How to properly dry garden herbs?

Suggested Herbs for Herb Garden?

• I'm hoping to make an herb garden. Of course, there are the obvious uses for cooking, but I'm also interested in the medicinal qualities of certain herbs, as I really do hate conventional medicine. Of course if it is a serious condition, I'll see a doctor, but minor things such as headaches and whatnot. Also, I am a pagan so I would also take into consideration some of the more spiritual uses of herbs as well. However, this is a minor concern that I can look up later. Basically though, what are some basic herbs to get me started that I can use for either cooking, medicinal, or religious purposes? I'm really quite lost. I'm just not sure what the "basic" or "default" herbs in an herb garden might be, for whatever use. Thanks.

• Answer:

  Most herb gardens include include Basil, Parsley, Sage, Thyme, Chives, Garlic & Mint. These basics herbs are used for spaghetti sauce, fish and poultry and salads. Mint is used in drinks. Here's a site on how to plant, maintain & use a Culinary Herb garden: http://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/culinaryherbgarden.htm List of Culinary Herbs & Spices (click on each name for info on Description, Flavor & Aroma, Uses, History, Recipes & other links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_herbs Savory Herbs lists what herbs are annual, biennials, & perennials, growing conditions & use in cooking: http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/SavoryHerbs/SavoryHerbs.html Lemon Balm is an easy to grow herb (from the mint family). You can rub it's leaves on your skin for a mosquito repellent, or use it to add a lemony flavor to your tea. Here's more uses for the herb: http://www.answers.com/topic/lemon-balm?cat=health http://www.herbsandnaturalremedies.com/herbal-insect-repellent.htm Plant herbs that have the same soil, sun & water requirements together. Usually, most herbs need half a day or more of sunlight. Larger herbs will look good toward the back & shorter plants (like thyme) look good in the front. Dill & mint are best kept separate because they can grow out of control if not confined. Some people plant mints in a pot & then place it in the ground. HolisticOnLIne Herb Directory Index allows you to search Herb Knowledgebase of herbs: http://www.holisticonline.com/Herbal-Med/Hol_Herb_Directory_Index.htm Cornell's Medicinal Plant Index: http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/medicinal/plants.html Medicinal Plants List: http://www.piam.com/mms_garden/plants.html Thought you'd enjoy this video of a Backyard Herb Garden. I love how beautiful the Echinacea look in the herb garden: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZVM5yhJzoc&feature=related http://www.flowersgrowing.com/echinacea/ Good luck!!! Hope this is helpful.