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GROWING

  • A very fragrant selection and distinct improvement over other Thai Basils. Basil Siam Queen has an extra large leaf size and large plants mean more of that intense liquorice fragrance. The bright green leaves make an attractive foil for the purple-red stems which bear violet-pink flowers. Basil Siam Queen is superb as a container plant on the patio where you can smell its aroma. Excellent for bedding edging and the vegetable or flower garden. Height 20-30cm (8-12in).Sow seeds 1.5mm (1/16in) deep in good seed sowing compost from Late February to late April. Germination takes 7-14 days at 65-70F (18-20C).When large enough to handle transplant the seedlings to boxes or 7.5cm (3in) pots and when well grown gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions. Plant out in May after all risk of frost has passed 3cm (12in) apart in full sun and well drained soil. FSave one or two plants to grow indoors on a sunny windowsill. Pick the leaves anytime for fresh use; for drying pick as the flowers start to open.
  • Tasting like a mixture of mint and cloves it compliments courgettes and is legendary in tomato and pasta dishes. Use Basil Sweet Green fresh or dried in salads, casseroles and vinegars. Insect repellent and companion plant for tomatoes. Companion Plant: Reputed to improve the growth and flavour of tomatoes, and keep most insects and bugs off most of your vegetables. Diluted crushed leaves make an effective organic insecticide.Sow seeds from late winter to spring 1.5mm (1/16in) deep in good seed compost. Germination usually takes 14-21 days at 21-24C (70-75F).Transplant when large enough to handle into 8cm (3in) pots. Later harden off and plant out 38cm (15in) apart into ordinary well drained soil in full sun when all risk of frost is past.
  • A beautiful upright herb with rough leaves covered with silvery hairs and most attractive celestial blue flowers beloved by bees. Borage is an annual growing to 45-90cm (18-36in) which self seeds happily. Cooking: Add Borage to summer drinks and wines because of its, cucumber flavour. Chopped leaves make a healthy soup or YOUNG leaves can be dipped in batter and lightly fried until crisp. Finely cut leaves make a delicious sandwich filling. Companion Plant: Grow it close to tomatoes to attract bees which fertilise the tomato blooms, and anything else in the vegetable garden. Nature's Remedy: Borage is a fine source of calcium and potassium and is recommended for toning up the glandular system, and all bronchial, lung and chest disorders. Prolonged use is not advisable. Special Note: Always check with your doctor before using herbs for medicinal purposes.Sow seeds in spring, in drills 6mm (¼in) deep, 30cm (12in).Thin out to 3cm (12in) apart when large enough to handle.Borage will grow in most soils but prefers well drained soil and full sun.
  • Daisy-like flowers with yellow centres and feathery foliage which has an apple smell when crushed. Makes a delicious soothing tea, skin wash and shampoo. Please note: This chamomile is not suitable for use as a lawn.Sow seeds outdoors April to May. Sow seeds thinly, 12mm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart.Thin seedlings if necessary, when large enough to handle, to 15cm (6in) apart. Keep ground weed free, water well during dry periods.Harvest 6-8 weeks after sowing, selecting a few leaves from each plant.
  • One of the most deliciously flavoured of culinary herbs, widely used on the Continent, Chervil is one of the few winter hardy herbs for all-year-round fresh use. It has a rich savoury taste of its own often said to resemble that of caraway, which blends well with fish and meat. The leaves can be chopped and used in salads, stews, herb butter, dressings, etc., or used as a garnish in the same way as parsley. Height 45cm (18in).Sow seeds from spring to summer at intervals for a regular supply of fresh leaves, 1cm (½in) deep in rows 30cm ( 12in) apart in ordinary garden soil which has been raked to a fine tilth.Thin out the seedlings to 15cm (6in) and finally 3cm (12in) apart.They will grow in sun or part shade and the leaves are ready to be picked 6-8 weeks after sowing. An autumn sowing can be made for production of fresh leaves through the winter if grown in a cool greenhouse.
