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In a botanical sense, an herb is a plant that does not produce a woody stem and dies back to the ground each winter to a perennial root system. Herbs which include annuals, perennials, biennials, bulbs and grasses.
In the garden sense, herbs are plants that serve as a major source of seasonings in the preparation of foods and also useful for scents in cosmetics or for medicinal purposes.
In the garden of America pioneers, they were the major source of seasonings for foods curing illnesses. You might not know that herbs can store with linens, strewing on floors, covering the bad taste of meats before refrigeration was devised, dyeing homespun fabrics and as fragrances. Now that we have superstores, growing herbs in the garden declined because a wide range of dried herbs became available in stores. Realization that fresh herbs have more distinctive tastes than some dried herbs, more gardeners are growing at least a few herbs for fresh use, drying or freezing way.
Light –
Firstly, find out how much the herb needs sunlight. Most herds need lot of
sunlight only few like angelica, woodruff and sweet cicely are better grown in
partial shade. Not to much of shade. A little will do. The oils,
which account for the herbs¹ flavor, are produced in the greatest quantity when
plants receive six to eight hours of full sunlight each day. If you don¹t have
a good, sunny location, many herbs will tolerate light shade, but their growth
and quality will not be as good.
Soil – Any
good garden soil will let the herb grow, as long as it is not extremely acid or
alkaline; a soil nearly neutral is best for most herbs. If you want to produces
the best herbs, a pH reading between 6.5 and 7.0 will does the trick. Herbs grow
best when soils have adequate organic matter. To prepare average soils,
incorporate 4 inches of peat moss or compost into the garden area to improve
soil condition and help retain moisture. The depth is also important, cultivate
the soil to a depth of 12 to 18 inches. If only a shallow layer of topsoil
exists above hard subsoil, remove the topsoil temporarily. Break up the subsoil,
adding organic matter. After improving the subsoil, put it back. Even though the
topsoil may be better than the subsoil, the topsoil may also need additional
organic matter.
Drainage -
When selecting a place for an herb garden, you really must consider drainage.
Not many of the important herbs grow in wet soils, but a few, such as mint,
angelica and lovage, thrive in fairly moist soils. If you don’t have any place
available and is poorly drained, you need to modify the area. Build raised beds
or install underground drainage tiles to grow herbs successfully.
Pests - Few
insects or diseases attack herbs. In some countries, rusts infect mints. In hot,
dry weather, spider mites damage some herbs. Aphids attack anise, caraway, dill
and fennel. Grasshoppers and certain caterpillars attack herbs when conditions
are right. Control is usually not necessary until you notice a problem with
pests.
Propagation from seeds –
Can I grow as many herds from seeds? Yes, you can. If possible, sow the seeds in
pots or flats indoors in late winter. They need a sunny window and cool
temperatures (60 degrees F) for best growth of herbs. Treat young plants for the
garden just as you would treat young salvia or pepper plants.
Some plants take longer than others to develop, start those with smaller seeds first, preferably in February. You may later transplant them into individual pots and plant them in the garden after danger of frost is past. The finer the seeds, the shallower you should sow them. Some of the herbs do not transplant well. Sow them directly into the garden. Plant anise, coriander, dill and fennel directly in the garden and don¹t transplant them. For direct seeding outdoors, plant in spring after all danger of frost is past and the soil is beginning to warm up. Make the soil into a fine, level seedbed. As a general rule, sow seeds at a depth of twice their diameter.
Here some tips to give you a rough idea on growing herbs. Herbs isn’t that difficult to grow if you have grow plants before. Herbs, medical plants, can also be harmful to us.
