Herb gardening adds zest and interest to the food garden

When most people think of herb gardening, their thoughts go to things like Mint, Tarragon, Basil and Thyme, but there is so much more to it than this. Herbs add flavor, but they are also 'functional foods' that help us maintain good health.

Of course this is a topic that also covers some interesting and uncommon options like edible flowers and edible weeds . And apart from the traditional 'herbs', it can include things like Rose hips and petals , various fruits (like Raspberry) that also have a secondary herbal role - even some vegetables and trees.

Actually, edible flowers are not so hard to find since many herbs have flowers that are as edible as their leaves (like the ones from the Thai Basil opposite). Imagine your next dinner party with a flower petal salad, followed by stir fry greens that include things like chickweed and Buckwheat shoots!

The problem with herbs, however, is that it is difficult to fit them in with the process of vegetable gardening. This is because vegetables tend to be short duration crops and are best grown in a planned crop rotation. Herbs on the other hand, tend to be either long season annuals or perennials it is better for the process of herb gardening to use companion plants than crop rotation.

And yet they are also similar in many ways, so don't forget to visit other parts of this site that also have important information.

Types of Herbs

There are many different types of herbs. Here we will be focusing on the Culinary herbs. The links below will take you to pages with more specific information.

• Herbs in the Mint family
• Herbs in the Daisy family
• The various forms of Basil
• Alliaceous herbs - Chives, Garlic
• Trees with parts used as 'herbs'
• Tropical and subtropical herbs

Of course, there are many kinds of herbs and I will be adding more from time to time, so check back regularly. You will also find some useful links to more information below and you can subscribe to our Free email Newsletter - The Food Gardener.

Further reading & useful links

Improving Garden Soil
The basic requirements for soil structure, friability, moisture retention and so on are the same for all plants - only the nutrient requirements will vary.

Garden Ecology
Herb gardening provides a valuable opportunity to manage your food garden in a more ecologically by introducing companion plants and increasing bio-diversity.

Growing Herbs in Containers
One of the best ways to grow herbs is in containers, but there are a few things to consider in order to be successful.

Learn about the many interesting aspects of growing roses
Includes using rose hips, using petals and flowers, making teas, jams and lotions as well as growing the perfect rose: includes some "how-to" videos!

Food Garden Projects in development
Here are some Gardening ideas and projects we have under development to give you even more ways to get food from the garden.