How does the shipping and delivery work?
When you buy online from us, we do our best to ensure your plants arrive in the same great condition they left our nursery in, and as such, they are posted to you in plastic blister packs with a cardboard box surround. Please click here for more detailed information.
What kind of conditions do herbs enjoy?
Herbs need well-drained soil and a good amount of sun, so please don't give them special compost or enriched soil - they need to struggle a little to get the best out of them! We will be featuring a herb each month in our newsletter, and providing a detailed growing guide to help you get the best out of each variety, so please subscribe to recieve further information.
How should I look after my herbs once they are planted?
Herbs planted in pots need different care to their garden planted contemporaries; All herbs in pots will need watering on a regular basis, but do be careful not to allow their roots to sit in water. Make sure the compost is well drained by adding grit or gravel to the base of the pot. Try and avoid overcrowding the pot with plants as they will struggle for nutrients (think of ten in the bed!)
Which herb varieties are good for bees?
All herb flowers are attractive to bees, but some varieties are especially delectable. Oregano, Bergamot and Borage are particular favourites.
Should I let herbs flower?
Sometimes - herbs grown for leaf production like Coriander, Parsley, Chervil and Salad Burnet should not be allowed to set flower - snip off the flower heads the minute they appear. Oregano, Borage, Comfrey and many others can flower with abandon and it will not affect the taste or production of the leaf. We will be tackling this issue in more detail in one of the Autumn newsletters - do subscribe for free growing advice.
What should I do to keep my perennial herbs from becoming 'leggy'?
Rosemary, Hyssop and Lavender are the biggest culprits (or victims!?) here, and the most important thing to remember is to cut them back after flowering, leaving 15cm (6") of green growth on the plant. However, sometimes more dramatic measures are neccessary, when the plant is very woody and old: pull it out, throw it away, and do peruse our section of fabulous varieties of Lavender, Rosemary and Hyssop for a replacement (or two!)
Why have the leaves of my parsley gone yellow?
Because you haven't picked it enough! Picking on a regular basis will keep a flush of green leaves coming for you to enjoy.
Can I plant mint straight into the garden, or should I keep it in a pot?
Pots are good for Mint. They are very keen growers, and do need some strong constraint, so it is often the best option to keep it contained. Our Autumn newsletter will be looking at culinary herbs, particularly mint, and would welcome your opinion or comments on this subject. Please subscribe and share your view!
Which herbs need dividing or splitting, and when should I do it?
Most of the perennial herbs will split, and we look forward to hearing gardeners comments on their success and failure.
Which herbs enjoy shade conditions?
Variegated Elder, Wild Garlic, Sweet Woodruff and Red Veined Sorrel are suited to shade conditions. Dappled sunlight would be beneficial.
Semi-shade conditions will suit Parsley, Sambucus and Angelica to name a few.