Flowers and plants

Herbs

This page contains following subjects:

  • Introduction
  • Growing herbs
  • Herbs drying, freezing or conserving
  • Herb species

Introduction

Information is based on a moderate climate such as in Holland.
Herbs are healthy and popular in the kitchen. They can give a special taste to the food. Also in the garden herbs  are wanted because of the scent and the fact that they attract butterflies and all other kind of insects. Herbs often are beautiful plants with an own character. Some species also can be used as cut flower.

Growing herbs

You can grow herbs in the garden. Some species also can be put in a pot and kept in the kitchen or on the balcony. There are species who grow low and there are very large ones. A herb garden needs a good space if you want to have a collection of plants. There are annuals, biennials and perennials. Also some shrubs are herbs. A herb garden best can situated in the sun and have soil with much nutrition. Calculate also the size and the way the plants grow. There are species who like to grow everywhere in your garden. It is better to plant those in a pot or plastic container. Other species give lots of seed and will grow because of this also everywhere in your garden. Plant the biggest species in the back of the garden and the lower ones in the front. Take care during the growing period for food and water.

Herbs drying, freezing or conserving

You can use herbs fresh. Or you can dry them first, freeze or conserve. Herbs have to be used within a few days after harvesting them. You can keep them in the fridge, twisted in paper or in a plastic back with small holes in it. Drying can be done, but you must harvest them just before they are flowering. Do this in the morning when the plants are dry and the sun is not warm yet. You do not have to wash the herbs before drying. Shake them to remove insects. Hang small bunches top side down drying in a dry place with fresh air. After about 10 days they are dry. Take of the leaves and put them in the dark in a pot with a lit. Some species good for drying are: Thymus, Salvia, Lavandula, Rosmarinus, Mentha.

Herbs you want to freeze you don't have to wash before. Shake them first and take only the healthy parts of the plant. Cut them in small parts and put them in the freezer. Do not keep them longer as 6 months in the freezer. Some species to freeze are: Anethum, Satureja, Mentha, Petroselium, Allium schoenoprasum.

Conserve we do it in vinegar or in oil. Wash the herbs and dry them. Put them in a bottle and add wine vinegar or oil. The herbs have to be under the liquid. Close the bottle and put it in a cool place. You cannot keep it longer then a month. This method is to use for: Origanum, Salvia, Thymus and Rosmarinus.

Herbs species

Annuals

Botanic name English name
Anethum graveolens Dill
Anthriscus cerefolium   
Bernago officinalis  
Coriandrum sativum   Coriander
Lepidium sativum  
Ocimum basilicum Sweet basil
Origanum majorana Marjoram
Portulacca oleracea   
Satureja hortensis  Summer savory

Biennials

Botanic name English name
Carum carvi  Caraway
Foeniculum vulgare Fennel
Mentha x piperita  Black peppermint
Petroselinum crispum  Curled parsley

Perennials

Botanic name English name

Allium schoenoprasum

 Chives
Artemisia absinthium Wormwood
Artemisia dracunculus  French tarragon
Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort
Gallium odoratum Woodruff
Hyssopus officinalis Hyssop
Levisticum officinalis Lovage
Melissa officinalis Lemon balm
Origanum vulgare Marjoram
Ruta graveolens Rue
Salvia officinalis Common sage
Sanguisorba minor  Salad burnet
Sedum reflexum 
Thymus x citriodorus Thyme

  

Shrubs

Botanic name English name
Lavandula angustifolia  Old English lavender
Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary
Thymus vulgaris  Thyme

 

  

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Last update of this page 23.05.2004