getting started!

[bonbon81]

Hi

I have recently prepared a plot that I'd like to use for herbs. I have grown herbs in the past on the window sill and around the garden so I know what some of them grow like but wondered if there is a perfect way of positioning them to account for height, space etc?

Also I'd like to put garlic in the plot too

Thanks
Bonnie

[Ace]

Hi Bonbon,

I replied to your other post about your spare plot space suggesting you start a herb/salad bed before I read this post Never mind!

Not sure there is any perfect way to grow herbs but I would think along the lines of how much space each will need and space themout accordingly.
Parsley for example (as u probably know) grows vigourously and you'll have a big bushy parsley plant in no time at all. Rosemary on the other hand keeps itself to itself and doesn't go mad. Mint of course is totally reckless and will take over if not kept in check.

I do know that garlic is fussy. I'm growing some myself at the moment and only 4 cloves out of about 8 took hold and grew. Garlic doesn't like competition so it's not good to plant it near other stuff as far as I know. I will know for next year !

It is good however to plant other members of the onion family such as spring onions, ordinary white and red onions and so on. You can plant these amongst other crops and their strong smell can often help disguise the alluring smells of your more tender crops like carrots and so on.

I grow all my herbs and salad leaves in 3 tier basket planters (which were a mere £10 from Wilkinsons!!!). Parsley and corriander did brilliantly. Rocket came too but in the extreme hot weather we had it ran away and bolted before we could stop it. Rosemary is nice and steady and no fuss. Spinach has been difficult to keep going with much of it wilting and going yellow in this hot sunshine despite lots of watering. I think the key is to keep them partially shaded if you can. :-)