Herbs

Herbs are incredibly popular to grow. Either in the veg patch, ornamental beds, planters or on the kitchen window sill.

Basil is particularly popular. Being very tender it is best to sow seeds in pots of John Innes Seed Sowing Compost under glass. Then plant out in June once the risk of frost has past. Keep in a sunny spot and gather leaves as required.

Chive seeds can be sown in March and provided plants are divided every 3 or 4 years will last well. From May to October stems can be cut for their mild onion flavour.

Mint is best grown in containers as it can get a little carried away if given too much room! Seeds can be sown February to August.

Parsley is a very popular herb. The curly variety ‘Champion Moss Curled’ is grown for its decorative properties as well as taste. Plain leaved varieties like ‘Italian Plain Leaved’ have a much stronger taste but are grown in the same way. Sow early in the season for a summer and autumn crop and again in August for winter harvest. Being slightly tender Rosemary likes a sunny, sheltered spot. Sowing takes place February to July. In order to keep at its best pick and prune regularly, only allowing the bush to reach 2 feet.

If you want to grow herbs on the window sill try the Unwins Kitchen Garden Kit or Unwins Herb Kit. Both kits contains everything you need to grow a healthy crop of herbs. They are perfect for summer and would make a great gift. See our guide on How to Plant a Herb Kit for more information.

Seed varieties to try include:

• Unwins Herb Basil Sweet Green
• Unwins Herb Chives Fine Leaved
• Unwins Herb Mint
• Unwins Herb Parsley Italian Plain Leaved
• Unwins Herb Rosemary