HERBS FOR THE HOME

Ever considered planting a herb garden but did not have the inclination or motivation, well now is the perfect time. It is also the right time to expand an existing herb garden and maybe even plant a few veggies to compliment the herbs. 

What herbs to plant

Kick off with a few personal favourites like mint, rosemary and sage. 

• Mint grows like crazy so plant in a container rather than in the garden otherwise the garden will be overrun with mint plants. Mint is hardy and a useful ingredient that can be added to many food accompaniments from salads to sauces. Mint leaves are a great addition to homemade drinks like iced tea and lemonade.
   
• Rosemary is easy to grow and can be propagated by simply placing a rosemary slip in a glass of water. After a few weeks, fine roots will appear. Plant in soil and soon a new rosemary bush will develop. Rosemary is a versatile and durable plant, it is also very forgiving when daily watering is skipped. Rosemary in bloom will provide some subtle colour to the garden.

• Sage like rosemary can be grown from a slip. Again it is as simple as placing the slip in water and waiting for the roots to start growing before planting. Over time sage will grow into a large bush. Sage can be added to soups, stuffings, fried with butter to accompany pasta, chicken and pork or made into a tea.        

Start small

Just a few herbs will get the ball rolling and in time more herbs and even veggies can be added.

Use pots or planters

Plant the herbs in pots or planters using a good quality potting soil. Place the pots close to the kitchen; within easy reach for when the herbs are needed.

Watching herbs grow and flourish is an extremely rewarding experience and there is no time like the present to begin the journey of herb growing.