PUDINA (MINTHA) SAGE TULSI
THYME
HERBS IN YOUR GARDEN
Growing your own herbs in the garden could be a wonderful experience and to use these herbs in the freshest form, can give you a life time thrill.
Herbs are not only exotic and add flavour to the food but each herb has its own exclusive medicinal value.
Grow them and use them - you will be the envy of all your friends.
Appended below is a list of Herbs which can be easily grown in the garden and do not require any special care or expertise:
Name |
Amarnath (chaulai |
Scientific Name |
Amaranthus ssp. |
Type/Sowing Time |
Annual March - April |
Planting Distance |
30 to 40 |
Days to Germinate |
15 to 20 |
Days to flower |
90 to 100 |
Height in Cm |
30 to 50 |
Uses |
Amaranth is a rich source for vitamins A, C, iron, calcium, folic acid, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, manganese and zinc. It is used to battle stomach flu, diarrhea, and gastroenteritis. It was used by Red Indians in reduce tissue swelling from sprains and tick bites. Not to be used by pregnant or lactating women. It can be cooked and eaten as a meal. |
Tips |
Make periodical cuts every 10 t0 12 days, after 25 to 30 days of germination as it helps the plant to put forth new shoots fast. By this method several harvests can be had till it starts flowering when it is unfit for consumption |
Name |
Asparagus |
Scientific Name |
Aspraragus Officinalis |
Type/Sowing Time |
Perennial february-march |
Planting Distance |
45 |
Days to Germinate |
20 - 30 |
Days to flower |
Nil |
Height in Cm |
40 - 60 |
Uses |
They are a rich source of vitamins A, B1, B2 and C. Used in salads and cooking. |
Tips |
If this plant is planted successfully, with proper care it will yield crop for 15 to 20 years. The sowing should be in nurseries after the rainy season. To expedite the germination, soak the seeds in water for 3 to 5 days. Transplant when the plants are 15 to 20 cm tall in rows. For best results do not harvest in the first. The shoots are called spears and should be harvested second year onwards. Year. |
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Name |
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Scientific Name |
Calendula Officinalis |
Type/Sowing Time |
Annuals February - March |
Planting Distance |
15 to 20 |
Days to Germinate |
15 to 30 |
Days to flower |
60 to 70 |
Height in Cm |
30 to 40 |
Uses |
Fresh flower petals can be sprinkled on salads and dried petals can be added to soups. Calendula flowers contain antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties that promote healing.. A cold infusion may be used as an eyewash. It is said that the sap from the stem has a reputation for removing warts and corns. There are many skin and cosmetic preparations that contain calendula. Infuse the flowers and use as a skin lotion to reduce large pores, nourish and clear the skin, and clear up spots and pimples. |
Tips |
Grow the plant in the flower bed. From time to time pinch out the growing tips, and deadhead flowers to encourage more blooms |
Name |
|
Scientific Name |
Apium Graveolens |
Type/Sowing Time |
Annual August |
Planting Distance |
45 to 60 |
Days to Germinate |
30 to 45 |
Days to flower |
100 to 125 |
Height in Cm |
100 to 120 |
Uses |
The celery seeds are used as salad dressings, in sauces and food industry. The sensory character of celery is warm, sweet and spicy aroma with penetrating, warmly aromatic and slightly burning flavour. It has anti arthritic, diuretic and tranquilizing properties. |
Tips |
The sowing is done in nurseries and the seedlings transplanted in six to eight week's time. Harvest the seed pods when they turn light brown and dry them in shade. Shake out the seeds and store in air tight containers. |
Name |
|
Scientific Name |
Coriandrum Sativum |
Type/Sowing Time |
Annual Oct-Nov |
Planting Distance |
10 to 12 |
Days to Germinate |
10 to 15 |
Days to flower |
75 to 90 |
Height in Cm |
30 to 40 |
Uses |
Coriander is good for the digestive system, reducing flatulence, stimulating the appetite and aiding the secretion of gastric juices. Bruised seed can be applied externally as a poultice to relieve painful joints and rheumatism |
Tips |
