Herb gardening has been around since centuries from the time of Greeks and Romans who knew many secrets of the healing herbs. The Chinese and Ayurvedic medical systems each have heavy depictions of herbs and their healing power. In the good olden days, every family had their plot of land to cultivate food which yielded a reliable source of food grains for the entire family throughout the year. This comprised of a mini kitchen garden also which was a source of vegetable and culinary herbs. Thriving on the farm, making their own food and home herbal medicines from the farm products was the only way a family could earn their livelihood and daily meals. It was a necessity for survival. However, this trend declined with the evolution of industries providing employment and the population explosion. It resulted in not everybody owning and cultivating land. Gardens still remained popular as status symbols but only the rich and mighty could afford these exotic private gardens.
Start Your Mini Herb Garden
A small 100 square feet plot is good enough to grow your mini herb garden. You can further divide it into rectangular or square sections of mini plots which can house basil, chives and parsley. Colorful flowering herbs can be planted at the borders of your plot for a stunning look. For an evergreen supply of herbs all year round; grow a mix of annual, biennial and perennial herbs. Herbs like dill, basil and coriander are annuals that bloom for one season only and then die. Caraway and parsley are biennials that live for two seasons and bloom only in the second season. Perennials like chives, fennel, mint and tarragon hibernate over winter and then blossom every season giving a constant supply of herbs.
Power Plant Mini Herb Garden
A convenient method of growing herb garden for people who do not have space is to grow the herbs on desktop or windowsill. The power plant mini herb garden uses a hydroponic reactor, requiring only water, a nutrient mixture, and a spongy matter used to grow seeds. Watch the basil, cilantro or dill grow without soil in this small hub, totally with organic resources. Pruning is important for an expedited and healthy growth of the plants. Cut the herbs only when they are fully grown, wash and use them in your cooking for seasoning and garnishing the dishes.
Grow your mini herb garden in Terrarium
Terrariums make fantastic herb gardens; they are majestic, attractive and easy to grow. They need very little care and the water needs are minimal because the herbs are enclosed. A closed terrarium can survive for weeks altogether without water because moisture is retained and re-cycled. Small herbs are preferred unless you are planning a big terrarium that has a lot of herbs and foliage. Any clear water-tight container, preferably glass can be used for this purpose. Choose a glass bottle or a pickle jar that has a cover or a lid to check moisture from escaping. More elaborate designs made from acrylic plastic, leaded and stained glass are also available. You can also turn an aquarium into a terrarium and add an elegant touch to your home decor.
A home grown herb garden layout does not need to be an elaborate and complicated design. Cast away jars and ceramic pots can turn out as amazing mini herb gardens. The hesitations in growing herbs are only in the mind and procrastinating usually does not help. Start a small and cute herb garden that will bring exotic aromas and flavors in your kitchen adding a new dimension to your culinary skills. Not only are the herbs environmental friendly, you and your family will not have to worry about the allergies due to the chemicals and pesticides used in the vegetables and herbs procured from a vegetable market. You can also count on a constant fresh yield from your own herb garden – a dream turned into reality.