A lemon tree, such as the Cape Rough Skin, will make a great addition to your herb garden. It will add height and interest, plus it will bear plenty of fruit, which you can use when cooking and baking.

A bay tree is another lovely addition to a herb garden. Although the leaves are harvested early on in the tree’s life span, the tree will continue to look attractive for years to come.

Tending Your Herb Garden

• Most herbs prefer moist soil, so be sure to mulch the soil with bark chips to retain moisture. This will also keep weeds at bay.
• Most herbs are hardy and need very little attention, but keep an eye out for worms, which you can simply remove by hand.
• Harvest your herbs regularly to encourage growth. You don’t always have to use them for cooking – a bunch of fresh herbs tied with a pretty ribbon makes a lovely gift for a friend, colleague or neighbour.
• Replace ’woody’ herbs, such as rosemary and thyme every two to three years.

You Will Need

• pots or containers
• gravel or stones
• potting soil
• organic compost
• bone meal
• bark chips

To Make
1 Place a little gravel or a few stones in the bottom of every pot or container you will be using, to ensure proper drainage.
2 Mix the potting soil and the compost, and half-fill each pot.
3 Add a handful of bone meal to encourage root growth.
4 Gently remove the herbs from their packaging and carefully loosen the roots. Place in the pots, and then top up with the potting soil and compost mixture. Gently press the soil down.
5 Cover the soil around each plant with bark chips and water well.

Text and image: Home