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According to Genesis, all the plants except the grass and trees were herbs. There are many references in the Bible and medieval documents that show how herbs were used daily in most households. The Chinese like to boast that their knowledge of herbs and their healing qualities is the oldest in the world. After the Greek and Roman civilizations passed, walled monastery gardens became the center of herb-growing activity. The monks, forbidden to eat meat and committed to manual labor, studied how these herbs could help the poor and sick. Today, we can still grow the descendants of the very herbs that were cultivated centuries ago...and smell the same wonderful aromas.

Cultivating your own herbs not only provides you with a ready supply of flavor enhancers for your daily menu, but also provides you with herbs you may use for medicinal purposes, unique potpourris, special teas, vinegars and oils. They also can be used as cosmetics for your skin and hair, and even to control garden pests such as slugs. Gardeners everywhere are rediscovering the magic of herbs and herb gardens. Herbs are so easy to grow. If you are a beginner gardener, herbs are a must for you. Not only is their care simple and straightforward, but the results will spur you on. Once your garden is established, it takes so little effort to maintain, that you will have the confidence to cultivate other plants, vegetables and flowers.

Herb gardens can be grown in pots, window sills, patios, or acres of land. Herbs can be grown in the sun, shade, wet or dry soil. There is a plant for every need. Amazingly, very few insects or diseases attack herbs- however, sometimes if the weather is very dry and hot, red spider mites can be found on low-growing plants. Also, aphids may attack dill, caraway, anise or fennel.

It is very tempting to over order when we page through catalogs that show off beautiful herbs. Decide what you are interested in using herbs for. Are you a cook, interested in using herbs for medicinal purposes, making vinegars, wreaths? Know why you are growing your herb garden. This will allow you to make the correct selection of herbs.

Your herbs will bring you much greater pleasure and satisfaction if your garden is easy to tend (think weeding, watering, etc.). Start with the basics. Almost all herbs can be started from seeds or plants bought and planted into your own garden. Although it is easier to buy the plant, it is much more rewarding to grow an herb from a seed. Here you will experience the entire process from birth to death. It is practical to start your seedlings indoors. This will give you a jumpstart on the season. Success is almost always guaranteed if you are aware of the following:

o Pay attention to the germination requirements for each type of plant o The soil mix needs to be light and kept consistently moist o Seeds need to be placed in a tray or shallow pot. The finer the seed, the shallower it should be sown. o You will need to transplant your herbs into the garden in the spring.

Herb gardens hold a special magic. Imagine bringing nature into your home even in the cold dreary winter. You can grow whatever herb you are interested in. Part of the fun of an herb garden is experimenting with new-to-you herbs. You are sure to meet some new favorites along the way. This article has given you some basic information on how to get started and what you need to know and understand about herbs. Your journey is about to start right here.

Cultivating your own herb garden will provide you with a pure, unadulterated result, fresh air, exercise and a very relaxing hobby.

Get Started and Good Luck!

Jeff Stone is a long time lover of herbs and horticulture who has been growing his own for over 30 years. His book, Secrets of Successful Herb Gardening, written with his partner Amy Spalding, is a treasure of information for the home grower. For more information on starting your herb garden mywork.name/loans/go/go.php?sid=1.herbalgardenmagic/herb-garden-information], go to mywork.name/loans/go/go.php?sid=1.herbalgardenmagic]