THERE ARE MANY reasons why I grow my herbs in pots. The main one is so that I can have them close to my kitchen door, which means that I can pick them whenever I need them and they are always to hand. Another advantage is that they can be moved around the garden or patio easily so you can find the perfect place for them to thrive. For some very invasive herbs, such as mint and lemon balm, it keeps them in one place and stops them growing everywhere.
They are relatively easy to grow, although watering is very important, especially for herbs grown in terracotta pots, as they dry out much quicker than when they are grown in plastic or other material. If you do like growing them in terracotta, line the bottom of the pot with some plastic liner and allow it to come one third up the side of the pot. It still will require some drainage holes at the bottom, however.
Which Herbs Should I Try to Grow?
If it is the first time you have tried growing herbs, have a go at lavender, thyme, parsley, lemon balm, sage and chives as I have found these are the easiest to grow successfully. Try two or three different herbs to begin with, your favourite flavours are a good place to start. All the instructions this month are for the easier-to-grow herbs.
Others to try are rosemary, basil, coriander and marjoram. These need a little more care and attention, but are worth attempting when you feel more confident about growing herbs.
Sowing
In spring, sow the seeds in new compost. A soil-based one is the best, as it contains a high level of nutrients which the herbs thrive on. I plant them in individual cell pots, planting two to three seeds in each one. Prick out the least vigorous plant as they begin to grow. Once they are sown cover with polythene or a plastic lid and keep warm. I leave them in the kitchen or the conservatory. Keep them well watered using a spray rather than a watering can, as this is far more gentle on the tiny plants.
After Germination
As the plants grow they should be very carefully transferred to a larger pot to develop their root system. Once again, pot in soil-based compost and use a 7–10cm (3–4in) pot. They can be kept in the greenhouse but protect from any late frosts – I tend to use a little fleece if necessary.
Planting on
This is the fun bit. You will probably have far too many plants for your own use. Why not make some pots for friends and neighbours? Herbs can be planted in many different pots, troughs and hanging baskets. As long as you remember that they like to be kept moist and don’t like to dry out, planting on is easy.
Plant some together in larger pots if you wish, but I prefer to plant each one in its own pot. Mint and lemon balm should be planted singly as they take over any other plant that might be growing alongside them.
If you are using old pots wash them well before planting your herbs. Always put some pebbles or broken crocks at the bottom of the pot before filling with compost because, as you are using soil-based compost, the drainage holes will clog up very quickly, even with the first watering.
Have the pot and soil ready with a hole in to receive the plant, as this makes transferring the herbs much easier.
When removing the young plant from its pot it is best to do so when the soil is moist. Be very careful not to disturb the roots too much. Place in the hole and bring the compost up around the plant, firming in gently. Water well and remember that most herbs grow and spread so make sure they have enough room to do so.
Growing herbs
Diana is in charge of the herbs in our garden. I wanted to build a special herb bed at the bottom of the garden, but she wouldn't let me - she has her own ideas
Healthy
Plants