herb bed question?

[starbright]

I am thinking of having a herb bed, i use alot in cooking and have recently read up on the health benifits of some herbs.

was wondering though, as i will only have a very small space to grown them what herbs grown well together and which are easyest.

also is there any that will survive all year if under protection outside? I have had parsly in a pot for a few years now and it survives through winter.

lisa

[Alice]

Starbright, chives and mint will do fine without protection. I had oregano which did fine with no protection for years. Fennel is a weed and will seed everywhere. Coriander will get through a big part of the year if it doesn't run to seed. Lovage is perriennial but gets very big and needs a lot of space. Basil does best indoors. Good luck with your herb garden.

[starbright]

Alice thanks thats such great information!! : )

[witch-1]

Rosemary and bay are hardy. I just got a small bay from B&Q for a few quid - some places wanted nearly £20 for similar size!!

Mint I have planted in terracotta pot and buried it as it spreads...

I have just tried out basil, coriander and parsley from seeds - also some chives and oregano (which has not shown any form of life)

Good luck.. mine is in the infant stage.

Jan

[rustylady]

Rosemary, bay and mint are perennial. Mint is very invasive, so plant in large pots. parsley needs to be sown every year, coriander may be OK outside, depending on where you live, but basil is best grown indoors or in a greenhouse. Chives is fine outside and will form large clumps which can be divided to form new plants. I have had some success with planting out supermarket pots of herbs, so this may be a good start for you. Decide on what you use most, then find out what growing conditions they need. It is pointless growing stuff you will never use.

[starbright]

thanks so much guys. mint is something i use alot so really want to grow it but will put it in a pot by its self.
will let you guys know what i chose and how it goes. thanks again.

[Earthbabe]

Can't really add anything to the list starbright (welcome btw) but for other ideas of what will be ok up in scotland have a look at the Barwinnock Herbs website

www.barwinnock.com

Their plants are quite reasonable and all have been tested for hardiness. The catalogue is very clear and easy to read and you might find something you fancy growing "just because".

Best of luck. A herb bed or garden is a wonderful thing all year round if you have some evergreen perennials and especially in the summer when it is literally a hive of activity.

[starbright]

got a parsly plant from asda was reduced to 2p so i will give it a go it looks really healthy.
bought mint, rosmary and chive seeds so will try them and see how i go.

thanks again gys