Wanting to start growing...

[ribbons]

Hello folks,

I am wanting to start growing my own herbs but unsure where to start so reckon this is the best place to start.

I use parsley, chives, basil & mint when cooking so keen to grow herbs that are perfect for cooking

Please advise where to start

[Two_Sheds]

Where to start?
Buy some seeds, read the packet (a lot of folks don't!) and then sow when conditions are right (about April?)

[moggssue]

But dont forget to keep the mint in a pot - its roots are VEERRRRYYY invasive and if you dont contain it, you'll have it everywhere before you turn around!!!

[MrsC]

Hi Ribbons

Welcome to the vine! I grow lots of herbs. I tend to buy mint from the garden centre or if you know anyone who has any growing take some cuttings and as Moggssue said, keep it contained. If you grow different mints together it can affect the flavour once if the roots get tangled. I have grown chives from seeds, specially garlic, but I always buy shop bought, usually Lidl when they have the offer on with fruit/veg (29p a pot) and plant this. Don't allow it to flower if you want the best taste and divide every couple of years. You can cut down after flowering (if you let it flower, good for the bees) and it will regrow but the taste isn't the same. Basil - indoors outside to a greenhouse in summer or keep on the windowsill (water from the bottom not the top) and don't take too much of the plant at once. Parsley (not my favourite in taste) again start in pots and transplant outdoors. Good luck

[gemlady]

Can't improve on the advice already given. Sow what you enjoy using, don't plant too early, and have patience. I also tried Rosemary last year but found it difficult to grow, so may buy a plant instead.

[MrsC]

Can't improve on the advice already given. Sow what you enjoy using, don't plant too early, and have patience. I also tried Rosemary last year but found it difficult to grow, so may buy a plant instead.

Rosemary is one of my favourites. I either buy a plant or take cuttings, never tried from seed.

[Eco-Chic]

If you've a sunny window sill you could sow a small pinch of seeds in small pots now. Don't bother to thin out the herbs when they germinate and give the pots a quarter turn every day so the herbs don't get leggy. Don't overwater.

The supermarket pots of herbs are good for splitting up and planting out in the ground during April/May too.

[sharonr]

But dont forget to keep the mint in a pot - its roots are VEERRRRYYY invasive and if you dont contain it, you'll have it everywhere before you turn around!!!

I found the same thing with Lemon Balm. It was in a pot and the roots came out of the bottom and it spread everywhere.

[Eyren]

Oh dear, I think we have another spammer. MODS!!!

[zazen999]

OOH...don't shout. I've got a headache today!

Sorted....he's binned.

xxx

[Jardiniere]

who was spamming? what happened? oh dear you have to be on the forum all day to keep up with everything!!!

[Mustard]

Rosemary is one of my favourites. I either buy a plant or take cuttings, never tried from seed.

I got a grow your own herbs kit for christmas, had rosemary in it, it's the only herb in the pack not to germinate
I think I'll buy a plant and stick that in a pot.
Love rosemary, eat a lot of lamb

[Farmer_Gyles]

i've seen herb planters in the garden centre - various herbs all in one planter - think i'll go for one of those this year as i don't have any herbs growing at all

someone on the vine has a "herb wheel" in their allotment - looks really good - if i ever get the allotment up to the standard i want it, i'll try and do something similar

[FionaH]

Herb wheel sounds like Snadger but I could be wrong

[MrsC]

I found the same thing with Lemon Balm. It was in a pot and the roots came out of the bottom and it spread everywhere.

They're related, Lemon Balm is invasive but not as much as mint, it self seeds as well, but I just pot up the new plants and pass to other ppl.