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I have grown herbs for many years using them to cook with, for cosmetics, for medicinal purposes, and for aromatherapy. Growing herbs is as easy as growing flowers and are relatively pest and disease free. Herbs need a well-drained area, lots of sun and fertile soil in order to thrive and grow. Perennials require less attention than annuals, only needing to be given special care for winter protection.
The best soil for herbs is average garden soil with organic compost. Organic matter turned into the soil will release nutrients slowly. This will allow the herbs to be fed steadily instead of being drenched with fast acting fertilizers. Add organic fertilizers and compost in the fall the year before you plant your herbs so they can break down through the winter months. Be sure to have your soil tested for its pH level which for most herbs the idea range is 6.5 to 7.0.
When it comes to planting herbs, most can be started from seeds sown in the garden or started in pots or trays indoors. Some herbs that have already been started indoors can be purchased from nurseries or garden shops. New herb growers may want to use already developed plants as they will be much hardier than seedlings. If growing your own herbs from seeds indoors, be sure to rotate your plant trays to prevent the plants from bending in one direction. It is also advisable to harden them off by first putting them in a sheltered location after all danger of frost is gone. This will enable your plants to gradually get adjusted to outside conditions. Be sure to check planting guides and hardiness zones for proper planting instructions of individual plants.
Some herbs can be very invasive so you might want to consider planting them in containers. Two herbs that I found to be very invasive were feverfew and peppermint. Both of these quickly tried to take over my garden until I dug them up and put them in containers.
When growing herbs you will find that they may need to be cut back or pruned several times through their growing season. This pruning will help the plant stay healthy, prevent it from becoming leggy and help keep insects and disease down.
The best time to harvest your herbs is on a dry, sunny day around 10 o’clock in the morning. The best time to harvest leaves for flavor and fragrance is right before the herb’s flowers bloom. Annuals can be harvested right up to the first frost. Harvesting of perennials should be stopped about 30 days before the first frost to allow the plant to harden off in preparation for the winter months. To protect the more tender perennials you can put wire cages around them, wrap plastic around the cages and then fill with straw and leaves. This will give them extra protection from harsh winter weather.
If you are unsure how to care of a particular herb, you can ask advice from nursery workers, check out a gardening book at the library or look it up on a reputable website on-line.
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Author Bio Box: Agnes Farside
 http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/110407/agnes_farside.html
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