Antipyretics can stop and
prevent fever. Maybe using it, we can prevent SARS. Alteratives
can remedies
conductive to gradually correcting a poor condition through a tonic action
rather than a laxative effect. Anti-biotics remedies working especially
against harmful microorganisms and infections. Antirheumatics
can
Counteracts rheumatism, arthritis and gout. Antihelmintics
can expel
or destroying worms. Antiascourbutics can prevent scurvy. Antispasmodics
can relieves
or prevents spasms, contractions of muscles. Antiseptics
can help to prevent infections and
gangrenous conditions. Aperients -
Gentle Laxatives. Aphrodisiacs can restores vitality. Aromatics
- Agreeable, spicy and pungent
inhalants and flavors. Astringents contracting
fibers or tissues checks discharges. Bitter
Tonics stimulates
secretions and appetite. Calmatives
-
Soothing. Carminatives can warms
the stomach relieving colic and expelling wind and gas Cathartics
- Laxatives and purgatives. Cholagogues
stimulates
and cleanses the Liver and Gall Bladder and increases bile flow Demulcents
softening
effect, lubricating internally. Diaphoretics
producing perspiration. Deobstruents
clear
obstruction from the natural ducts of the body. Diuretics
increases
flow of urine. Emetics causes vomiting as in an
antidote for poison. Emollients softening, causing warmth,
moisture and lotions for the skin. Expectorants stimulates saliva and expelling
mucous and phlegm. Febrifuges dispelling fever or allaying
heat of fever. Fungicidals kills fungal infections. Laxatives
stimulating
evacuation of the intestines and bowels Nervines
strengthening the nerves and
calming. Pectorals
remedies
for lung and chest problems. Poultice -
Crushed plant matter applied to the surface of the body. Purgatives
- Strong laxatives, promoting large
and frequent evacuations. Refrigerants lowers body heat. Rubefacients
- Herbs attracting blood to an area. Sedatives
calming
the vital powers. Soporifics - Inducing
Sleep. Stimulates exciting nerves and vital
power. Stomachics
strengthen the stomach and appetite. Stypics
to stop bleeding. Sudorifics
produces
much perspiration. Thoracic -
Herbs for complaints of the bronchi tubes and lungs. Tranquilizers
calming
effect. Vermifuges destroying worms. Vulneraries
- Nasal sprays, douches, washes and
swabbing herbs.
Alfalfa used as blood cleanser, it stimulates appetite, has diuretic & laxative properties. Rich in fiber, protein, calcium, and vitamin A. It is available as tincture, tea, in capsules, dried leaves, powder extract or sprouts.
Aloe used to treat sunburn, open wounds, burns, skin infections & irritations, digestion/ stomach disorders, as laxative, also used in beauty aids; moisturizers, cleansers to soften and soothe the skin. It is available in powdered capsules, fluidextract, bottled gel, juice, and latex tablets.
Black Cohosh used to treat female disorders such as menopause, PMS, and menstrual periods, contains estrogen. Acts as a sedative, expels mucous from the lings, promotes urination. It is available in Capsules, tincture, syrup, fluid extract and as dried leaves and root.
Black Walnut used to rid the body of parasites in the lungs, stomach and intestines, relieves constipation, and mouth sores. It is available in powdered capsules, dried herb, tincture, extract, fruit and rind.
Blessed Thistle used in the Middle Ages to treat the Bubonic plague. Has anti-inflammatory properties, stops bleeding, take to induce vomiting when poisons have been taken. It is available in capsules, tinctures, extracts, and dried herbs.
Blue Green Algae used a tonic to improve health, is a blood cleanser, curbs appetite, increases energy levels, enhances mental alertness, boost immune system, controls Alzheimer's disease and diabetes. It is available in tablets and capsules.
Burdock used to treat kidney and urinary tract infections, arthritic conditions, external wounds, skin ulcers and blood disorders. It is available in capsules, tea, dried herb, powder, and tincture.
Calendula used to treat wounds, skin abrasions, and infections, helps to heal indigestion, gastric and duodenal ulcers, gallbladder problems, irregular & painful menstruation, and also used in cosmetics. It is available in dried & fresh flowers and leaves, lotions, ointments, oils, and tinctures.
