Set of 3 Green Herb Pots are ideal for your kitchen windowsill. Each square pot is made from metal, boasting a stylish sage green colour, and the plant includes handy label slots to the front, to write names on, for easy identification. Features small drainage holes in the base, while the long tray is idea to catch drips and protect surfaces. With wooden grip handles to remove and carry.
To grow your own herbs does not require much space (use a pot or the spokes of a cartwheel. Grow mint and chives in pots, or else they can go out of control. Don’t grow near windows as it makes birds confused (see how to stop birds flying into windows).
Keep Pets Safe Near Herbs
See toxic plants to avoid near pets (also avoid cocoa/pine/rubber mulch near pets, and avoid fresh compost nearby, as it contains mould). Use humane safe slug & snail deterrents and use no-dig garden methods. Herbs that are toxic to pets include:
- Oregano
- Lemongrass
- Pennyroyal (mint)
- Tarragon
- Chives (anything in the onion family)
- Parsley
- Bay laurel
- Garden cress is an edible herb (better than supermarket cress that’s watered down with rapeseed oil). Cress is toxic to pets. Also known as ‘poor man’s pepper’, it’s good to add a tangy taste to sandwiches, soups and stews.
Safer herbs include milder basil, rosemary, coriander and thyme. Rosemary will attract bees, so keep furry friends away. Lavender is not the most toxic herb for pets, but in large amounts could harm. Also keep pets away from herbs that attract bees (like lavender or rosemary – see natural remedies for bee stings).
For home use, do not use strong scents/herbs nor essential oils near pets (esp. cats, birds, ferrets and reptiles). Don’t use on beds if pets sleep with you, and air rooms if using herbal perfumes, air fresheners (includes info on scented candles – avoid citronella near pets).
Grow Your Own Herbs
My Tiny Kitchen Garden shows that you don’t need a garden to grow your own food. This beginner’s guide shows how to grow 20 plants in your kitchen, even with limited space. Whether it’s fresh herbs for cooking or to save money on your food bill, reduce your carbon footprint by learning the basics of micro-gardening. Plus there are tips on growing food from scraps, and how to save and store seeds.
- Fast-growing annuals are mild basil, basil, rosemary, coriander, thyme & dill. Perennial herbs take time (thyme, sage, rosemary, chives and mint).
- Don’t scorch pots in the sun, nor have them face west or east or they won’t get enough sun. Water plants in the morning (yellow leaves are due to over-watering).
- Harvest little at a time.
- Freeze chopped herbs in ice-cube trays.
- Jekka’s Herb Kits (Bristol) include hand-mixed seedling compost and 5 packets of herb seeds. The Herb Patch also grows organic seeds on a smallholding in the Derwent Valley, on the border of Durham/Northumberland.
- Complete Container Herb Gardening is a book by a certified horticulturalist. Sue Goetz walks you through growing easy edible herbs with healing properties, for your patio, rooftop, balcony or porch. Discover best herbs to grow, ideal containers and how to tend your herb garden. Includes a dozen container recipes
- Your Indoor Herb Garden is a fantastic book, with high reviews. Beautifully illustrated, learn why indoor herb gardens are good for cooking and healing, and includes a glossary of herbs with growing requirements.
Grow Your Own Basil
When harvesting, leave at least three shoot pairs so basil can keep growing, but it’s pretty hardy. You can store it in the fridge, but basil stores best at room temperature in a vase of water. You should cut the stems first, then freeze in ice cube trays, not more than a few months.
Grow Your Own Basil Kit contains all you need to grow your own basil of 3 types (Sweet Genovese, Deep Purple and Lemon Basil). These living herb kits are ethically made and produced by hand in Somerset, using reclaimed and biodegradable materials. The kits have easy instructions to grow indoors all-year long. Includes 9 wood pulp pots, 9 coir compost pellets, 3 reclaimed oak markers (made from old Scottish whisky barrels) and 3 packs of seeds. Along with 3 x A5 illustrated prints and a book with growing instructions. At end of use, just add the kit containers to the compost bin.
