Why should you grow your own Herbs?
Expand your kitchen garden and grow your own super easy Herbs with Dobies. Even better, when grown in your own kitchen windowsill, varieties like Basil can be picked straight off the leaves while you’re cooking. Other varieties like Sage and Chives grow well in pots and containers on the patio or balcony, so whatever shape of size of your veg patch, you don’t need a garden or allotment to grow Dobies Herb Seeds.
Herbs are used in a range of scenarios, from culinary, to the medical or just the aroma in the garden. Culinary herbs like Parsley and Chives introduce rich flavours to many dishes, whereas Lavender provides deep aromatics and therapeutic qualities. If you want to add structure to your allotment or have an empty space to fill in the garden, Rosemary and Thyme add character but their versatility means they can also be grown in containers and gardens.
Growing herbs from seed
- It’s best to germinate most herbs in early spring in a seed tray and place in a heated propagator.
- Generally, sow herb seeds in peat-free compost, mix with some silver sand for sharp drainage, a covering of vermiculite on the surface may aid even germination. Be sure to label your seeds. Herb seeds can vary so always check the seed packet for growing instructions
- Once your seeds have germinated, and your seedlings have produced their first two leaves, prick out, gently holding them by the leaves and levering them out with a dibber
- Pot them into individual pots or cell trays
- Gradually acclimatise your new herb plants by airing them outside during the day. A cold frame is the perfect place to raise your herb plants as it can be opened during the day and closed at night
Herb compost requirements
- When potting herbs on it is fundamental that the compost is free draining. Many herbs come from dry, arid environments. Mix peat-free compost with horticultural gravel and a gravel mulch on the surface will aid herb plants progress.
- Feed you herb plants as they start to grow, a good tonic like Seaweed extract will help
- Mix your herbs among veggies and flowers in a cottage garden style. This varied planting is incredibly effective. Herb Wheels are another popular way to grow these plants as well as troughs and window boxes. To keep herbs healthy clip new growth regularly.
What are the best herb seeds to grow?
Herbs are a great way to expand your kitchen garden and adding your own homegrown herbs to your homecooked dishes will be invaluable. These are just a handful of the tastiest herbs we would recommend:
- Basil seeds
- Coriander seeds
- Mint seeds
- Parsley seeds
- Dills seeds
If you would like to know more, check out our handy Herb Growing Guide for additional hints and tips.
Buy herb garden seeds online from Dobies!
