SAGE ADVICE

IF YOU LIKE THE IDEA OF A KITCHEN GARDEN BUT DON’T KNOW HOW, START WITH A HERB GARDEN – OR JUST A SINGLE POT TO EASE YOUR WAY IN

There is nothing to compare with fresh herbs picked from the garden and it’s so easy and great fun to make a herb garden.

If space is a problem, pots and troughs around window sills and balconies are the solution. There is no excuse – everyone can grow a few herbs.

Whatever the growing technique, good soil and drainage are critical. Add enriched compost to existing garden soil and a good handful of organic fertiliser and dolomite to every square metre of the bed. Ensure all weeds are removed from the garden bed.

Divide the herb garden into sections and control rampant creepers such as mint. The sections create the opportunity to select the different herbs that benefit from growing together.

Mint and chillies are good companion plants. It makes sense because chives and chillies repel grasshoppers – mint’s chief enemy.

Sage and thyme grow well together, and also rosemary, but in more tropical areas it is best to keep rosemary in a pot out of the rain in a position where it will receive direct sunlight.

Rosemary needs good drainage but likes to be watered regularly.

Coriander and dill are short-lived annuals so plant them where they can be dug up and replaced on a monthly rotation.

Basil, parsley and oregano are great mates but they don’t like sage or mint, so keep them apart.

Regular watering of herbs is essential. When the weather warms it will be necessary to water the herbs every day. This is best done in the morning as wet leaves at night can cause soft rot on leaves.

If growing herbs in a pot, be mindful that damp containers can cause limescale to build up on patio tiles, and water and soil run-off from pots can cause dry rot to wooden surfaces.

Prevent surface damage by using shallow saucers placed on pot feet underneath the plant containers.

Herbs grow rapidly and need to be harvested often for them to maintain vigour.

A monthly side dressing of organic fertiliser and a weekly spray of seaweed solution will keep the herbs growing and should keep the kitchen cook stocked with an ample supply of healthy fresh herbs.