The green leaves can be plucked throughout the growing season. These are used for cooking. The crop is ready for harvesting by April. Dry the seeds and store in air tight containers. |
Name |
|
Scientific Name |
Nigella Sativa |
Type/Sowing Time |
Annual Sept - Oct |
Planting Distance |
12 to 15 |
Days to Germinate |
30 to 45 |
Days to flower |
100 to 125 |
Height in Cm |
60 to 100 |
Uses |
It possesses a strong characteristic aroma and is used as a condiment in food cooking. It acts as a digestive agent and has anti-flatulence and anti-spasmodic properties |
Tips |
When the seed pods become brown cut the same and keep them in the shade to dry. Shake out the seeds. |
Name |
|
Scientific Name |
Anerhum Gravelens |
Type/Sowing Time |
Annual Oct |
Planting Distance |
12-15 |
Days to Germinate |
10 to 15 |
Days to flower |
70 to 90 |
Height in Cm |
90 to 100 |
Uses |
Dill is an antispasmodic and calmative. Dill tea or water is a popular remedy for an upset stomach, hiccups, or insomnia. For a nursing mother it promotes the flow of milk. It is also an appetite stimulant. It is a constituent of gripe water and other children's medicines because of its ability to ease flatulence and colic. The seed, whole or ground is a valuable replacement for salt where a salt free diet must be followed. Try chewing the seeds to sweeten the breath. Crush and infuse seeds to make a nail strengthening bath. |
Tips |
Snipe as desired. During winter cut it down to about 5 cm from the base. |
Name |
|
Scientific Name |
Foeniculum Vulgare |
Type/Sowing Time |
Perennial Oct |
Planting Distance |
In bunches of 12-15 |
Days to Germinate |
10 to 15 |
Days to flower |
150 to 200 |
Height in Cm |
100 to 150 |
Uses |
Its seeds are used in preparation of medicines. They are also used as a spice in cooking for its flavour. The essential oil is used in confectionery, perfume and pharma industry. |
Tips |
Pinch out the flowering stems unless the seeds are required. Harvest the seed heads and spread them across a paper to dry. When dry shake off the seeds and store in air tight containers. Cut it down almost to the base in winter and keep dry and cool until spring for the second crop. |
Name |
|
Scientific Name |
Trigonella Foenum - Graecuml. |
Type/Sowing Time |
Annual Oct-Nov |
Planting Distance |
20 to 30 |
Days to Germinate |
15 to 20 |
Days to flower |
120 to 150 |
Height in Cm |
18 to 20 |
Uses |
It is used mainly as a condiment as the seeds add nutritive value and flavour to the food. Also used in preparation of medicines. |
Tips |
Harvest the crop in April when the pods turn light yellow. Dry in shade and shake out the seeds. |
Name |
|
Scientific Name |
(Lasoon) |
Type/Sowing Time |
Annual Feb-March |
Planting Distance |
12 to 15 |
Days to Germinate |
30 to 45 |
Days to flower |
100 to 125 |
Height in Cm |
30 40 |
Uses |
Perennial Propagation From Cuttings In January Garlic has shown to reduce blood pressure, and is useful in guarding against strokes. It has helped in controlling diarrhea, dysentery, TB, whooping cough, typhoid, and hepatitis. And it can be use to expel worms. It is also used for toothache, earache, coughs and colds. A decaying tooth will hurt less if packed with garlic pulp until treatment can be obtained. Externally, garlic can be applied to insect bites, and boils |
Tips |
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Name |
|
Scientific Name |
Mentha |
Type/Sowing Time |
Propagation From Root Cuttings Perennial Feb - March |
Planting Distance |
6 to 8 |
Days to Germinate |
7 to 10 |
Days to flower |
150 to 200 |
Height in Cm |
30 to 40 |
Uses |
Peppermint is aromatic, calmative, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, and is also a stimulant. What more could you ask for. It can be used for gastro-intestinal disorders, It is really good for nervous headaches, and as a way to increase concentration. Externally, peppermint oil can be used in a massage to relieve muscular pain |
Tips |
Snip as desired. To harvest pick the leaves for fresh use throughout the growing season. Pick leaves for drying or freezing before the mint flowers The harvested leaves can de dried by hanging. The dried leaves to be stored in air tight containers. Cut the plant to 6-8 cms from root level for better sprouting. |
