HERBS (BASIC COURSE)

Discover How to Grow & Use Common Herbs

Herbs have been used worldwide for thousands of years and have a rich history and many uses. Many popular herbs are easy, hardy, fast-growing, and inexpensive to grow. Their simplicity, along with growing interest in natural alternatives to synthetic chemicals, has led to a renewed interest in herbs.

Herbs are a wonderful way to add flavour, fragrance, and beauty to your cooking, gardening, and daily life. With over 100 different herbs to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this course, we'll explore the world of common herbs, covering the basics of identification, growth, propagation, harvesting, and uses.

Which plants are considered to be herbs?

Scientific definition: A plant which has no persistent stem above the ground (i.e., the leaves and stem die back to the roots after a period of growth). By this definition, you could call plants such as Daffodils and Dahlias herbs as well as things such as Mint and Garlic.

A popular definition: Any plant whose roots, bark, stems, leaves, seeds or flowers are used for culinary flavouring, medicinal or perfumery purposes.

Herbs are essentially plants which are grown because of the characteristics derived from the oils or other chemical components to be found in their tissue.

Herbs come in all shapes and sizes, from bulbs and perennials to woody trees and shrubs.

Many are scented plants; all provide something which is useful, for example, in cooking, cosmetics, craft, pest control, or medicinally.

How are herbs typically grown?

Herbs are often grown by themselves as a "special herb garden", though there is no real reason why they can't be mixed in with other plants throughout the garden.

Many people grow herbs in containers, as tub plants or baskets, kept on a patio, in a window box or even as indoor plants.

What are some of the most common herbs used in cooking?

Basil
Parsley
Rosemary
Thyme
Oregano
Sage
Mint
Coriander

What are some of the most common herbs used in crafts?

Lavender
Rosemary
Calendula
Chamomile
Lemon Balm
Peppermint
Rose

How do I identify common herbs?

Look for distinctive leaves, stems, and flowers
Check the texture, colour, and scent of the herb
Use a reference book, plant key, or online resources to help with identification

What are the best conditions for growing herbs?

Most herbs require well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade
Herbs like basil and mint prefer warmer temperatures, while herbs like rosemary and thyme prefer cooler temperatures
Herbs need regular watering, but make sure not to overwater

How do I propagate herbs?

Many herbs can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, or seed
Use a rooting hormone to increase chances of successful cutting propagation
Take cuttings in the morning, when the plant has its highest water content

When and how do I harvest herbs?

Harvest herbs in the morning, when the oils are most concentrated
Use sharp secateurs, scissors, or pinch off individual leaves or stems
Harvest regularly to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from flowering

How can I use herbs in cooking and crafts?

Add fresh or dried herbs to soups, salads, and sauces
Use herbs to make teas, infusions, and tinctures
Incorporate herbs into skincare and wellness products

What are some common herb combinations and pairings?

Basil and lemon for Italian cooking
Mint and lime for refreshing drinks
Rosemary and garlic for roasted meats
Thyme and honey for soothing teas

This course aims to familiarise you with the use and culture of what are traditionally the most common herb plants. You'll get a sound framework upon which you can develop your knowledge of herbs.

Lesson Structure

There are 6 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction to Herbs
   • Indentying Herbs
   • General characteristics of herb plants
   • History of herbs
   • Herb resources (nurseries, seeds, clubs, etc).
2. Herb Gardening Methods
   • Planting
   • Propagating Herbs
   • Soils
   • Ferilisers and nutrition
   • Growing herbs in containers.
3. Landscaping and Companion Planting
   • Introduction
   • Companion Planting
   • Herb garden design.
4. Growing Herbs to Harvest
   • Herb products
   • Setting up a herb farm
   • Making compost.
5. Herbs for Cooking
   • Herb crafts
   • Herb ingredients
   • Cooking with herbs.
6. Herbs for fragrance
   • Health and beauty
   • Dyes, mordants
   • Oils
   • Other herb crafts

Aims

• Define “herb”
• Identify herbs suitable for hanging baskets, indoor growing, and appropriate methods of propagation for at least 50 herb species
• Understand “companion planting”
• Give examples of appropriate landscaping with herbs
• Propagate and grow herbs in the garden
• Build an efficient compost heap
• Identify appropriate herbs for culinary uses
• Identify some medicinal uses for herbs

What You Will Do

• Collect and identify 30 different herb specimens
• Learn the basics of plant identification
• Make contact with herb farms to ask about their operation
• Propagate herbs by cuttings
• Prepare a soil suitable for growing herbs
• Design and plant a herb garden
• Visit retailers to investigate the types of herb products available
• Prepare food containing herbs
• Harvest and dry a herb correctly
• Use herbs in other ways in crafts, cooking, etc.

Why should you study this course?

By studying this course, you'll discover how growing herbs can add a new and exciting dimension to your gardening. Even old hands at herb gardening continue to be amazed by the diversity of herb varieties and their uses. 

This is a course for the amateur who likes to use herbs at home. If you are more concerned with growing or using herbs commercially, consider taking our Herb Culture course (HT371).