Fresh Herb Solutions
Discussion
Morning All,
I seem to be going through fresh herbs at an astonishing rate and am currently relying on those little pots bought from the supermarket.
However they don't really last and tend to be on their way out just as I need them. Arrrgggh.
I tried re-potting some, putting others in the ground etc. Rosemary and mint are obviously not much of a problem but coriander and basil seem a different story. Particularly coriander which is my favourite and most called upon herb.
We have a conservatory backing on to the kitchen so plenty of light, but the coriander seems to wither very quickly and doesn't sustain past one or two cuttings.
So what do the gastronomes that lurk amongst these pages do? I'm fed up of last minute dashes to the shops and need a more self sufficient herb supply.
Cheers!
I seem to be going through fresh herbs at an astonishing rate and am currently relying on those little pots bought from the supermarket.
However they don't really last and tend to be on their way out just as I need them. Arrrgggh.
I tried re-potting some, putting others in the ground etc. Rosemary and mint are obviously not much of a problem but coriander and basil seem a different story. Particularly coriander which is my favourite and most called upon herb.
We have a conservatory backing on to the kitchen so plenty of light, but the coriander seems to wither very quickly and doesn't sustain past one or two cuttings.
So what do the gastronomes that lurk amongst these pages do? I'm fed up of last minute dashes to the shops and need a more self sufficient herb supply.
Cheers!
The "soft" herbs like coriander, parsley, basil etc. are more like growing salad leaves rather than plants that just keep growing forever.
Grow them from seed and when the plant is big enough start harvesting. You could do this gradually and the plant will keep producing for a while or just use the whole thing. Keep growing the seedlings to replace the plants you use. The seeds can also make nice cresses and sprouts i.e. young shots to add to salads, use for fancy garnishes etc.
As you say the woody herbs don't need much looking after, rosemary, thyme, sage etc. will just keep growing once established. The don't need much by way of water or food. Mint is like a weed and can easily get out of control in a garden so be careful where you plant it.
Grow them from seed and when the plant is big enough start harvesting. You could do this gradually and the plant will keep producing for a while or just use the whole thing. Keep growing the seedlings to replace the plants you use. The seeds can also make nice cresses and sprouts i.e. young shots to add to salads, use for fancy garnishes etc.
As you say the woody herbs don't need much looking after, rosemary, thyme, sage etc. will just keep growing once established. The don't need much by way of water or food. Mint is like a weed and can easily get out of control in a garden so be careful where you plant it.
Mobile Chicane said:
Coriander is a sod to grow from seed and doesn't regrow once cut. It also bolts to seed at the slightest provocation.
Asian neighbours used to grow it in the ground, sowing at two-week intervals to get a continuous crop.
At least it's not just me then Asian neighbours used to grow it in the ground, sowing at two-week intervals to get a continuous crop.
I'm sure I've seen these big overflowing buckets of the stuff in restaurants or something, can't think where.
Anyway, perhaps I must resign myself to a high turnover of supermarket pots if fellow PHers are doing much the same.
C0ffin D0dger said:
... Mint is like a weed and can easily get out of control in a garden so be careful where you plant it.
Always grow mint in a pot or container of some sort - let it loose in the soil and it's the devil's own job to get rid of it. Any recommendations for a simple window box or ornamental pot type kit for growing herbs and stuff as a gift? Preferably one I can order online and get shipped direct. Ta.
LordGrover said:
Any recommendations for a simple window box or ornamental pot type kit for growing herbs and stuff as a gift? Preferably one I can order online and get shipped direct. Ta.
It's very sweet of you but really it's totally unnecessary. I'm very touched though and will remember the gesture should our paths cross in the future.All the best xx
DoubleSix said:
Definitely something I miss since moving out to the 'burbs...
Love the Asian shops, can spend ages poking around.
Love the Asian shops, can spend ages poking around.
On the rare occasions I venture into the more cosmopolitan reaches of Bristol and Bath I enjoy sampling their delights. Not much in the way of fresh 'foreign' herbs and spices hereabouts.
LordGrover said:
Any recommendations for a simple window box or ornamental pot type kit for growing herbs and stuff as a gift? Preferably one I can order online and get shipped direct. Ta.
You had me Googleing away and looking at stuff with a "I could do with one of them". Could be an expensive day. 
http://www.greenhousesensation.co.uk/planters-and-...
I've got a number of little Pantone flower pots. They look snazzy.
http://themetaq.com/queue/pantone-flower-pots
http://themetaq.com/queue/pantone-flower-pots
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