Catnip used for treating indigestion, gas, tension, muscle spasm, insomnia, cols, flu's, bronchial congestion, fever, colic, diarrhea also in treating open wounds cuts and scrapes. It is available in leaves, tincture, tea, and capsules.
Cat's Claw used to treat arthritis, is a blood cleanser,
anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and has detoxification properties. It is available
in tincture, dried herb, extract, capsules, tablet, and tea.
Uses of some herbs
Basil
Basil can make your food taste yummy and your home smells good.
Pasta, meats, vegetables, tomato, egg and cheese dishes all crave
basil, which is grown in many varieties: lemon, purple, licorice, lettuce-leaf
and sweet basil. Long ago, tomatoes were peppered with basil because it repels
flies. Delight in the interesting aroma of perfume, holy, spicy, licorice, lemon
or cinnamon basil, which add a distinct, sweet fragrance to homes and offices
Bay Leaf
Mom's beef stew and many other meat and vegetable dishes can be seasoned
with this rich, fragrant herb.
Chives
Excellent for seasoning soups, salads, egg and cheese dishes, chives
are also a natural insect repellant in the garden.
Dill
Chefs use dill leaves and seeds for seasoning potatoes, lamb and breads.
Dill also adds flavor to pickles and herb vinegars.
Sage
You can cook with it and make
sachets for your home at the same time. Isn’t that great?
You might not know meats, fish, egg and cheese dishes benefit from the
unique flavor of sage. Several species of sage produce scented flowers and
foliage. They are: honeydew melon, grape, grapefruit, lemon, anise and pineapple
sage.
Thyme
Meats, vegetables, fish and many other foods are enriched by this savory
herb. Lemon thyme is for seasoning fish and vinegars.
Oregano
This very popular herb lends its characteristic taste to Greek,
Mexican, Spanish and Italian dishes. Yum!
Rosemary
Symbolizing remembrance, rosemary makes memorable meals when added to
pork, fowl and potatoes. It is also use in some medicine that cools us if we
have fever in Singapore.
Parsley
This natural breath-freshener also adds zest to vegetables, fish, fowl and
soups.
Chamomile
The dried flowers of this attractive herb make a relaxing bedtime tea.
Add one to two teaspoons dried chamomile flowers to a cup of hot water and
enjoy. I hope it taste good!
Aloe Vera
Known as the burn plant, the sap from the leaves of this succulent herb
gives soothing relief to minor burns, cuts and scrapes. Can be made to jelly.
Lemon Balm
Known for its tangy, lemon flavoring, lemon balm also makes a delightful tea
that can provide relief for stomach aches. The lemon-scented foliage is also a
favorite for potpourri and herbal vinegars.
Garlic
Believed to be one of the elixirs of youth, the Pharaohs of Egypt ate
garlic to prevent growing old. Garlic is known to aid digestion and help the
circulatory system. It also adds a distinct flavor to a variety of foods and
repels insects in the garden.
Mustard
A chief ingredient in 40 remedies listed by early Romans. Powdered seed
is used for poultices to relieve chest congestion. Also used to relieve pain and
inflammation in rheumatism and arthritis and in foot baths to warm and deodorize
feet.
Dandelion
The young, tender leaves of this common lawn weed are excellent in salads
or steamed as greens. Dandelion tea is also considered a general tonic for a
number of minor ailments. Hybrid varieties of dandelions have better flavor than
the wild types.
Mints
Whether peppermint, spearmint, doublemint, chewing gum mint or chocolate mint,
these cool and refreshing herbs are used to flavor foods and in teas which
soothe the throat and stomach. When growing at home, plant them in a confined
area or container, as they spread rapidly. Mints also appear in sweets. Lime,
grapefruit, apple, pineapple, orange, silver and golden ginger mint is grown for
their fresh, fragrant foliage.
