Re: Herbs

fallen-archie · ‎25-11-2014

Any one on here grow their own herbs year round? No not the sort you grow in the attic, this is a serious question, I Love the use of fresh herbs in cooking and wondered if anyone here has any experience of growing the pesky things in our climate successfully.

aernethril · ‎25-11-2014

There are loads of herbs that will grow in the UK some will survive even harsh winters and come back the next year.

Some prefer a sunny spot with good drainage but most adapt.

So, start with Rosemary for example. You can buy a sprig in the supermarket, stick the wooded end in a small vase or container and if it grows roots, plant it in the garden in the spring preferably so it gets sunshine for a good part - so definitely not north facing.

This should be pickable all year round, but will be a bit woody in the winter.

Lavender is the same - and you can add that to cooking or have lavender tea.

Mint - you have to shoot it if you don't grow it in a container.

Chives will happily come back year in year out.

Thyme - many varities some hardier than others but all will regrow in the spring and need cutting back in autumn/early winter.

Oregano - you can get this to grow as a lawn and cut it just the same - as you can with some varieties of camomile.

Fennel - loves south facing best but should come back again for many years - again cutting back is the key to most of these herbs.

Basil, best grown in pots, south facing but I don't think this one is hardy - you need to get a new one each year.

Bergamot - same thing.

Rose geranium for perfume - one of mine overwintered last winter with the flowers still scented beautifully.

Lemon balm - same as the mint family.

Bay leaves - grow in a pot but slow growing and will need protection from the frost.

Tarragon - best grown in a pot and I can't remember if that will overwinter outdoors, but I think perhaps not.

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aernethril · ‎25-11-2014

Parsley - grows happily and will last for a long time but eventually will need to be replaced - don't let it run to seed and that's much the same for all other herbs.

Sage - different varieties which need cutting back in late autumn or else it gets very spindly.

Dill - delicate but will still grow in a sunny position.

There are loads more - ginger, you can grow that in the right conditions. Chilie peppers will grow south facing especially in a small pot on the window-sill.

The list really goes on and on and yes, I've grown / still grow many of those I've mentioned.

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My body is an old warehouse full of declining storage, my mind is a dusty old reference library, strictly for members and archaeologists only

fallen-archie · ‎25-11-2014

Thank you for those helpful comments, I have a decent bay in a sheltered location along with some sage, thyme, mint ( two types) and a few other bits, I do sometimes keep basil in the house.
I really want to propagate a wider range in a purpose built small glass house only small but enough to give year round supply.

aernethril · ‎25-11-2014

Some will be harvestable all year round although not necessarily of the best quality, but some will need to die back and rest over winter.

It's a question of the amount of light as much as it is of warmth - plants that are likely to die back as the days shorten will still do so. The further north you are, the less likely you'll be able to keep a wider range going all year.

Is there anything in particular you wanted to try or just a general selection?

Here's one website where they give you ideas on year-round herbs.

thompson-morgan

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My body is an old warehouse full of declining storage, my mind is a dusty old reference library, strictly for members and archaeologists only