B&Q offer advice on how to plant herbs in a container
There’s nothing better than cooking with fresh herbs, especially if they’re picked straight out of the garden.
Herbs are often where people start on their gardening journey as they’re easy to grow at home.
Rather than buying overpriced herbs from the supermarket, now is the time to start growing them at home.
With this in mind, director of Easy Garden Irrigation and gardening expert, Sean Lade, has shared which four herbs can be planted in July.
The gardening expert said July is the month to start planting basil, coriander and dill.
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Basil
Basil is a popular herb that’s often used in Italian dishes and sauces like pesto and lasagne.
The herb is fragrant and is most effectively cultivated starting with seeds indoors. This method ensures there is consistent germination by shielding delicate seedlings from pests like slugs and snails.
Sean shared how to cultivate the herbs inside: “Begin the process by carefully sowing your basil seeds in suitable containers like pots or seedling trays.
“Once these fledgling plants have established themselves with a few robust sets of leaves, they are ready for transplantation. This could be to larger indoor pots or directly into your garden if the weather conditions are suitable.
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“Basil thrives in locations that offer an abundance of warmth and sunlight, along with soil that efficiently drains excess moisture.”
Coriander
Coriander is a versatile herb that’s used in an array of global cuisines and is easy to cultivate. The seeds can be planted directly into well-draining soil or pots in a sunny location.
Sean explained that the “key” to growing coriander is “consistent soil moisture”. Gardeners need to aim to keep the soil damp, “but steer clear of overwatering to prevent root damage”.
He continued: “Notably, coriander is sensitive to high temperatures and will quickly bolt — sending up a flowering stalk — in such conditions.
“This can affect leaf flavour and production. To combat this, consider sowing new batches every few weeks to ensure a continuous harvest.
“Pick the leaves while they’re still young for maximum flavour, and when it comes to the seeds — often used as a spice — wait until they’ve ripened to a rich brown before harvesting.”
Dill
Dill is often used in pickling and seafood dishes and is another easy herb to grow.
To cultivate dill, sow the seeds from late spring through mid-summer directly into the ground.
The “ideal” outdoor location is a spot that gets plenty of sunshine and has well-drained soil.
The expert added: “A slight acidity in the soil is preferred. To encourage dill to self-seed, leave a few flower heads on the plant to dry. The seeds will scatter and sprout new dill plants the following year.”
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