Name |
|
Scientific Name |
Origanum |
Type/Sowing Time |
Perennial February - March |
Planting Distance |
18 to 25 30 to 45 |
Days to Germinate |
30 to 45 |
Days to flower |
100 to 125 |
Height in Cm |
40 to 60 |
Uses |
This plant is considered as one of the best antiseptics. Oregana tea helps ease bad colds, has a tranquilizing effect on nerves, and helps settle upset stomachs. It is said to also help prevent sea sickness. Chew the leaf for temporary relief from toothache, or rub a drop of essential oil on the gums. Also, a few drops of this essential oil on the pillow will help you sleep. |
Tips |
After flowering trim the plant to prevent it from becoming straggly. You can also divide the plant in the late summer. Before the plant dies in the winter, cut back the year's growth to within 3 inches of the ground. During the winter they need to be mulched heavily if you live in very cold regions. To harvest, pick leaves when ever available for use fresh. They can be dried or frozen, or put in oil or vinegar. |
Name |
|
Scientific Name |
Petroselinum Crispun |
Type/Sowing Time |
Biennial March - April |
Planting Distance |
20 to 30 |
Days to Germinate |
30 to 45 |
Days to flower |
90 to 100 |
Height in Cm |
30 to 45 |
Uses |
It is a rich source for vitamin C and Iron. It promotes the flow of urine and is good for bladder infections. Its leaves possess sensory character. Its leaves are used as mouth freshener. These are also used in cooking for flavour and taste. |
Tips |
They do not like to be distrubed as such should be sown in permenent locations. Pour boiling water after sowing to aid germination. To maintain biennial character remove all flowering stems. |
Name |
|
Scientific Name |
Rosmarinus Officinals |
Type/Sowing Time |
Perennial September - October |
Planting Distance |
|
Days to Germinate |
20 to 30 |
Days to flower |
60 to 80 |
Height in Cm |
30 to 60 |
Uses |
Rosemary is a stimulant of the circulatory system. It is used to treat bites and stings externally. Internally it is used to treat migraines, bad breath, and to stimulate the sexual organs. It is also used to treat nervous disorders, upset stomachs, and is used to regulate the menstrual cycle and to ease cramps. Mix the crushed leaves generously into meats, fish, potato salads, etc. at your next picnic to prevent food poisoning. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy as an inhalant and decongestant, and to enhance memory and clear concentration. It is also used in lotions to ease arthritis and muscle pain. |
Tips |
Cut back after flowering to keep it from becoming leggy. |
Name |
|
Scientific Name |
Ocimum Basolicum |
Type/Sowing Time |
Annual April |
Planting Distance |
12 to 15 |
Days to Germinate |
15 to 25 |
Days to flower |
60 to 80 |
Height in Cm |
30 to 40 |
Uses |
Basil is used to treat stomach cramps, vomiting, fevers, colds, flu, headaches, whooping cough, and menstrual pains. It is also used to reduce stomach acid, making it a valuable part of any treatment for ulcers, and a valuable addition to any recipe using tomatoes for those with sensitive stomachs. Externally, it can be used for insect bites, to draw out the poisons. It has been used in other countries to eliminate worms from the intestines, and the oil from basil leaves is applied directly to the skin to treat acne. It is used if cooking and in cakes for it aroma. |
Tips |
Re-plant in 18 to 25 cm clay pots. When two sets of proper leaves appear, pinch out to encourage bushing. Prevent flowering and snip leaves from the top to promote leaf growth. Water well as it needs lot of water. |
Name |
|
Scientific Name |
Thymes x Citriodurus 'Argenteus' |
Type/Sowing Time |
Perennial September - October |
Planting Distance |
30 to 40 |
Days to Germinate |
30 |
Days to flower |
90 to 120 |
Height in Cm |
90 to 120 |
Uses |
Thyme is a powerful antiseptic. It is used in cases of anemia, bronchial ailments, and intestinal disturbances. It is used as an antiseptic against tooth decay, and destroys fungal infections as in athlete's foot and skin parasites such as crabs and lice. It is good for colic, flatulence, and colds. |
