A farm where herbs are grown for sale in the market is a herb farm. Here we find a wide range of farms – from small ones entirely dedicated to herb farming to commercial farms. Small farms often work out to be more efficient in terms of manpower usage and value of crops, and their produce is directed to the local market. The small farm could ideally have one or two greenhouses, an area for storage, and an area to sell the product.
The concept of starting one’s own small herb farm stems from the needs of local restaurants and at-home chefs demanding fresher, locally grown products. Commercial operations, on the other hand, focus on a larger scale of cash profit and may use some of the same growing systems, but may use advanced technology. The first-time herb gardener, however, might encounter some confusion in deciding which herbs to grow, such a wide variety as there is to choose from.
The best way to decide is by looking through local stores, as it gives the most accurate idea of what is in demand. The organic farming of medicinal herbs in some countries, especially India, is also increasing rapidly. Medicinal herbs are considered as valuable and profitable as cash crops. The herbs have a good export potential also. Some of these medicinal herbs include Aloe vera, Amla (gooseberry), Ashwagandha, Basil, Brahmi, Calendula, Jatropha, Saffron, lemongrass, parsley, and vanilla.