Click on the herbs below for information on how to sow, grow, eat, drink and enjoy them

how to herb

suggestions and tips on how to get the best from your herb seeds and plants

sow 

Individual sowing instructions can be found on the reverse of each seed packet. All our seeds can be sown indoors or outdoors, though some may not flower unless outdoors and can get enough light. Make sure to grow lemon balm and peppermint in containers as they’re invasive plants and will spread rampantly if sown directly in the ground. 

We encourage sowing seeds in organic, peat-free compost, as this will produce healthy and tasty herbs and also means wildlife friendly plants - ideal for pollinating insects like bees and butterflies.

care

Plants require three things to survive: light, warmth and moisture. Herbs are generally easy to grow low-maintenance plants that can be grown directly in the ground or in pots with plenty of drainage holes. Try not to over water seedlings as this may cause the roots to rot; aim to keep the compost moist rather than wet. To give seeds head start when sowing indoors you can place them in a homemade propagator made from clear plastic bottles/fruit punnets. Just pierce holes to allow air to circulate. 

 Once plants are established, regular picking of leaves and flowers encourages new growth and extends the flowering season. You can also buy organic fertiliser or make your own from comfrey leaves, although this isn’t essential. We don’t recommend using chemical fertilisers or pesticides as these will make the plants inedible and may harm pollinating insects and soil health.

harvest

Leaves/flowers can be pinched off the stem by hand or larger sprigs can be cut with clean scissors. Harvest flowers when the petals are fully open and not long before using so they don’t wilt. If drying herbs, harvest them in the morning when the flavour is stronger. Don’t harvest over 50% of the plant at any one time, and leave some flowers for pollinators and seed production. 

dry

Herbs can be dried and stored for later use. The simplest method is to cut stems close to the base of the plant and tie a small bunch together with twine. Attach to a rail and hang upside down in a warm, dry, dark place as exposure to sunlight will cause the colours/flavour to fade. Alternatively, cut leaves/flower heads close to the stem and place on a drying rack. Racks can be made from stretching muslin/wire mesh over a frame until taut. Place somewhere warm, dry and dark and turn the flowers/leaves each day until completely dry.

seed collecting

If a flower is pollinated it will produce seeds that can be collected and stored for the next growing season. Herb seeds can be easily collected: once the petals have wilted, young seeds are visible at the base of the flower. Either wait for the seeds to dry on the flower or snip the heads off and leave to dry in a warm, dark place before storing.

store

Store dry herbs in dark/amber jars away from light with a non-toxic desiccant if need be. If moisture appears inside the glass then the herbs aren’t fully dry and will mould. Seeds can also be stored in the same way to maintain lifespan. 

Caution: If you have any health conditions, allergies or are pregnant, always do your research and consult a doctor or trained herbalist before consuming herbs; while wonderful they are potent plants and should be used in moderation.