To this group belong a number of plants hardly recognized as vegetables
in the common use of the term, yet of sufficient importance to entitle
them to a corner in the family garden. The herb garden or "patch" is
too often considered a worthless gift or fashion handed down from
grandmother's day. In every well ordered garden there should be a few
of the common herbs. The same conditions concerning care, cultivation,
etc., will answer for all. The site selected should be out of the
way so that it may not be disturbed. As the bed is to be permanent
it should be made fertile and cultivated deeply. In sowing classify
according to whether they are annuals or perennials. The plants may be
grown from seed but whenever possible, propagation by root division
is much more easy and certain. In autumn before frost the leaves and
stems of those desired for winter use should be gathered, tied in small
bunches and hung up to dry in an airy room. Where the seed is desired,
it should be allowed to ripen and harvested.--(U. Id. E. S. 10; S. Dak.
E. S. 68; N. C. E. S. 132.)