Herb or ‘erb, however you pronounce it, herbs are very useful plants, and are found in most gardens and kitchens all over the world. Herbs have a variety of uses - food, flavouring, medicine, fragrances, cosmetics and I some cases for spiritual care.

For most herbs, it’s leaf or flower, we use - either dried or fresh.

Herbs can be grown in pots, containers, and gardens, indoors or out. When growing herbs together in one container, select varieties with similar habits, for example chives, mint, chervil and coriander like plenty of water, whereas rosemary, thyme, sage and oregano prefer well-drained soil. Clipping back and regular picking will help control the rampant habit or some herbs, and promote a continuous supply.

aka Basil mixed

A mixed selection of highly ornamental form of Sweet Basil which is great for summer salads. Lush foliage with full of flavour and fragrance. Plant in a sunny well drained spot and protect from frost. Pinch back to a new growth point as you harvest the leaves to encourage re-growth. Annual.

 

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aka Sweet Basil

Where would summer be without Basil to add fragrance and flavour to a multitude of dishes? Large shiny green leaves that taste great fresh - wonderful for Pesto. Leaves can be frozen for future use if you have an over-production. Loves the sun and good drainage. Protect from frost. Annual.

 

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Traditional ground cover with bright green feathery foliage and erect stems of small, daisy-like flowers. Charmingly scented and magic to walk on. Chamomile Lawn thrive in full sun, but will tolerate dappled shade.

 

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This variety of Chives is a vigorous grower with good disease resistance. Nice broad leaves that can be chopped up to add to summer salads etc. Will form a good clump in the vege patch or can be grown in a pot. Prefers the sun and good drainage. Perennial.

 

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aka Garlic Chives

Flat leaves with a mild garlic flavour make these versatile Chives a useful Herb for a variety of dishes. A good substitute for those who find bulb garlic too strong. Plant in a sunny well drained spot. Perennial.

 

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Highly aromatic Herb that is popular for adding a pungent flavour to Chinese, Thai and Mexican cuisine. This variety is very slow to bolt ( hence the name) and can be grown in a pot or the garden. Likes the sun and fertile soil to do well. Annual.

 

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Pyrethrum is a great companion plant, used to keep many of the unwanted insects from your beloved plants. Pyrethrins are an aphid alarm pheromone which can be used to repel pest insects from nearby crops. Perennial.

 

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This culinary herb is particularly popular for adding flavour to fish dishes and pickles. Both the foliage and seeds can be used. The foliage has a mild aniseed flavour. Grow in a sunny spot with nice humus rich soil. Annual.

 

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aka Fennel

A gourmet bulb Fennel with big white bulbs that are not too fibrous and have a delicious, mild, aniseed flavour. The bulb can be eaten raw or cooked and the foliage can be finely chopped and used as a garnish. Likes the sun and fertile, well drained soil. Perennial.

 

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aka Elephant Garlic

This is slow growing and forms a very large bulb. Individual corms have a mild sweet taste (especially when roasted) and are less intense than regular Garlic. Plant in Jun, harvest Dec. Plant no deeper than 2 cloves depth. Feed low nitrogen fert.

Garlic loves a sunny, well drained spot in fertile soil. Once harvested, around Christmas time, leave to dry in a warm, sunny spot until the leaves wrinkle and turn brownish. Then take the leaves off and store your bulbs whole in a cool airy place until required. NB Elephant Garlic does not store for as long as regular Garlic but once you get the taste of it that shouldn't be a problem. This is a hard necked variety.