Tips |
As the plants mature, the crown dies out leaving the edges most actively growing; they should be cut back regularly. To dry the leaves, harvest them just before the plants bloom. Lay them on a screen to dry. |
Name |
Geraniums |
Scientific Name |
|
Type/Sowing Time |
Perennial Propagation From Cuttings In January |
Planting Distance |
25 to 30 or in clay pots |
Days to Germinate |
15 to 20 to take root |
Days to flower |
5 to 90 |
Height in Cm |
18 to 30 |
Uses |
These are popular because of their pungent, spicy foliage aromas that are invaluable for potpourris, preserves, desserts, punches, vinegars, teas, and sachets. The leaves lose their color and turn brown when dried, but retain their fragrance. |
Tips |
Start with cuttings rooted in damp moss mixed with perlite or vermiculite. Pinch the plants to encourage branching. Since scented geraniums are tender perennials, those that are grown out-of-doors in summer can be potted up in the fall and overwintered indoors as houseplants. Pick leaves during the growing season, for fresh use or drying |
Name |
|
Scientific Name |
|
Type/Sowing Time |
Annuals Sept |
Planting Distance |
60 X 30 |
Days to Germinate |
15-20 |
Days to flower |
150 to 200 |
Height in Cm |
45 to 60 |
Uses |
45 to 60 |
Tips |
Harvest in May and keep the pods in shade to dry. Shake out the seeds |
Name |
|
Scientific Name |
Lavendula |
Type/Sowing Time |
15 to 20 |
Planting Distance |
15 to 20 |
Days to Germinate |
30 to 40 |
Days to flower |
100 to 125 |
Height in Cm |
30 to 90 |
Uses |
Lavender has been used medicinally to soothe, sedate, and suppress. The essential oil is in great demand today. Traditionally the oil was inhaled to prevent vertigo and fainting. It is an excellent remedy for burns and stings, and it is used to heal cuts. They say if you add 6 drops of oil to bath water it will calm irritable children and help them sleep. Place 1 drop on the temple for a headache. The best oil is made from distillation and may be bought from many shops. Lavender makes a good moth repellent, and is used for beauty care. The flowers and leaves can also be used in vinegars and jellies. |
Tips |
English lavender, is a lovely, aromatic evergreen shrub. The leaves are grey green and are narrow and the flowers are either blue, pink, purple, or white depending on the variety. Gather the flowers just as they open, and dry on open trays or by hanging in small bunches. Pick the leaves anytime for fresh use, or before flowering if drying. |
Name |
|
Scientific Name |
Melissa Officinalis |
Type/Sowing Time |
Perennial September - October |
Planting Distance |
12 to 15 |
Days to Germinate |
15 to 20 |
Days to flower |
60 to 80 |
Height in Cm |
40 to 50 |
Uses |
Lemon Balm is used to treat children with fever, flu, and colds. In adults, it treats colds, headaches, depression, menstrual cramps, insomnia, and nervous stomachs. The crushed leaves are applied to wounds and insect bites to aid in healing. The essential oil, also known as Melissa, is used in aromatherapy to ease depression. |
Tips |
Snip as desired. During winter cut it down to about 5 cm from the base. |
Name |
|
Scientific Name |
Salvia Officinals |
Type/Sowing Time |
Perennial April |
Planting Distance |
15 to 20 |
Days to Germinate |
20 to 30 |
Days to flower |
70 to 80 |
Height in Cm |
45 to 60 |
Uses |
Sage is used to relieve excess mucous buildup. It is beneficial to the mind by easing mental exhaustion and by strengthening the concentrating abilities. In a lotion or salve, it is useful for treating sores and skin eruptions, and for stopping bleeding in all cuts. Chewing the fresh leaves soothes mouth sores and sore throats.. It is good for all stomach troubles, diarrhea, gas, flu and colds. As a hair rinse, it removes dandruff. Sage combined with peppermint, and rosemary provides an excellent headache remedy. It is used to regulate the menstrual cycle, to decrease milk flow in lactating women, aids in treating hot flashes, and is used as a deodorant. The foliage can be used in cooking. |
Tips |
Snip as desired until September when leaves loose their flavour. New growth again starts in spring. |