An Introduction to Herb Garden Plants

Gardening herbs is highly rewarding. You get to enjoy the benefits of a great hobby and you also get to enjoy the benefits of the herbs you grow. Those just getting started with growing herbs may need a starting point. Familiarizing yourself with the different kinds of herbs will help you decide which plants are best for your garden. Knowing what kind of plants you are using helps you to plan a better garden. So, let go of your fears and get started today.

Annuals are herb garden plants, which will grow once a year. You plant these in the spring and tend to them through the summer. With proper maintenance, you should be able to enjoy the plants as well as their clippings all season. Annuals die in the fall due to weak root structure. The best way to be able to enjoy these plants again next year is to dry the blooms. These contain the seeds you need to replant in the spring. Examples of annuals are dill and borage.

Biennials are plants, which survive for two seasons. These typically will not create fruit until the second year. You will be able to enjoy the leaves from these plants both years. Just like the annuals, these can be replanted from the seeds they produce. Typically the stalks of biennials are much thicker the second year. The flavor and aroma from the herbs are also more pungent in the second year. Examples of biennials include caraway and parsley.

Perennials are plants, which will come back year after year. While the leaves will die off, the roots remain healthy. You will notice the plants budding again in the spring. By the summer, your plant will be in full foliage. The thing to look out for with perennials is their tendency to take over a garden. Because they do not die when fall hits, they continue to grow and get bigger every year. Proper planning will box these herb garden plants in. Examples of perennials include chives and peppermint.

Shrubs are a type of perennial plant, which are very woody. These herb garden plants take up more space than other herbs. This is because of a very hardy root structure. Proper pruning helps to keep these plants in check. It is recommended you trim shrubs whether you use the trimmings or not. The one thing you do not want is for the leaves to fall in the rest of your garden. Pruning these plants helps the rest of your garden stay healthy. Examples of shrubs include rosemary and elder.

Semi-shrubs are woody on the bottom while leafy on top. These are not nearly as invasive as shrubs can be. The root structure is still quite firm, but not as spread out. You will be able to enjoy these herb garden plants for years to come without having to commit to strenuous pruning. One of the best examples of semi-shrubs is the lavender plant. It is fitting such a soothing herb would be easy to tend to.

Brian Chamberlain
17 Oct 2009

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Brian Chamberlain has been an Herb Garden enthusiast for over 20 years and has helped many people get started in this amazing hobby. For more great information on herb garden plants visit his site at: http://www.secretsofaherbgarden.com while you are there don't forget to sign up for his FREE 10 part Secrets of a Herb Garden Mini-Course.

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