Find out which herbs are best to grow in your garden and how to care for them.
Firstly, you should grow your herbs in fertile, well-drained soil, preferably neutral to alkaline. Otherwise, plant them in pots. Always keep your plants accessible so that you can take care of them. If necessary, create a paved path to access them, a light colour would be optimal to reflect the heat back to the plants and thus mitigate the cold nights. Choose a sunny spot as herbs need a lot of light to develop their flavour. Herbs do not need fertiliser, as the concentration of flavour can be reduced by using fertiliser.
Dill
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10. Dill
Dill is quite easy to grow as it is a perennial but does not last very long. Plant dill seeds in moist soil but in a sunny spot where the herb can receive warmth. In order to slow down seed set which ends the crop, partial shade is ideal.
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9. Chives
Chives are perennial and easy to grow. It requires very little maintenance. Plant your herb in a pot or in the ground in fertile soil. Place it in a sunny spot as this plant needs a lot of light.
Did you know?
Chives are entirely edible. Its flowers, bulb and leaves can be used as a garnish in your summer dishes.
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8. Mint
Mint is a perennial herb that is easy to grow in the garden. It is vigorous by nature and can be invasive. Grow it in a bottomless pit in the ground to prevent it from taking up too much space. Plant it in a sunny spot in the garden and in fertile, moist soil.
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7. Basil
Basil is a cold sensitive herb. It can therefore only be grown outside in summer and must be brought indoors during the winter months. Basil is water and light hungry. It needs as much warmth as possible, so it is best to place your plant in a sunny spot in the garden. A greenhouse or windowsill location would also be ideal.
Mint
Coriander
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6. Coriander
Coriander is a tender and ephemeral plant. Sow the seeds in fertile soil at regular intervals during the growing season to ensure a steady supply. Prefers a sunny spot in the garden, partial shade is preferable.
Did you know?
Like chives, the whole plant is edible. Coriander seeds have a lemonier taste and can be ground up as spices, and the leaves are more bitter and often chopped to season dishes. It also has many health benefits.
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5. Fennel
Fennel is a perennial plant, however it is often sown every year to maintain the crop. It is a hardy plant that is easy to grow. Simply sow the seeds in a sunny spot in your garden and it will develop its full flavour.
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4. French Tarragon
French tarragon is a perennial herb but a little more difficult to grow than the others. French tarragon must be grown by dividing its roots. Divide the plants in the spring to maintain the health of the plant, and replant the herbs every two or three years. Plant the herb in relatively dry soil and take care not to overwater as the plant may rot in wet soil. Place it in a sunny spot in the garden so that it gets the necessary heat it needs and make sure it is in fertile soil.
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3. Parsley
Parsley is an easy to grow herb that is sown every year in spring and summer. Grow parsley in fertile soil and water thoroughly in dry weather. It is ideal to place it in a very sunny spot in the garden. In the UK there are two types of parsley grown: curly parsley and flat leaf parsley. Curly parsley tends to be more popular as it is more adaptable to weather, and some say has a stronger taste.
Parsley
Sage
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2. Rosemary
Rosemary is a very robust herb. Being cold and dry tolerant, it is available fresh all year round, so you can use it to decorate your table, garden or to flavour your food whenever you like! Plant rosemary in well-drained soil in a sunny spot.
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1. Sage
Sage is an easy to grow herb. It is a low yielding shrub and the leaves are available all year round for harvesting. It is a plant with many health benefits. Encourage a well-drained soil and a sunny spot in the garden so that the plant can grow and maximise its flavour.