Lavender
Symbolizing devotion, the romantic and legendary fragrance of lavender is
a favorite and can even be used a a homemade laundry freshener. Steep one
tablespoon of lavender flowers in a cup of water, strain and add the tea to the
rinse cycle.
Lemon Gem Marigold
This plant has a strong, citrus scent. Dried petals retain their color
and are used for potpourri. Often companion planted to deter white flies from
tomato plants.
If it is your 1st time, don't start out spending a lot of money on a large amount seeds or roots. Start small and plant more and more each year. The most important thing is to start and to plant seeds or roots every year. Each year you will have more and more ginseng roots and seeds and you will become even more interested in it. If you plant every year, when you do begin to harvest, you will have a harvest every year.
Ginseng is a fleshy rooted herb; native to well drained, cool, shaded hardwood forests. It does not grow in full sunlight, so the natural place to plant it is in hardwood forests, where the trees provide the needed shade. Though ginseng is a perennial plant, but unlike other perennials, lies dormant some years and does not grow new tops every year. The root does not die, but lies dormant until the following year. It is one of the most sought after herbs on the market. The future for growing ginseng looks promising for many years as more and more is being used now in the United States in addition to the Orient. All Health Food stores, Drug stores, and even the small gas stations now sell it in capsules, powdered, etc. The demand keeps going up every year.
Highly prized by Asian cultures as an aphrodisiac and a cure for everything from impotence to lack of concentration. It relieves fatigue, mental and nervous exhaustion. The Chinese have always placed a high value on ginseng and millions have used it for centuries. Western people have remained skeptical of its use because the Chinese people prepare and use this herb in superstitious ways. Carrying a dried root in their pocket for good luck is one of these superstitions. It is said that the use of ginseng will add a decade of years to a human life which I don’t think there’s evidence. The most desired root for this purpose is one in the shape of the human body. These roots have been known to bring their weight in gold. The Chinese put the highest value on ginseng. It's used only by the wealthiest, and will bring several hundred dollars per pound.
One-year-old plants will have 3 leaflets, looking like a strawberry plant. The 2nd year usually 5 leaflets, and the next years it begins to branch out with two, three, and four prongs with three to five leaflets in each prong. It grows in the wild about 1 foot tall, which blooms in the summer. When it ripens in the fall or late summer with bright red berries, each berry usually having 2 seeds. The seeds may be kept in damp sand for 1 year and used for replanting or sold. In its wild, natural state, it grows in cool, shady, hardwood forest that takes about 6 to 8 years to grow to the point where its roots are large enough to harvest. About 4 or 5 years if it is cultivated using fertilizers and pesticides but wild ginseng gives a much better price.
Growers cannot expect to reap the rich rewards of the harvest overnight. Ginseng is a slow growing plant thatt takes years to grow. But in a few years you will be well started for a huge profit. It is impossible to get a full picture of growing ginseng in any book. Everyone is different and has different plans. We hope that we can give you some ideals without making too many mistakes. Feel free to ask any question at any time. The most important thing (we already said) is to start and to plant seeds or roots every year. It’s ok to start small to get some experience growing ginseng. That’s the best way and it will not cost you a lot of money. In 4 or 5 years you will start to have your own seeds to plant. Your small hobby or venture will be getting bigger and bigger every year.
How To Grow Ginseng In Hardwood Forest:
Ginseng can be planted in any hardwood forest or backyard that is mostly shade. Plant seeds or roots in the fall from Sept. 1st through February and it will sprout up in the spring. It can grow in any soil except southern Florida. If you live in the USA or Canada and not sure if you can grow it, you can look at the zone map. For American Ginseng, zones 3 through 7 are fine. Zone 2 and 8 is a borderline. Ginseng will not grow in an open field like corn or soybeans. It needs about 80% shade and the rotten leaves make the perfect place.
