Growing Herbs for Herbal Teas

Herbal teas are also know as infusions, and are a pleasant treat. In most cases, the leaves or flowers are used to make the tea. For the strongest flavor, these "teas" should be used as soon as they are cool enough to drink. Although some herbal teas taste wonderful when they are "iced," and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.

Some of the most common herbs used in making herbal teas include:

• Mint (any variety)
• Ginger
• Chamomile
• Lemon-balm.

Many of these are easy to grow in patio pots or a sunny patch of ground, and can be started from seed or purchased at your local nursery or garden center.

Remember, when growing mint in the ground, it will easily take over and crowd the other plants. Mints should be grown in a container or you can cut the bottom out of a five gallon bucket, bury it in your growing space and plant the mints within it.

Ginger is a tropical plant and should be planted in a container and taken inside for the cool months in most parts of the country.

Making herbal tea is a very easy process. Place your herbs of choice in a cup, or, if you prefer not to have the leaves in your tea, use a tea ball or muslin bag to contain the herbs. Gently pour hot, but not boiling, water over the herbs. Steep your leaves for a few minutes and then enjoy your cup of tea.

Herbs can be mixed for new and exotic flavors. Try combining several different herbs like sage, thyme, marjoram and chamomile for a wonderfully calming tea.

Herbs can also be added to store-bought teas. Try adding any of the flavored mints like apple mint or even scented geranium leaves to your favorite black or green tea blend.

There is no better way to end a day than sitting down and relaxing with a cup of your own herbal tea.

*Author's Note: Please be sure that you have correctly identified any herb that you use in your tea making as safe to ingest/edible.

What to Grow in an Italian Herb Garden

Have you ever bought a bottle of “Italian Herb” Seasoning? Wouldn’t it be great to have your own Italian Herb Garden at your disposal whenever you need to add some spice to your favorite recipe? It’s easier than you may think!

Herbs are wonderful plants that can add beauty to your garden as well as flavor to your favorite dishes. At-home herb gardens are making a come back as more and more people experiment with new flavors in their cooking.

Italian herbs have become some of the more popular for kitchen herb beds. A small sunny garden space can be taken advantage of to create a complete “Lasagna Garden.” Oregano, parsley, basil and sage and rosemary can be grown in any sunny location, including patio pots or a window box for year long use.

What to plant in your Italian Herb Garden:

• Oregano – Oregano tends to take over in the herb bed if it is not contained or at least pruned vigorously. It also does very well as a container plant. Use the fresh leaves sprinkled over meats or in sauces. Oregano is a fantastic addition to Pizza Sauce. For year long use, dry the leaves and store is a glass container.
• Parsley – Parsley is well known as a garnish and for its unique flavor. This biennial herb prefers full sun and will do equally well in patio pots or in the ground. Toss this flavorful herb into a fresh garden salad for a refreshing treat. Basil – Considered a tender annual in many areas of the country, basil grows well in patio pots. A perfect match with tomatoes, basil is used extensively in Italian cooking. Use fresh leaves or freeze for year long enjoyment.
• Sage – A hardy herb that packs a powerful flavor punch, sage grows in nearly any type of soil, but prefers full sun. Use sage to flavor rabbit, pork or poultry. It is also very good as a flavoring for sausage. Leaves may be used fresh or dried and stored for later use.
• Rosemary – A tender perennial, rosemary is best suited to patio pots or indoor window boxes in much of the country. Use rosemary to give meats a gourmet touch. Leaves may be used fresh or dried and stored.

As you experiment with new flavors, you may want to add new varieties of these and other herbs. Additionally you may want to add a Roma Style tomato plant for truly fresh tasting authentic Italian dishes.

Easy Care Herbs for Your Culinary Herb Garden

If you have ever wanted to start growing your own herbs, here are some easy care plants to get you started.

• Chives - These herbs are not a bit picky about where they live or how rich the soil is. It has been my experience that chives will grow and thrive no matter where they are planted. Several years ago we purchased a new home. I found an old window box that had been discarded behind one of the out-buildings. In that old dilapidated box, were some of the nicest chive plants you have ever seen. I've still never done anything with them and they continue to grow fragrant and tasty each year.
• Oregano - This plant also does not seem to care about soil conditions, and will do well just about anywhere. Oregano is a low growing plant that will spread so you will want to choose your planting area with this in mind. To increase growth of foliage, simply cut back the flowers.
• Thyme - Resembling a tiny shrub,Thyme is a hardy little plant that adds fantastic flavor to many different foods.
• Sage - A bit more particular than the others we've discussed, Sage prefers full sun and good drainage. Neither of which is difficult to achieve. Use mostly for flavoring meats and making a supremely fragrant stuffing.

These four easy care herbs will give you a very good start in your kitchen herb garden.
Whether you choose to plant them in a small plot by the kitchen door or in containers on the patio, after you've started growing them, you'll be inspired to try your hand at growing others.

Growing Herbs In Your Garden

by Norma Maria

Why would you want to grow herbs in your garden? Fresh herbs are awesome. I love just putting basil leaves on a tuna sandwich and in salads. For the culinary lovers herbs are something they need fresh. Herbs serve as a major source for seasoning in preparation of foods. Herbs have a wider range of use. Some are used for scents and cosmetics while others for medicinal purposes. Effective ayurvedic herbs and Chinese healing herbs are indications of the ancient remedies. Some herbs are believed to have possessed magical charms and many a story has been written about magical potions. Herbs and spices have been major sources of trade between kingdoms and countries.

Herbs of yore are being rediscovered by modern science for fragrances and curing illness. Our ancestors knew the uses for almost every wild non-poisonous plant. Some of these plants were needed in the garden more as they never had refrigerator or the modern preservatives. These herbs served in many purposes like dyeing homespun fabrics, storing with linen to prevent insects and adding fragrance, preserving or enhancing the tastes of food.

Herb Gardens were almost an essential feature of pioneer homes. Sunny corners of the house that were readily accessible to home makers were planted with seasoning herbs. Wild crafted Herbs that grew wild in the country side were also grown in the garden. Gardeners are not rediscovering the value of these herbs and are taking pleasure in producing their own herbs. Herbs can be classified according to their use: culinary, aromatic, ornamental and medical.

Culinary herbs
These are the most useful to herb gardeners. Garnishes and flavoring is where they are used more. A common list is Parsley, Sage, Chives, Thyme, Savory, Marjoram, Mint and Basil.

Aromatic Herbs
This sweet smelling foliage has been used for producing perfumes. Flowers are mostly used but even plant parts are used. Dried herbs retain their aroma for longer periods. Some aromatic herbs are Mint, Marjoram, Lovage, Lavender, Rosemary and Basil.

Ornamental Herbs
These herbs have bright flower and foliage. Variegated Thyme, Chives, Lavender as well as Valerian with crimson blossoms and borage and chicory with blue flowers are some ornamental herbs.

Medicinal Herbs
Some plants are thought to have healing powers. Modern science has researched and recognized some herbs as true healers while others have been said to be over rated in healing powers. Some of these herbs must be consumed carefully or it could result in dangerous consequences.

Gardeners Classification
Annuals, Biennials, and perennials are so called because of the nature of blooming and life span of the herb.

• Annuals bloom one season and then die. These herbs include Anise, Basil, Chervil, Coriander, Dill, Summer Savory, etc.
• Biennials live for two seasons. They bloom only in the second season. These include Caraway, Parsley, etc.
• Perennials bloom each season. These include Chives, Fennel, Lovage, Marjoram, Mint, Tarragon, Thyme, Winter Savory, etc.

Gardeners Tips for you

• If you intend to begin an herb garden then your guide to herbs for you to are Winter Savory, Rosemary, Sage, Sweet Basil, Dill, Mint, Marjory, Parsley, Chives and Summer Savory. You could choose any other herb to grow in your garden but know whether they are annuals, biennials or perennials.
• Herbs do not grow in wet soil. Good drainage is a must. Improve drainage by placing a 5 inch layer of crushed stones 15 to 18 inches below the top soil.
• Mix the soil with compost and sand to lighten the texture and increase fertility. Do not use fertilizers as highly fertile soils produce excess foliage with poor flavor.
• Almost all herbs can be grown from seeds. If possible sow seeds in shallow boxes in late winter and transplant these seedlings outdoors in spring. Anise, coriander, dill and fennel can be sown directly. Biennials should be sown in late spring directly into the ground. You could obtain an indoor herb garden kit and start of growing herbs indoors as well.
• Cutting and division is a useful method in propagating certain herbs.
• Harvesting in the form of picking the leaves is to be done when the plant has enough foliage to maintain growth. Harvest leaves before the flower buds open. This is when the flavor is at the peak . Pick seed heads when the color changes from green to brown or gray.
• Very few diseases or insects attack herbs. Rust infects mints and aphids may attack Caraway, Fennel, Dill and Anise.
• You could refrigerate or even dry herbs for later use.

http://www.herbportal.com is an attempt to make known some ancient rediscovered wisdom of herbs. The guide to herbs , indoor herb garden kit, etc. are articles that are aimed to provide comprehensive knowledge on herbs. What ever be the way you use herbs fresh or in perfumes it has a lot of benefits. Discover these and more.