Hi Jay Tea. I grow all my herbs in pots and they've been happily growing away for years. I never feed them and don't repot but do water during the summer. I also put shingle at the bottom of the pot before I put the soil in. I use ordinary potting compost but do add sand (about 1/3rd) and mix it in just to help drainage as herbs really hate to be waterlogged. Most herbs respond really well to hard pruning straight after their flowers start to die off. Thyme, oregano, marjoram, chives and mint should be cut down to ground level. Rosemary and other woody shrubs need to be trimmed by about half to keep them bushy. Cut fennel down to base. Tarragon is a lovely herb in cooking but can be fussy outside in winter however, I just cover mine with some fleece or another pot and it comes back in the Spring. If you prune like this every year your flowers will actually increase the following year and your plants stay looking good.
By the way, always keep mint in pots (I've found that the 'bottomless bucket' in the ground never stops mint invading the garden). Let us know how you get on.
Yes I don't let mint anywhere near a bed ! Thanks for the advice. One question, how do you prevent the gravel going through the pot drainage hole ? Crocks ? What size gravel do you use ?
Sorry forgot that bit. I use broken crocks. Any sort of gravel is ok as long as it's not too large. Lots of folk will say use pea gravel or alpine grit but that's quite expensive. I usually just buy a bag of that 'golden' gravel at the garden centre which seems to work just as well. Lasts longer too.
I think you need a book on container growing!! I have several, all second hand mostly from the book farm near me in Nuneaton or charity shops. some of them only 50p or £1.00; gives you great ideas, and exactly what you need, compost,plants,how to feed.
"flowering containers through the year" Stephanie Donaldson is my favourite!
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I think I'm going to treat them a little meaner.
Hi Jay Tea. I grow all my herbs in pots and they've been happily growing away for years. I never feed them and don't repot but do water during the summer. I also put shingle at the bottom of the pot before I put the soil in. I use ordinary potting compost but do add sand (about 1/3rd) and mix it in just to help drainage as herbs really hate to be waterlogged. Most herbs respond really well to hard pruning straight after their flowers start to die off. Thyme, oregano, marjoram, chives and mint should be cut down to ground level. Rosemary and other woody shrubs need to be trimmed by about half to keep them bushy. Cut fennel down to base. Tarragon is a lovely herb in cooking but can be fussy outside in winter however, I just cover mine with some fleece or another pot and it comes back in the Spring. If you prune like this every year your flowers will actually increase the following year and your plants stay looking good.
By the way, always keep mint in pots (I've found that the 'bottomless bucket' in the ground never stops mint invading the garden). Let us know how you get on.
Yes I don't let mint anywhere near a bed ! Thanks for the advice. One question, how do you prevent the gravel going through the pot drainage hole ? Crocks ? What size gravel do you use ?
Thanks
Sorry forgot that bit. I use broken crocks. Any sort of gravel is ok as long as it's not too large. Lots of folk will say use pea gravel or alpine grit but that's quite expensive. I usually just buy a bag of that 'golden' gravel at the garden centre which seems to work just as well. Lasts longer too.
Ah, I have a bag of golden gravel in my shed.Perfect
Hi all
Have any of you grown herbs in hanging baskets? I would like to try this, but which herbs would be best?
I think you need a book on container growing!! I have several, all second hand mostly from the book farm near me in Nuneaton or charity shops. some of them only 50p or £1.00; gives you great ideas, and exactly what you need, compost,plants,how to feed.
"flowering containers through the year" Stephanie Donaldson is my favourite!