Gourmet Gardener: Herbs you can plant this year
Our very own Gourmet Gardener, Tara Kate Linnane, looks at her favourite herbs to grow at home and is encouraging you to get started too!
It may be wishful thinking, but I do believe there is a narrow stretch in the evenings. Seedlings are beginning to pop up on the warm, sunny windowsill and planning is in full swing for edible garden delights.
When planning an edible garden, I always suggest starting with edibles that you will use regularly and which will earn their real estate in your patch!
Growing herbs at home is a great way to get your hands dirty, save some money and enjoy the delicious flavours.
Their fragrance will also attract bees and butterflies into your garden.
As you don’t need a lot of space, improved soil or plenty of time, growing these herbs at home is ideal for a novice or young gardener.
I have selected my top five herbs to grow in an edible garden that hopefully will inspire you to get your own gourmet garden prepared.
Rosemary
If you are looking for a tough herb that does not need much attention, Rosemary is your girl!
It will survive on the elements alone and can last years.
You can plant in a container or pot in full sun or you can use it as an edible hedge. To create a hedge you will have to prune and shape it annually.
Mint
Mint is extremely easy to grow but, be warned: if you plant it in your bed, it will run rampant, so it is better suited to pots.
I consider it a must-have herb as it is so versatile.
The range of mint varieties makes it an exciting choice to add.
Mint can be purchased from early spring, and grown on to larger pots.
It is suitable for both sun and shade and requires little watering.
Basil
Basil is the most deliciously fragrant herb.
It grows well from seed and has to be planted in full sun.
Frequent usage of the herb is key to growing a bushy plant full of young fresh growth.
Fresh basil picked in the summer is one of the nicest things to enjoy in a drink or as a garnish.
Thyme
Another great edible plant for your plot is thyme.
This herb can thrive in a pot but also works well as a ground cover that will form a carpet of purple or white flowers in the summer.
There are a number of different types, including lemon thyme, and they can be harvested anytime of the year for your meals.
Thyme prefers to be sitting in a sheltered location for its success.
Lavender
My final suggestion is technically not a herb but sits comfortably as a companion with the others.
Lavender is an edible plant and can be used in baking and also in making homemade soaps if you are looking for a crafty summer task.
It is very easy to grow and is a wonderful plant to attract bees and other pollinators into the garden during the summer, and even early spring, depending on the variety.
As you might expect, lavender prefers well-drained, sunny positions and, once it is happy, it grows very fast, so will need to be pruned back each year.
It is also lovely in pots – decorating a patio with fragrance in the evenings.
These must have herbs are all easy to grow at home with the right conditions.
Continually harvesting will help keep their shape and encourage new growth.
Some varieties will continue to grow through winter but, with annual herbs such as coriander, you can collect the seeds and replant them the following spring.
There are also some unique and exciting flavours to collect, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for anything unusual to add to your collection, for example a pineapple sage plant!
Happy herb hunting!
• Tara Kate Linnane is passionate about sustainability and growing all things edible.
Together with her husband Barry, she has embarked on a journey of designing edible spaces and getting others started on their gardening adventures. Follow their journey on Instagram @twopeas_inapolytunnel or visit thefoodscapedesignco.com to make contact for information.
You might also enjoy: