Plants of the Month: April

Herbs

Spring is here and it’s the ideal time to plan your herb garden for the summer. Our plants of the month are herbs. If you don’t already have a herb garden, think about which ones you use for cooking or livening up salads and summer drinks. By early summer, you can have a thriving selection that looks good and gives you fresh-picked flavour.

Many popular herbs are easy to grow, including mint, chives, thyme, rosemary and parsley. Thyme and rosemary like full sun and the others prefer partial shade. Mint can take over, so grow it in a separate container. Basil likes warm, sunny conditions, so you can grow it on a windowsill where it can soak up the sun.

Some herbs produce flowers or a gorgeous aroma. Aromatic herbs include thyme and rosemary, both of which have small, delicate flowers that attract bees. Chives produce purple flowers that resemble miniature alliums.

Choose a sunny or partially sunny spot for your herbs, with good drainage and fertile soil. Consider creating a raised bed, which adds height and interest as well as making your herbs easier to pick. Give them enough space to grow as they like to spread out and create a strong root system. If you only have a small space, use a collection of pots.

If planting in a raised bed or containers, add alpine grit to a general purpose compost, because free-draining soil suits them best. Growbags are a quick and easy option – either plant directly into the bag or tip the compost into containers for planting your herbs.

Water them regularly, but allow them to dry out between waterings. If you grow herbs on a sunny windowsill or outside in a pot, they’ll need watering every day during hot, dry spells. For a lower maintenance option, plant Mediterranean herbs such as sage, thyme and rosemary in your garden borders. Once established, they’re drought-tolerant and can thrive for years to come, however, water all new plants until they become established, and they may need water during hot spells.

Most herbs take little care, but prune them where needed to encourage a nice bushy shape. Herbs can look and smell good, as well as tasting delicious, so they’re a worthy addition to your outdoor space or windowsill.

Garsons card holders can receive 20% off the herb range in the garden centre throughout April.