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There is nothing quite like the use of fresh herbs to
add subtle flavour when cooking and a collection of herbs
in containers outside the back door is not only useful
but can be decorative as well.
For the cook who doesn't have a garden, herbs can be
successfully grown in window boxes, troughs, shallow tubs,
hanging baskets, bowls or Pots. All they ask is a well
drained potting mix, a little food, water, sunshine and
protection from the wind.
Growing herbs in containers has the added advantage of
easy movability. This ensures that plants can be placed
in the best possible growing position for light and sun.
Feeding and watering can be tailored to fit each individual
herbs requirements and many herbs that would not survive
outside during winter can be retained all year round by
bringing indoors.
Herbs can be annuals or bi-annuals or perennials.
Annuals are planted during the spring and summer months
from seed or seedlings. If growing from seed, sow extra
seed and thin later.
Perennials tend to become spindly and need to be trimmed
in late summer to encourage strong growth and keep the
plants looking good.
When watering herbs ensure plants are well soaked then
leave until the soil surface becomes dry otherwise they
will quickly die if continually overwatered.
For single plants a pot 25cm in diameter is sufficient.
Larger pots are used to hold a variety of plants.
For example:
A 45cm bowl is sufficient to hold 1 parsley, 1 lemon
thyme, 1 chive and 1 oregano plant.
A 50cm standard pot will be required by herbs with deeper
roots such as rosemary and lavender. These can be under
planted with low growing herbs or flowering annuals.
Herbs are very hardy, easy to grow and reward you well
for your efforts so why not give them a try!
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