs for later use?

Air drying is the most effective and cheapest method to preserve your herbs. Gather five or six branches into a bundle and shake off any insects and/or dirt. Wash leaves gently in cold water if necessary to thoroughly clean. Remove all moisture with a paper towel. Secure the herb bundle with twine or a rubber band and place inside a paper bag with a few holes poked through it. Hang the herbs inside the paper bag upside down in a warm, dry, airy room. Check the herb bundles periodically until all moisture has been removed and they are ready for storage.

Remove any discolored or moldy leaves or stems before storing. A plastic zipper bag, a plastic food container or glass canning jars work well in storing dried herbs. Herbs are best used within one year of drying for optimum flavor.

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