How many times did you have to cook without fresh curry leaves or mint?
Did you know that Aloe Vera can prevent hair loss??? Maybe you did. But you could not get pure Aloe Vera juice. Instead you had to go for the costly aloe gels available in the market.
Then why not think of planting them in your own garden, backyard, terrace or patio or even inside your windows??? Or even better, how about a cute little hanging garden?
In the present scenario of booming real estate, gardens or yards are disappearing and diminishing in importance. People are on the look for flats and apartments and the concept of having some soil and nursery of one’s own is nearly extinct.
Let me give a brief insight into the prospect of having a herbal garden within a small area, be it your balcony or indoors. Herbs are hassle free and easy to grow! And they are worth the effort.
About Herbs
Herbs are plants valued for their medicinal properties, flavour or scent. They offer innumerable uses, be it medicinal, culinary or ceremonial. The root, the stem, the bark, the flowers, the seeds, and the fruits of a herb are used along with their leaves.
Herbs can be categorized as annual, perennial, or biennial. Annual plants grow only in one seasaon and will need replanting in each spring. Perennial plants grow for several years and will grow again from the root even when the foliage dies in the fall. Biennial plants grow for two years dying out in the second year.
Herbalism or Botanical Medicine is quite popular in India, China and in Greek and Roman cultures predominantly. In India, the use of herbs is mentioned as early as in Kama Sutra (yet to read). However, herbal remedies are ever growing in popularity in every nook and corner of the world. If not for medicines, some have beautiful flowers and a sweet and tantalising scent that pervades the entire premises.
The Garden Site
It’s quite easy to grow some herbs in your garden. They need good drainage and will grow in neutral to alkaline soil. Some herbs are sun lovers and can be planted in the soil or kept in a pot or container where they can get enough sun. Basil, Chives, Dill, Rosemary, Thyme and the likes enjoy full sun while herbs like mint like only partial sun.
Some plants like those from the mint family and lemon balm may invade their docile companions and kill them. They even throw their off springs out even from a hanging pot. Thus these Invasive Herbs demand a separate container and enjoy a lot of attention to themselves. Some herbs are very small in size and growing in containers will prevent them from getting lost. Aloe Vera also can be in pots or containers. It prefers a dry and sunny climate with a great drainage because 95% of it is water. And the best part is that they need very less of water.
Clay pots with good drainage holes are the preferred containers for herbs. These pots or jars can be easily taken indoors during winter. But remember, plants growing in containers dry out faster than that ones growing in the ground. However, any excess of water can cause the roots to rot!!
Parsley, chives, thyme, coriander, rosemary, and basil are great for a hanging garden. For hanging gardens hanging baskets are available.
Care of the Herbal Garden
The herb garden will need regular watering and weeding depending upon the weather. Different plants will need varying measures of water. Plants in ontainers will need more of watering. Weeds tend to take off the food from the herbs destroying them eventually. They also attract lot many insects.
Prune the herbs once a month to keep them good-looking and healthy. Normally, they do not need any fertilizer and if needed a liquid fertilizier would do the job. For a healthy life, perennial herbs will need to be divided every year or two.
Some Common Herbs for a Home Garden
Aloe Vera
The large number uses of the Aloe plant include the treatment of skin diseases, sun burn, healing of the wounds etc. It is anti-fungal, anti- bacterial and moisturising. If ingested, it can reduce the blood sugar level, obesity, cure digestive diseases, heart burn and so on.
Curry Leaves
Though used a seasoning in Indian cuisine curry leaves are a good source of Vitamin A and Calcium and are beneficial to the skin.
Ginger
For health problems like cough, abdominal problems, vomiting, arthritis and rheumatism ginger serves as a medicine.
Mint Leaves
Mint is an easy to grow perennial herb that brings the images of cold and rejuvenation to the mind. It is great to spice up the palate and fill it with a refreshing aroma. Out of the mint family, peppermint used for headache, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatism and so on. Menthol in peppermint works well for indigestion.
Neem
A great blood purifier and detoxifier, neem is also a cure for a variety of skin problems.
Rosemary
In cooking it gets along with non-vegetarian dishes and sauces. As herb-oil it has refreshing qualities while it is also said to aid memory and concentration. It is credited with treating wounds, burns, cold, arthritis and rheumatism. A great perennial herb also for ornamental purposes.
Thyme
Fresh Thyme is used in salad dressings, dried leaves in pot pouris and the essential oil in deodorants. It also aids the treatment of ailments like epilepsy to melancholy. It is a perennial herb.
Tulsi
The most common herb found in India, Tulsi or Holy Basil, is a great healer. An annual help, it helps in conditions like fever, cold, sore throat, mouth infections, skin problems, eye disorders, respiratory disorders and even with heart diseases.
Turmeric
Can aid poor vision, increase milk production, cure diabetes, rheumatic pains, cough and skin disorders.
These are great for a small herbal garden and can serve the entire family for a healthy living. Remember, herbs can cure. Have a fragrant little yard, a healthy life and an aromatic cuisine!!!
-Aparna K V
Disclaimer: The statements here are suggestions and we do not offer any medical advice. You should always consult your doctor or any qualified medical practitioner before buying any of our products.
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