Nobody visiting the Mediterranean in the height of summer could fail to notice the heady aroma of wild herbs.

Thyme and oregano seem to cover the land like a perfumed blanket.

In the UK, herbs are no less common, but are a little more subdued in their character. We often forget what a rich variety we have at our disposal.

Of course herbs have been known for their medicinal uses for thousands of years. Their ability to add flavour to food is something we can all enjoy and there is a huge selection to choose from.

But herbs can be expensive to buy, especially if you plan to use more than one, so it can be a more economical (and satisfying) option to grow your own.

Let’s face it, what could be nicer than having a selection of fresh herbs on hand straight from the garden whenever you need them?

Fortunately, herbs are quite easy to grow and produce a respectable crop.

Phil Tremayne, horticultural manager at Redfields Garden Centre in Fleet, said: “Most people would be surprised to discover how easy it is to grow herbs.

“They are generally first sown in March, but you can start them indoors before then on a window sill, as the sun at this time of year isn’t strong enough to scorch them.

“Herbs are often grown from seed, which entails sowing the seeds on a tray and then ‘pricking out’ the plants to prevent overcrowding,” said Mr Tremayne.

“The hard part is getting the seeds to germinate, so it can be better to grow from so-called ‘plug’ plants, which are rooted seedlings, or from more mature, established plants.”

The plug plants can be bought from a good garden centre, and it is worth noting that bay, being a tree, should be bought as a plant and not grown from seed. It should be chosen with care too, to ensure you have an edible variety, as most other laurels in the same family are poisonous.

Mr Tremayne explained: “Theoretically you can buy plants from the supermarket, but these are really sold for eating not planting. They will have been force-grown and will not be such good quality plants.”

Herbs can be grown in beds and borders, but they also do well in containers, or even hanging baskets, which can be ideal for smaller gardens.

It also means that the herbs can be located near the back door, so they are convenient to pick when cooking.

If using a container, first cover the drainage holes in the bottom with pieces of broken pot and then fill with a soil-based compost or John Innes Number 3 potting compost before planting your ‘plug’ plants. Herbs do not like peat-based compost.

Top up with compost, leaving an inch gap between the surface of the compost and the top of the container and water well. Do not overcrowd your little plants, as they will spread as they grow.

One thing all herbs like is good drainage and a sunny position. Heat from the sun will encourage them to produce greater amounts of the aromatic oils which give them unique flavours and smells.

Mr Tremayne continued: “Although they like good drainage, herbs do need water, of course, so don’t let them dry out. And most herbs do better if they have a little shade in the afternoon rather than hot sun all day.

"You can give them a weak feed once a week during the growing season, to encourage leaf production.

“One thing you do have to watch out for during the colder months is. Most herbs don’t like it. So if you are starting your herbs indoors, harden them off before planting them outside.

“Simply move your herbs to a location such as a porch or sheltered corner during the day and bring them in at night until the danger of frost has passed. Having said that, some herbs are very hardy, such as rosemary and thyme, and they can survive outside all year.”

Once planted, herbs need little maintenance and cutting foliage will encourage new growth. You shouldn’t need to treat for pests and disease, as herbs have a high resistance to these. If you do have to treat, bear in mind when choosing a pesticide that you may be eating the herbs raw.

Some herbs, such as mint and lemon balm, will need constant cutting back to prevent them spreading and taking over the whole bed.

“You can limit the spread of these plants if you literally put them in the ground still in their pots,” said Mr Tremayne.
“This will control the root system and so the size of the plant.

“Similarly, cutting back of the growing stem of rosemary and sage will keep them squat and bushy and stop them becoming tall and straggly.”

Mr Tremayne is a big fan of herbs because they are so versatile, being both attractive and edible. “My favourite herb for growing and eating is basil because of its scent and flavour, and my favourite for looks is thyme,” he said.

“My least favourite is parsley, because it grows so quickly and soon goes to seed.

“The most popular herbs for our customers are parsley, basil and rosemary, but of course you don’t have to stick to one type, even in a container.

“You can mix them together, and one particularly attractive method is to use a strawberry pot, planting a different herb in each pocket.

“If you put upright herbs at the top and the trailing ones further down, you will have a very attractive centrepiece to your patio that smells nice and is also useful.”