How to Buy Herbs for a Garden
The word "herb" is defined as a plant which some part of, stem, leaf, root, etc, is used for food, medicine, or scent. There is an enormous variety of herbs on the market and most gardeners try to make room for one or two. Herbs are the most popular non vegetable garden plants and many gardeners prefer to grow herbs in a dedicated bed, while others like convenience of a container of herbs by the kitchen for easy access while cooking. You can grow herbs from seeds but by far the quickest and easiest method of starting a herb garden is to purchase herbs that have already started to grow. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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How to buy herbs for a garden
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Select Herbs. The versatility if herbs is one of the great advantages to having them in the garden. Many herbs repel insects and provide protection to roses, fruit, and vegetables by planting them along side them. Rue, cotton lavender, curry plant, and southern wood are all excellent insect repellents. Chives and garlic can be planted along side roses to discourage aphids.
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Choose seeds. Seed is a cheaper option, especially if you want to cultivate large volumes of herbs. Seed planting is the best way to grow basil and borage. Some herbs such as golden and variegated forms of marjoram, mint, sage, and thyme do not tend to produce well from seed.
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Buy Herbs from garden centers. Garden centers and other retail outlets offers a wide variety of herbs in pots, and this is an excellent way to buy shrubbery herbs like rosemary and bay, of which you only need one or two specimens. It is convenient and easy to choose herbs from retail outlets however it can prove to be costly for herbs that require purchases in large quantities, like chives and basil.
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Inspect the herbs. Choose stocky, healthy looking plants with plenty of leaves and a nice balanced shape. If you are buying the herbs in the early spring, make sure they have hardened off properly before planting then out. Inspect the herbs closely for signs of pest and diseases. Check the underside of mint for orange spots and parsley for pale lines which are examples of rust mold and celery fly damage, respectively.
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Design an herb garden. A dedicated herb garden can be decorative or utilitarian but for the best use it should be near the kitchen in some way. Remember that some herbs like mint are invasive and need pruning often.
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Tips & Warnings
Read the descriptions of the herbs to understand the lighting needs of each plant.
Use gloves and wash your hands after working with herbs.
