Aromatic or _Sweet Herbs_ are worthy of more attention than they
generally receive. If cooks used them more freely, doctors would have
less occasion for prescribing them. The soil of the herb bed should
be mellow and warm, but not over-rich. Deep, fertile soil produces an
increase in size and foliage at the expense of fragrance, strength and
flavor. The seeds should be sown as early in spring as the ground can
be prepared.
_Sweet Basil_, _Summer Savory_, _Sweet Marjoram_, _Sage_ and _Thyme_
are grown for their foliage, which is used for seasoning, while _Sweet
Fennel_, _Dill_, _Coriander_, _Anise_ and _Caraway_ are chiefly prized
on account of their aromatic seeds. Aside from being useful for
culinary purposes, most of the above-named plants possess valuable
properties.
This completes the permanent bed.
Before proceeding any further I wish to have it understood that
hereafter, in the course of this paper, all seeds advised to be sown
broadcast are to be sown in long, narrow beds, with narrow walks
between the beds, for convenience in gathering the crop and to protect
the plants from being trodden upon.
Where sowing in drills is advised, it is likewise to be understood
that all drills are to be not less than eighteen inches apart, and the
cultivation between them to be done with a hand cultivator or wheel
hoe, followed by hand hoeing between the plants if necessary.
Where planting in rows is recommended, it is intended that all rows,
unless otherwise mentioned, should be not less than two and a half feet
apart, to admit of the cultivation with a one-horse plow or cultivator,
followed also by hand hoeing around the plants or hills.
Concerning the distance plants should be apart in the rows or
otherwise, it may be safely said that each plant should stand so that
when fully matured its outside leaves will just touch those of its
nearest neighbor. This rule does not apply to onions and root crops,
which may stand closer.
Concerning the best varieties of the different kinds of vegetables the
reader is referred to the catalogues of reliable seedsmen. I shall
recommend such varieties as I know to be good from personal experience.