Herbs are a bonus to any garden. They make our food taste amazing, smell divine, look great and attract bees and butterflies to the garden.
Try growing some in containers, troughs, hanging baskets or any unusual containers, making sure there are drainage holes.
Site your containers, or herb bed, close to the door so you can enjoy the fabulous fragrance every time you open the door.
Herbs can also be frozen if you can’t use them all. Just chop them up and pop into ice trays filled with water, then freeze.
Popular herbs to grow are:
Chives – A perennial ‘cut and come again’herb that will grow in sun or partial shade, in free-draining soil. Just snip with scissors and add to soups, omelettes, salads and sandwiches for a little extra zing! The flowers can be used for garnishing.
Rosemary – Available in upright or trailing varieties this strongly scented hardy herb is ideal to plant by a path or patio and is easy to grow in well-drained soil. It loves the sun and is very water-wise. Use in the kitchen to flavour lamb or chicken. Throw some on the braai for a fabulous aroma!
Parsley – Both curled and flat-leafed varieties are kitchen staples. It’s a biennial herb and likes to grow in full sun, in well-drained soil. Chervil is sometimes used as a subtle alternative.
Sage – Is an evergreen, perennial herb to grow in full sun, in well-drained soil. An ideal herb for adding to sausages, pork and lamb.
Basil – The flavour and fragrance of basil makes it a very popular choice of herb and there are countless different varieties to try. A sunny sheltered spot to grow suits this tender herb. Basil is used to make delicious pesto, Thai recipes and to add to salads.
More advice and articles :
We at village gardens have a knowledge of all of your local edible plants here in South Africa. We can happily plant up your garden with edibles of all varieties from Mediterranean herbs and local indigenous edibles. We are surrounded by such stunning hardy indigenous plants, let’s get back to nature and have our own garden of local goodness.
