Herbs are not only used for seasoning foods, but for medicinal purposes, teas, perfumes, and potpourri.Nearly all herbs are perennials, dying down each year and returning the following season. I have found that thyme, particularly, needs pruning fairly hard to keep its bushy shape, so that you have nice young leaves and juicy stems to use. If left to their own devices the stems can become straggly, woody and dry. Basil is an exception to this rule, needing to be planted fresh each year.Herbs growing in pots can be purchased from supermarkets now. You can either leave them in the pot or re-plant in the garden. Either way it is a quicker route than planting from seed, obviously.Most herbs can be dried for use in teas, or to delicately flavor foods. They retain their fresh flavor for up to six months or more if stored in a dry, dark, cool
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