What is a Herb?
Technically, and to quote the Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of
Gardening, a herb is
"a plant of which the stem dies to the ground at the end
of the season. Herbs may be annual, biennial or perennial".
But there are some shrubs and trees that, although they do not fall into this
technical definition, are still considered "herbs" for their aromatic nature,
medicinal qualities or savoury flavour. Examples include thyme, rosemary and
the sweet bay tree.
Herbs are tolerant of a wide range of conditions. They grow reasonably well
with very little maintenance. Almost all herbs grow best in a sunny, open
position. They thrive in a light, fertile and well-drained medium, but most
will do well even in poor soil. Except for Sorrel, all herbs like alkaline
conditions. Give them a light dressing of lime in Autumn and a complete
fertiliser during the Spring.
Herbs and flowers mixed together make a colourful border for every kind of
garden. Some herbs, like lavender and rosemary, can make neat hedges and
boundary borders. Others, such as thymes, will cover the ground, even paving it
with a fragrant, evergreen carpet. Chamomile and pennyroyal can be used either
with grass or without, as lawn plants. Mints will cover a bank and usefully
anchor the soil. Angelica brings beauty to shady areas.
These herbs may be
companion-planted
with vegetables to protect their growth
and increase their flavour.
Tips:
High Soil Fertility
use organic or complete inorganic fertilisers with
high nitrogen contents at rates recommended for vegetables.
Limey Soil
soil pH at 6.5 7.5 gives excellent results. Add
dolomite or lime if your pH is low.
Constant Adequate Moisture
should be maintained in the warmer months.
The tendency of the Parsley family to go to seed can be reduced by following
the above Tips.
Tips:
Low to Moderate Fertility
these plants thrive in mushroom compost used
as a soil conditioner or surface mulch.
Limey Soil
as natives of chalky (limey) soil, a high pH of 7-8 protects
them from root rot. Regular applications of dolomite are very beneficial.
Extremely Well Drained Soil
if you have a poorly drained clay soil,
raised beds (20cm high) with the addition of gypsum and
compost
will improve
drainage.
Underplant Watering
overhead irrigation in Summer can cause leaf fungal
diseases. Instead use drip microjet or soaker hose irrigation.
Tips:
High Soil Fertility
as for Vegetable Culture Herbs above.
These herbs will not give of their best if allowed to dry out especially
in Summer. If regular watering is not practical, incorporate organic
compost
into the soil (using compost reduces the need to use animal manures, which can
often introduce all manner of weeds to the garden if they are used
uncomposted)
and also surface mulch to a height of 10cm to help retain moisture. The soil
should have reasonable drainage rather than be boggy. Mints and Water Cress
perform best in extremely wet conditions.
SUIT MOST CONDITIONS HERBS
Aloe Vera, Borage, Feverfew, Purple Coneflower, Tansy, Winter Tarragon.
These herbs will grow in any of the abovementioned soils and/or conditions.
GROWING CONDITIONS FOR COMMON HERBS
ALOE VERA - the First Aid Plant
A perennial plant, propagate by division in Spring, Summer and Autumn. Plant
40cm apart in loamy, well-drained soil in full sun. Aloe vera will grow to 30cm
(12 inches). It grows in a slowly spreading clump and rarely flowers. The
flowers are, however, a reddish-orange and appear in Summer. The foliage of
Aloe vera is fleshy with spiked edges. It will grow inside with extra care. It
will rot if too wet and will not tolerate heavy frosts.
Basil
-
(Ocimum basilicum)
- A half-hardy annual grown mainly in summer, forming a bush about half a metre
tall. Basil thrives when watered regularly. It needs a loose, light, moist but
well-drained soil, rich in humous in a warm, sunny, sheltered position. Don't
cover the seeds with soil, just press them in with your fingers. Basil should
be regularly pinched back to encourage bushy growth.
Sweet basil can flower quickly, so nip off the flower buds to encourage leave
growth and prolong its life. Basil adapts well to container growing indoors.
You can also grow basil from cuttings (although they're not as sweet in
flavour). Cut off a stem and take off the leaves
of the bottom 10cm (4 inches). Then put it in a glass of water on a window sill
for about 14 days. Don't forget to regularly change your water! It'll quickly
form roots along its stem. Then you can transplant it into a pot outside to
harden off for a week. Next it goes into the garden and before you know it
you'll have another basil bush.
