100 Herbs to Grow (a comprehensive guide)
Growing your own organic herb garden is a rewarding experience. It’s not just about adding fresh flavours to your meals; it’s also about embracing a healthier lifestyle.
Imagine plucking fresh basil for your spaghetti or a sprig of mint for your tea right from your garden. The satisfaction you get from nurturing your plants is incomparable. Plus, it’s a fantastic step towards reducing your carbon footprint.
100 Herbs to Grow is by herb-growing expert Jekka McVicar. It includes herbs that are easy to grow, taste great and have culinary and medicinal properties.
Many herbs (borage, parsley, Pennyroyal mint etc) are unsafe near animals.
Before growing your own herbs, read our post on pet-friendly gardens. Also never face indoor plants to outdoor gardens, to help stop birds flying into windows).
Tips for Organic Herb Gardens
Most herbs need 6 to 8 hours of sun a day, although parsley prefers a little shade. Good soil is also important. But avoid standing water. If you get pools of water after rain, raise the beds or improve your soul.
Good starter herbs are basil, parsley and mint. Basil needs replanting each year, but perennials like thyme survive the next year. Some herbs are good with other plants (basil loves tomatoes)
Regular pruning encourages more robust herbs, so pinch the tips off regularly. Aphids love herbs, so encourage ladybirds to your garden (they eat them).
