Herbs can be a very important part of companion planting in the garden. They can attract beneficial insects, mask the scent of nearby plants, improve the health and flavor of the neighboring plants*vegetables*fruit trees, and/or condition and improve the soil & other benefits that just aren't coming to mind at the moment.

Here is one of the planting guides I have used:
http://www.heirloomseeds.com/h...

They also have a great selections of all kinds of heirloom seeds. They're available at a low cost; and they're a family owned and operated business,which I like.

PICTURED
Gray hairstreak butterflies on Catnip.

If you like having herbs in the garden, I think you will like growing heirlooms. I find it very rewarding to grow an old fashioned variety that has been preserved for many generations. These open pollinated varieties will come back true from seed, year after year!!

PICTURED
Marshmallow, Althaea officinalis

There are several methods of collecting herb seeds:

Once flower head dry on plants, carefully cut stems and place in a paper bag or container. Leave to dry completely in a dry place.

.
PICTURED
Holy Basil is an annual herb that reseeds from heirloom plants. It smells and tastes spicy and, is used in Thai dishes & added to summer beverages.

PICTURED
Heal All, Prunella vulgaris

This perennial herb blooms in spring. Let the flower heads dry on the plant and then snip the stems and put in a dry place to completely dry out.

Prunella vulgaris dried flower heads in a container drying. These seed heads do not easily lose the seeds and will have to be rubbed when completely dry to remove the seeds.

I have grown Heal all for a few years now , nice plant but am confused by the name I haven't actually found any use for it ? What do you use it for?

Hi Cinda,

Heal All has many many names, including "Heart of the Earth," with proven antibacterial and astringent properties.

Although it is edible, I have mainly used it as a gargle for sore throats and tea when someone is sick. I like keeping a jar of dried leaves and flowers around just in case.

It can be used for internal and external ailments as well as cullinary usage.

And Heal All is also a host for the Clouded sulphur butterfly Colias philodice It's nectar will attract for many other butterflies and bees too.

It is not choosy about the soil too much but seems to prefer moist areas. And it's easy to pull up with its short root system, if it happens to grow where you don't want it to.

I do make my own tea maybe I should add a bit to the mixture. I guess I should study it a bit more , I do like using the plants I grow. I will make note on the butterfly I do grow several plants just for them.
thanks

There is much written about this herb and it's healing benefits.

I keep lots of notes and ran across this poem about :
Common Selfheal, by Cicely Mary Barker (1895-1973)

When little Elves have cut themselves,
Or Mouse has hurt her tail,
Or Froggie's arm has come to harm,
This herb will never fail.
The faeries skill can cure each ill
And sooth the sorest pain;
She'll bathe and bind,
And soon they'll find
That they are well again.

Oh how cute.