Chives
-
(Allium schoenoprasum - Allium sibiricum)
- Chives are among the most ancient of herbs, being known nearly 5,000 years
ago. A delicately onion-flavoured, perennial herb with lavender flowers, which
will grow in any sunny position, forming thick clumps. Propagate by seed or root
division in early Spring. Cover seeds lightly.
Chives are best in a reasonably rich, moist, well-cultivated soil to which
compost has been aded. Chives thrive in a well-limed soil. They are at their
best in Spring and Summer, but can be harvested and used all year round. The
leaves should be cut regularly to provide new tender growth. Cut about two to
three centimetres above the white stems. Chives planted among roses prevent
greenfly. Chives grow to around 12 inches tall.
Comfrey
-
(Symphytum officinale)
- This robust, clump-forming perennial has large, lance-shaped leaves and
hanging clusters of pink, mauve or white flowers. Comfrey grows well in most
soils but does not like very dry conditions. It is resilient and sends up fresh
green leaves every season.
Although it is not a pretty plant, it is a good companion plant because it
keeps the surrounding soil rich and moist. It can be evasive, however, and will
smother smaller plants.
Lavender
Lavender needs full sun, alkaline soil, and good drainage. It is most important
to plant it where it is well drained. Allow the soil to dry between waterings
to discourage root rot. In areas where the foliage dies
back in winter, prune back hard in early spring. Pick the flowers when the
buds are just beginning to
open; dry them on trays or hang them in small bunches.
Lemon Balm
-
(Melissa officinalis)
- A perennial herb (which can grow between 18in - 3ft) with a sharp, lemony
scent and flavour. Lemon Balm is also known as "bee balm". It will grow in sun
or part shade but does well in sunny
places in rich, clay soil or rich soil and partial shade, although it can
withstand quite dry conditions. Lemon Balm can be sown by seed
directly in the soil during Spring (cover seeds lightly with soil - they
germinate slowly)
or propagated by division of older clumps. Protect in winter from frost.
Marjoram
-
(Origanum majorana - Majorana hortensis)
- This is annual, biennial to perennial herb, up to 50cm (20 inches) high.
Grows strongly on the edge of the herb garden or rock garden. It forms thick
clumps with stems which run along the ground and themselve take root. Its
growth is improved by regular division and replanting. It can be cut several
times a year as it is hardy and grows easily. The soil should be light and
lime-rich.
Mints
-
(Mentha ssp)
- Grows strongly under average conditions but can only be propagated
vegetatively with new plants obtained by dividing old clumps either in Spring
or Autumn. Alternatively, underground shoots can be transplanted. Mint should
be grown in humid, humus-rich soil in shady conditions. When growing in a
container, slip mint roots inside a plastic bag to isolate the roots from other
plants in the tub. Mint grown alone in a pot on a window-sill is best kept
standing in a saucer of water. Fill the lower third of its depth with drainage
materials such as broken flower pots, crocks, brick, shingles, pebbles or small
stones. Even BBQ charcoals are excellent.
Parsley
-
(Petroselinum crispum - Petroselinum hortense)
Plants can be used as ornamentals to provide bright green borders in the
flowering garden. It is a biennial - perennial plant and can be planted all
year round. Soak seeds overnight in warm water before sowing.
Although parsley grows in quite poor soil, feed regularly and, for
best flavour, harvest before the plant flowers. Propagate by seed or root
pieces, which, if kept just covered with water, rapidly send out shoots. This
herb is a perennial and flowers at the end of it's second year.
Sage
-
(Salvia officinalis)
- a perennial semi-shrub reaching about 1m (3ft) Loves a sunny, well drained
spot and is best grown in dry, lime-rich soil with sufficient sunlight. Can be
grown from seed or by division of clumps, even very old
clumps can be cut back hard and then divided into separate plants for
replanting. It is harvested twice a year and the leaves should be collected
before the flowering stage, at noon in dry weather. In Spring, the plants
should be cut back to some 15cm (6in) above the ground to help the new foliage
form.
Tarragon
-
(Artemisia dracunculus)
- French tarragon is propagated from divisions during Spring, and not from
seed. It is a perennial, densley branched plant reaching a height of up to
100cm (40in). Tarragon thrives in sunny spots, in well-fertilised soil. It can
only be propagated by division as it grows shoots from underground rhizomes.
