Culinary, Medicinal, Fragrant &
Decorative Herbs

Cooking with Herbs

Harvesting & Preserving Herbs

Medicinal Herbs

Seed List

Plant List

Book List

Growing Herbs

Plant Types
Most herbs are easy to grow once you understand their habits and the conditions they prefer. Herbs can be classified into six main plant types.

Annuals
Annuals live for only one growing season. They die after flowering and producing seed. (eg. dill, coriander, salad rocket). Some plants that would be perennial (ie. everlasting) in their native conditions, but cannot tolerate our Irish winters, are treated as annuals (eg. basil, lemongrass).

Biennials
Biennials live for two growing seasons. In the first year they provide plenty of green leaves, in the second year they flower, produce seed and die. (eg. parsley, chervil).

Herbaceous Perennials
Herbaceous Perennials are long lasting plants that die back in winter.
(eg. chives, lovage).

Evergreen Perennials
Evergreen perennials are long lived plants that retain their foliage all year. (eg. oregano, clove pinks).

Evergreen Shrubs
Evergreen Shrubs also retain their foliage throughout the year. Most shrubby herbs are of Mediterranean origin (eg rosemary, sage, lavender).

Trees
Generally, trees are not thought of as herbs, but many of them are important medicinal plants (eg elder, hawthorn, gingko).

Situation
Contrary to the popular opinion that all herbs need a sunny site, many thrive in moist, semi-shaded conditions. Plants that produce lush, green leaves (eg parsley, chives, chervil, sorrel) will do well in partial shade. In full sun the leaves will be tougher & tend to scorch. Plants with small or narrow, tough leaves generally need full sun and well-drained soil, to thrive (eg lavender, rosemary, thyme).

Propagation

All hardy annuals, biennials and hardy perennials can be sown directly outdoors, from March through to October, into a well-prepared seedbed. Rake in lightly and keep well watered and weeded, until the plants are established.
Tender annuals and perennials are best sown in spring, in pots, plug trays or modules. Use a fine, seed grade, compost. Fill pot or tray to the brim, water well and allow to drain. Sow seed sparingly on the surface. Cover larger seed with it’s own depth of compost. Cover the container to retain warmth and moisture and check every few days for signs of germination. Do not allow the surface of the compost to dry out. When the seed has germinated, move into the light, but protect from strong direct sunlight.
Late-summer and autumn sown seedlings may need some protection over winter.
For more detailed information on specific varieties, go to the seed list and refer to the propagation code.

Fragrant and Decorative Herbs

Herbs are beautiful plants in their own right and deserve a place in the decorative garden. They provide flowers and foliage of outstanding beauty, colour and fragrance. Many also have decorative seedheads which add height and structure to the winter garden. Herbs also attract birds, butterflies, bees and many beneficial insects to the garden. Most herbs dry well and retain their scent when dried, making them useful for winter arrangements and pot-pourri.

Container Growing

Herbs will grow quite happily in containers, once they are given adequate care and attention. Make the most use of available space by using large decorative pots, window boxes, strawberry planters and hanging baskets. Use an organic potting compost. Keep containers well watered in hot, sunny weather. Place a tray under the container to retain moisture.

Planning your Herb Garden

When planning a herb garden, position your evergreen shrubs and plants first, making sure to allow them enough space to mature. These plants will form the structure of your garden, particularly in winter, when annuals and
herbaceous perennials have died back. Use annuals and biennials to fill in the spaces between the permanent plants. For a pleasing arrangement, height, foliage shape and colour, flowering time and colour, must all be considered. Complimentary colours placed next to each other will provide a gentle, calming effect, (eg. pink works well with blue, purple or lavender tones). Contrasting colours will create a more vibrant picture, (eg. blue with orange or yellow, red with green).

Organic Growing

THIS PAGE IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
MORE INFORMATION WILL BE ADDED SOON.

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