Picking herbs from your own garden is one of the best things
a gardener can experience. With being the easiest grow, whether in borders,
beds, windowsills or containers they can practically grow anywhere with the
right amount of nutrients. Herbs can also be grown all year round and will
potentially help you save yourself money but not buying them from the
supermarkets.
When creating a herb garden, it’s worth knowing whether your
chosen herbs are annual, biennial or perennial. Annual or biennial herbs such
as Basil, Coriander, Dill, Parsley and Chervil are fast growers and may need to
be sown at intervals throughout the spring and summer to make sure you have a
fresh supply throughout the year. Perennial herbs such as Chives, Oregano,
Mint, Sage, Thyme and Rosemary are a much slower growing herb and will need a
more permanent home.
Annual and Biennial
Herbs: Basil, Coriander, Parsley, Dill, Chervil, Chamomile, Summer Savoury,
Marjoram, Purslane, Borage, Lemon Grass, Mexican Marigold and Rocket.
Perennial Herbs: Oregano,
Mint, Thyme, Sage, Rosemary, Chives, Comfrey, Sorrel, Fennel, Russian Tarragon,
Hyssop, Fennel, Lemon Balm, Meadowsweet, Horseradish and Lovage.
Herbs should be ideally grown in a sunny, well drained soil
with a sheltered location. Heavy clay soil can be a problem, but if you
incorporate some coarse grit and organic matter such as manure or compost it
can improve the drainage and then the growth of your plants. On the other hand,
if you have very acidic soil then add some lime when preparing the planting
area.
There are a few herbs which will happily grow in shady
conditions and moist soil, such as Chervil, Meadowsweet, Lemon balm, Parsley
and Chives.
If you are growing herbs from a seed, then hardly any annual
or biennial herbs such as Chamomile, Coriander, Dill and Parsley can be sewn
from March until August.
Hopefully this has spurred you on to build your own herb
garden or just start off with one herb and build it up. For anymore information
give us a call on 01509 621 300 or email us at info@seagravenurseries.co.uk