Seeds can be planted individually throughout the woods, which is nature's way. The closer it grows in its natural environment, the more it has the characteristics of wild ginseng. When planted under lath sheds or other artificial shade, the roots are heavier in weight, are shaped differently, and they grow faster. The Chinese do not value the artificial shade grown roots as highly as the natural grown wild ginseng, but the roots being usually twice as heavy means that you get twice as many pounds and it sells for about 1/4 of the price per pound of the wild or less. The plant is the same in either case, but the difference in value comes in how it is grown.
Another method being used more extensively the last few years is to find a well shaded place in the woods and rake all the leaves to the side and broadcasting the seed lightly, then rake it in a little and cover it with mulch or use the leaves that you raked to the side, but don’t use oak leaves because they are too big and tough for the new plants to come up through. This method is much less time consuming than planting in rows. When planting in larger amounts it is best to grub out the brush where you are going to plant.
When planting in rows, plant the rows 8 to 10 inches apart and the seeds about 4 to 6 inches apart in the rows. Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. As soon as planted, seeds should be covered with woods dirt. Seeds must never be left to get dry or they won't grow. After being planted and covered, then cover them with about a 1inch of mulch so the plant can come up through in the spring. That should be all you have to do to keep it growing, the next fall should take care of the mulching its self from the leaves falling if you picked a good natural forest area. Rotted leaves are best for mulch, never use straw or hay. It has too many other seeds in it that will grow like grass, weeds, and clover seeds. Mulch helps prevent heaving by frost and keeps ground from drying out and baking. It is good to leave some mulch on all the time. When planted throughout the forest, this is usually taken care of by nature by the leaves falling in the fall. Growing it commercially is good too, but involves quite a lot of expense, time, etc., but is profitable if one wants to make a business of growing it but remember you will only get a fraction of the price of wild-stimulated ginseng.
If you decide to grow ginseng in your backyard, pots, or in the woods keep it in a mostly shady area. Plant the seeds and cover it with about 1 inches of rotten leaves or mulch. Plant the seeds in the fall and they will sprout up in the spring. If you plant seeds in small plastic trays or peat trays you can transplant them when they become a couple of inches high. When planting in pots, use pots that are at least 8 inches deep and use only plastic not the clay pots. Clay pots seem to dry out more easily than plastic.
DIGGING AND DRYING ROOTS
Dig roots in the fall as the above ground parts die back. Ginseng roots do not grow straight down. They’re usually at about 45 degrees in the ground. Carefully expose the under-ground stem at the base of the above ground portion, and follow it until it joins the top of the true root. Remember that the taproot may be forked and that it has many diffusely branched rootlets. Expose the whole root and wash as soon as possible but do not scrub. A little soil left around the root rings may enhance its value.
Spread cleaned roots on a piece of old ply wood or screen rack in the shade for drying. Don’t put them directly in the sun to dry. The sun will discolor the roots to some degree. Turn them frequently and to provide adequate aeration. Drying time varies with root size and drying techniques. Large roots require three or more weeks to dry at room temperature or outdoors but small roots dry in a few days. Do not oven dry or put them in the microwave. Drying is to fast and will discolor the roots. Store the dried roots in a dry, airy, rodent-proof place until ready for sale.
How To Stratify Seeds
In the fall when you harvest your seeds, you can leave the pulp on. Dig a hole in a good well drained shady area about 1 foot deep, 3 feet wide, and as long as you want. Line the sides and bottom with brick or large rocks to keep moles and mice out. There is no need to cement the blocks because you want it to be able to drain. You can even bury a 5 gallon bucket with plenty of drain holes drilled in it if you have a small amount of seeds to stratify. Line the bottom with 1 inch of sand, then a 1 inch layer of seeds, then another layer of sand. Keep adding a layer of sand and a layer of seeds until you get to the top. Make sure the top layer is sand and cover it with a sheet of old plywood.
Pictures
of herbs
that you called me to scan:
Mouse over them to see what plant they are and click to enlarge them.
Everything
should work alright.