Thyme
-
(Thymus vulgaris)
- An hardy, evergreen shrub (small, perennial) and a lover of dryish soil,
thriving in the sun and rockeries and in most climates. Thyme grows 15 to 40cm
(6 to 16in).
Cultivate by dividing clumps of existing plants or by sowing seed in light,
lime-rich, sandy soil. If you've got an existing thyme plant take a few
cuttings a couple of inches long and strip the leaves from the bottom half. Dip
this in rooting hormone powder and plant it. A few months later you'll have
even more thyme.
Thyme must have a dry, sunny spot and occasional
watering. A good handful of limestone around the plants every now and then
keeps the flavour sharp and the leaves aromatic.
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
- Yarrow is a multi-functional perennial herb which thrives in most soil
conditions. The variety known as Common Yarrow spreads rapidly, its narrow
feathery leaves forming a matted ground cover. Yarrow is occasionally used as an
alternative to grass in beach gardens as its foliage remains green even during
periods of drought.
Yarrow produces clusters of minute white or pink flowers on a long stem. These
are very decorative and long lasting.
SUNLIGHT
Most herbs give their best flavour and fully develop their
characteristic flavours if grown in full sun. However, a
strong characteristic flavour can be had by exposure to as little as five hours
sunshine a day.
PRUNING
Perennial herbs tend to become woody lower down. This can be avoided by
pruning the plants down to within 15cm of the soil. Be sure to leave some
leaves on the plant. Regular pruning promotes more flavoursome growth.
PLANNING
If you are planning an extensive herb garden, divide it into the three
areas for the above three group of plants. You will find a harmony of foliage
types within each group which will make your herb garden more visually
appealing and easier to maintain.
The main planning task is to locate it in both a convenient place (ie: near the
kitchen) which has good growing conditions.
DRAINAGE
- If your soil's drainage is poor, use large rocks to make a "pocket" and add a
soil mixture. This will provide a kind of rock garden. The soil mixture should
have mixed in with it a large amount of peat (about one third by bulk), along
with some blue metal or similar to keep the soil texture open and free draining.
PROPAGATION
A sterilised seed-raising mix is the best choice when raising herbs from seed
as this enables the seedlings to establish without competition from weeds.
Spring is the best time for raising most herbs from seed.
Summer to early Winter is ideal for perennial and shrubby plants such as mint,
thyme, lavender and rosemary - all are easily raised from firm tip cuttings
during this time.
Late Winter or early Spring is the time to propagate perennial clump-forming
herbs and those with rhizomes, such as chives, thyme and mint.
Some vigorous herbs, such as mint and tarragon, are inclined to overrun other
plants and should have their growth restricted. This can be done by planting
them in bottomless containers or by sinking rigid plastic or treated boards
into the ground around them.
PROPAGATING ROSEMARY:
Rosemary cuttings strike easily. You can take cuttings anytime but Autumn is
probably the best time. Take cuttings that are semi-ripe - firm tip cuttings -
ie: the stems are
not
fresh and green, nor are they stiff and woody - somewhere in between. Take
them with a little "heel" of plant tissue from the main stem. Plant the
cuttings in propagating mix (or a mixture of sharp sand and peat moss) and keep
moist. Some of your cuttings will form roots and then start to
shoot.
INDOOR GROWING Tips:
Winter supplies of fresh herbs can quite easily be grown in pots or boxes on a
sunny window-sill. The best results indoors are obtained with perennials grown
either from cuttings or divisions taken in Autumn. Chives, marjoram, mint,
rosemary, sage, thyme and winter savory are all suitable for growing indoors.
They
will not last indefinitely, so take fresh cuttings each Autumn.
Some herbs, such as basil, dill and parsley, can be raised from seed outdoors
in late Summer, and transplanted into pots in the Autumn for wintering indoors.
Trying to grow herbs indoors from seed during the Winter is not usually
successful.
Water plants regularly, and keep them away from draughts. If possible, stand
the pots in gravel on a shallow tray and keep the gravel wet to maintain moist
air around the plants.
Select a pot with plenty of drainage holes.
Use a well drained shrub type potting mix.
Incorporate a slow release fertiliser at the highest rate.
Water with liquid fertiliser regularly if growth is slow.
Try for as much direct sunlight as possible to build in flavour.