HOW TO PLAN AND PLANT YOUR OWN HERB GARDEN

 HOW DO YOU GET THAT FAMOUS 'GREEN THUMB?' 
Well, if you want your plants to grow, you need five essential conditions:

• air [or atmosphere]
• light
• warmth
• moisture
• and soil

You need good, rich growing soil which contains various organic and inorganic compounds.
  All plants and herbs require light. Some plants need more light than others, while simple fungus plants often need little or no light in which to thrive.
  Remember that your plants which have large and delicately thin leaves often prefer shade.
  Plants with stiff needle like or succulent leaves and thick cuticles, prefer full sun.

Choose your plant to suit your area
  Varying temperatures are vital to keep in mind. You cannot expect desert plants to grow well in a rainy coastal area.
  In the same way, you can't expect large delicate-leaved ferns to flourish in the heat of the desert.
  Plants with large [thin] delicate leaves generally prefer shade. These include the peppermint and mint plants, chervil and angelica.
  Various plants grow in various areas; choose those that are best adapted to your area.

Choice of herbs
  When you sit down to plan your herb garden, keep in mind what you want to use your herbs for.
  If you enjoy cooking, you will want to consider having culinary herbs such as sage in your garden.
  Medicinal plants - especially for tinctures, are of importance if you have interest in their medicinal properties for healing.
  Consider studying for a qualification in herbalism/ phytotherapy, if you wish to use various herbs as medicines.
  You need to be properly trained and qualified in order to safely treat medical conditions with herbs.
  You may want to plant cosmetic herbs as they assist in the health and vitality of yourself and your family.
  If you feel and look good, you will receive a psychological boost.
Hair, mouth, face and skin care is essential for the wellbeing and health of both you and your family.

Catherine Nicolette Whittle

Phytotherapy HAOSA [South Africa 2001]

*Disclaimer; Please note that the information on this Herbal Post is not meant to replace your Doctor or Health Professional  or Herbalist care