Herbs are the perfect way to enhance your garden and cooking, bringing fresh flavours and fragrances to your meals. Whether new to gardening or experienced, growing your own herbs is easy and rewarding. From the warmth-loving basil to the versatile mint, each herb has unique needs, but all thrive with proper care. With a little attention, you'll have a constant supply of fresh, flavour-packed herbs at your fingertips. Read on to discover tips for growing, maintaining, and harvesting herbs to take your garden and cooking to the next level.
Basil
Basil loves warmth and a dry-to-moist soil condition but dislikes waterlogged soil. To keep your basil thriving:
- Watering: To prevent root rot, let the soil dry out between waterings.
- Pruning: Regularly pinch the leaves and tips every 6 weeks to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering.
- Harvesting: Harvest leaves in late summer to autumn, as basil doesn't tolerate cold weather.
Coriander
Coriander is a practical and decorative herb with a unique taste and scent. It grows year-round in New Zealand but requires specific conditions:
- Summer: Plant in a well-drained, shady spot to prevent it from bolting (going to seed) too early. This will encourage leaf growth.
- Winter: Plant in an open, sunny spot with shorter sunlight hours.
- Space: Coriander has a compact growth habit (about 30cm in diameter), making it perfect for squeezing into flower or vegetable gardens.
Mint
Mint is incredibly versatile but can be invasive. To keep it in check:
- Container Planting: Grow mint in a pot and bury the pot in the ground to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably.
- Space: Mint can grow 10-30cm in height and up to 60cm wide.
- Environment: It thrives in shady, well-drained, moist soil conditions.
- Uses: Mint is used in various products and foods, from teas to sauces.
Parsley
Parsley is packed with vitamins A and C, making it a healthy meal addition. It's also a versatile herb:
- Growing: Parsley can be grown year-round, but growth slows in cooler months.
- Uses: It's commonly used as a garnish in marinades and salad dressings.
Thyme
Thyme is a must-have herb in many kitchens, with varieties to suit different tastes and garden aesthetics:
- Varieties: Depending on the flavours you prefer for cooking, choose from a variety of thyme types, such as common thyme, lemon thyme, and pizza thyme.
- Use: Thyme is often used in savoury dishes, sauces, and seasoning blends.
General Herb Care Tips
- Regular Pruning: Trim your herbs regularly to encourage fresh, healthy growth and prevent legginess.
- Fertilisation: Use a liquid fertiliser like Yates ‘Thrive Veggie & Herb’ to promote strong growth and healthy leaves.
- Freezing: Fresh herbs can be frozen for later use. Chop them and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. For convenient use, you can also freeze herbs in ice cube trays with water.
By following these tips, you can enjoy fresh, home-grown herbs all year round, enhancing your meals with vibrant flavours straight from your garden.
