Old Natural Ways - Herb Gardening For Beginners--How to Effectively Start Gardening and Harvesting Herbs Easily

Herb Gardening for Beginners

How To Effectively Start Gardening And Harvesting Herbs Easily

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Copyright 2014 by Barbara Glidewell - All rights reserved.

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Tab le of Contents

Introduction

Gardening, with any kind of plant life, should be viewed as a relaxing and fulfilling activity. It not only brings you closer to Earth, but also allows you to have a somewhat intimate relationship with it. There's a different kind of satisfaction there, being that close to nature, understanding the workings of this life form and forging a symbiotic relationship with the elements.

For there is such a joy to gardening and, as you delve into the foundations of this ancient ritual of planting, caring, and, finally, harvesting, you will find happiness in the fruits of this bountiful Earth.

We will explore the different techniques in gardening that you can learn as a beginner. We will touch on the different perils of this activity and how to best overcome if not avoid them. We are going to learn the intricacies of herbs and what makes them tick how they survive and how they acquire their most pungent and aromatic flavors that tickle our palates.

In this book, we will introduce you to the world of Herb Gardening and show you how delightful it is to grow your own herb garden. If you have no knowledge of gardening as a whole, do not worry, we will provide basic and easy to follow instructions on how you can begin this beautiful journey and, more importantly, how to see it through. Soon, you will revel in the delights of a kitchen full of fresh, aromatic, and flavorful herbs that nothing, but the herbs from your own garden, will ever satisfy your palate.

Then again, why stop there? If you grow enough, perhaps you can start distribution why not? Herbs are quite expensive, especially if grown naturally and organically. If you can earn while ensuring your own home's supply then that makes the deal even sweeter, doesn't it?

So, make yourself a cup of tea (or coffee), sit in your most comfortable chair, and let us take you on a wonderful trip into herb gardening.

Chapter 1. Herbs A brief history

In order to appreciate herb gardening a bit more, we should look at how it all began. Let us talk about a brief background on herbs and their use in our society.

When did we start using them?

Well, no one knows for sure, but I'm guessing they've been around for quite some time about a few thousand years, perhaps. It is quite possible that humans discovered plants and their usage ahead of hunting for meat simply because it was easier to gather vegetation around them than to kill animals. It is not only less dangerous, but plants were in abundance. Cultivating the earth to yield more produce was possibly among the first skills mankind had to learn and master.

So, herb gardening must have been very popular if not essential to the ancient world. It was where they got most of their food from and what they used mainly in curing diseases. This trait has been handed down history to our modern day, which is why it is making such a huge comeback now. People are again seeing the sense in growing their own plants and there's no better way to start your gardening adventure than by planting herbs! You not only get the satisfaction of harvesting them for your food, but you also have the beginnings of your own all natural pharmacy!

Chapter 2. Gardening basics

Alright! Let's start with a basic knowledge of this thing called gardening. What you need to know is that it all starts and ends with the elements: earth, sun, water, and air. All are essential to grow any kind of plant life in any sort of garden.

Something notable about herbs is the fact that most if not all have their origins from countries that enjoy a lot of sun. Many herbs have their historical beginnings from the Mediterranean regions as well as Asia. There is such a thing as too much sun and too little, so it will help dramatically if you will learn how much sun is too much for that herb before starting your garden.

If you have a lot of open space with dirt, find a spot where there's enough sunlight to bathe you in warm, but not scorching, heat. Most plants will wilt when exposed to the burning heat of an afternoon sun, so find a spot where a plant can drink in morning sunlight and be shaded in the afternoons.

Watering is also an essential part of gardening and, quite notably, one that has been misapplied by many. People think that plants, like humans, would require a constant intake of fluids. The answer is yes and no. Yes, they do need water, and they do need it constantly but on a daily basis, and this depends on the humidity and climate in your place. So, once a day watering is already quite sufficient for a plant to grow. They do not need to be drenched in water. As long as the soil remains damp the whole day to allow them to drink from the soil, most plants will not only survive but thrive. So, water when you should, and try not to overdo this because too much water will drown plants, too.

Air is also needed. Plants give off oxygen (which is what we need) and in turn, we give off carbon dioxide (which is what they need). With that in mind, there should be plenty of space for plants to breathe in the air they need. Do not overcrowd a container with so many seedlings or plants. They will suffocate. There should be enough space for plants to grow and for air to circulate to allow the plant to breathe freely. It is also good to loosen the soil in the container to allow air to circulate more.