Gardening

Must-haves to grow

Nov 28 04:31pm

Pop some basil, parsley, chives, mint or coriander into your kitchen garden - even if it's only a window box. Follow our hints for growing these popular herbs.

Basil

Comes in annual and perennial types; grows in spring or autumn; suits a wide variety of climates.
Very frost sensitive and dislikes cold, damp weather.
Needs full sun, with a little afternoon shade in really hot areas.
Plant in rich, moist, well-drained soil containing lots of compost or old manure.
Keep evenly moist and feed with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser (following packet directions).
Pinch out the tops to keep bushy.
Pick young leaves whenever you need them.

Chives

Like full sun; in very hot, dry areas may need a little shade and moisture.
Suit a wide variety of climates.
Grow in average, well-drained soil or in pots; keep the soil moist.
Avoid planting in the extremes of summer and winter.
Clip the leaves close to the ground at any time.
You can also eat the flowers in salads.

Coriander
(Chinese parsley or cilantro)

An annual which likes hot, dry summers and wet winters. Hates frost.
Grow in a sunny spot; a little shade is fine in very hot areas.
Sow seed in spring. Needs well-drained soil, not over-rich; too much nitrogen lessens the flavour.
Grows well in pots.
Pick fresh leaves as needed. The roots are used in some Asian dishes.

Mint

There are many kinds of mint; all are invasive. Unless you want heaps of the stuff, confine it to a pot.
Grows in a variety of climates, in full sun or part shade.
In full sun, keep well watered - mint loves water.
Plant in spring or autumn (any time in frost-free gardens) in moderately rich, well-mulched soil.
Pick young leaves a few sprigs at a time.

Parsley

Grows in a variety of climates. Lives for two years.
Plant any time in frost-free areas. In the tropics or hot dry areas, avoid planting in summer.
Plant in normal, well-drained garden soil and keep evenly moist.
Feed complete fertiliser sparingly (following packet directions).
Pick sprigs from the outside of the bush, as needed.

Source:Gardening: A Commonsense Guide (Murdoch Books)

5 Comments Report Abuse

1. jayne657 - Jul 14 11:08am

Could have used a better picture for the parsley...it looks dead!
Might be better homes...but not gardens, especially when they can't get their pics and information to match!

2. franswaaa - Jul 14 04:26pm

Mint is really nice for Mojitos a lime drink with soda and rum, but don't let the mint get out of a pot because you will never get rid of it - unless it freezes where you live. :)