How to grow Herbs in pots

Pot herbs are grown as a 'cut as you need' fresher alternative to cut herbs; suited to growing in well lit, protected conditions on the windowsill or worktop.

Fresh herb plants are not really suited to outdoor growing but we know that people do plant them out with varying success during the spring and summer. We also quite often find that if people have been unsuccessful with pot herbs, that they have been killed with kindness by over watering.

As most herbs originate from hot countries they like to be kept on the dry side. The more light and heat they are exposed to, the more frequently they will need watering. Take the pot herb out of its sleeve and place on a saucer, and water sparingly but often, on to the top of the compost, as if it were a houseplant. Do not allow the pots to sit in water for long periods of time. If the pot herb becomes overly dry, place the pot in the sink with a little water and allow it to soak for 20 minutes. During the winter months, you will probably find that the pot herb will not need to be watered very often at all.

As the herb matures, it will use up the food reserves in the compost so will benefit from being watered with a plant feed such as Babybio. Likewise, it may become overly pot bound and require re-potting into a larger size pot with fresh compost.