  • Savoury garnish adding zest to any salad. Try chive butter or frozen chive cubes. Companion Plant: Grow chives close to carrots as it is said to improve their growth and deter carrot fly and next to roses to help control black spot. Also makes excellent organic insecticide.Prepare the ground well and rake to a fine tilth before sowing, Sow seeds early spring outdoors 12mm (½in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart. They can also be started off under glass and planted out later. Germination usually takes 6-21 days at 18-21C (65-70F).When large enough to handle thin out to 15cm (6in) apart and transplant in late spring to their final positions 3cm (12in) apart.They prefer ordinary well drained garden soil, sun or part shade.
  • Garlic chives, or Chinese chives, differ from ordinary chives in having flat leaves and have a delicate mild garlic flavour. They can be used in the same way as chives and are excellent in salads, stews, fish, egg or meat dishes. The blossom buds are a Chinese delicacy and can be eaten raw, stir fried or added to scrambled eggs.Sow seeds in spring in a good seed compost, just covering the seed with compost. Germination usually takes 14-21 days at 19-21C (65-70F).Transplant the seedlings when large enough to handle planting 4 seedlings in each 7.5cm (3in) pot. When well rooted move to a cold frame and plant out 2cm (8in) apart. Plant each potful so the soil level in the pot is about 5cm (2in) below the ground.<For best results plant in a sunny spot in rich fertile, well drained soil. The following spring draw up the soil around the plants and a first cut can be made 3-4 weeks later. 2 or 3 more cuts can be made or the leaves can be picked occasionally throughout the season
  • The leaves of Comfrey (Symphytum), which can be harvested several times a season, are used as a compost activator helping the breakdown of other compost materials. Also used as a mulch, or is superb used as a liquid manure on tomato and potatoes plants. Comfrey grows in any soil, preferably moist, in sun or part shade. Height to 120cm (4ft).Sow seeds March to June in a seedbed or in pots indoors. Sow seeds thinly, 12mm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart. Seeds can also be sown in pots or trays under glass and transplanted.Transplant when large enough to handle to 6cm (2ft) apart between plants.Keep well-watered until established. Cut leaves regularly throughout the summer and autumn.
  • "An exquisite dwarf form of this special, architectural plant. However, the charm of the original is not lost, as the ferny foliage is highly attractive and most delicate. Dill Bouquet is surprisingly compact, making it ideal for container growing.Excellent in the herb garden, and ideal for windowsill growing. Dill Bouquet is easy to grow."Sow seeds April to July, in successive sowings. Sow seeds thinly, 1cm (½in) deep in drills 15cm (6in) apart. Can also be sown at 20-30C (68-86F) on the surface of a free draining, damp seed compost. Apply a fine sprinkling of vermiculite and place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag until after germination. Do not exclude light at any stage.Thin seedlings when large enough to handle to 5cm (2in) apart. Transplant into trays and then eventually plant out, 15cm (6in) apart or into containers.Prefers a well drained soil in full sun Harvest as and when required.
  • Cooking: Fennel is delicious, with a sweet and delicate aniseed flavour. Use in salads and with fish to counteract oiliness. Beauty: An infusion of Fennel used as a compress is excellent for softening rough chapped hands. Pour hot water over the leaves and stems for a cleansing facial steam bath. Nature's Remedy: Reputed use for many ailments, particularly regularising painful and abnormal menstrual periods. It has long been recommended to combat obesity and aid slimming, as an eyewash for sore eyes and as a gentle laxative. Steep 1 tablespoonful of freshly crushed seeds in 1 cup of water for 5 minutes. Sweeten with honey to taste.Prepare the ground well and rake to a fine tilth before sowing. Sow seeds in early spring outdoors where they are to grow, 12mm (½in) deep in rows 38cm (15in) apart.When large enough to handle thin out to 3cm (12in) apart.They prefer a sunny site and well drained soil but will grow in most sites and soils.
  • Large, flat umbels of yellow flowers through the summer then produce aromatic, aniseed tasting edible seeds. The leaves, fresh or dried, are used in fish dishes. The seeds used in soups, cakes and bread. Decorative feathery, wispy bronzed leaves.Sow thinly, 12mm(1/2in) deep in drills 38cm(15in) apart.Thin seedlings when large enough to handle, to 30cm (12in) apart. Keep ground weed free and water well during dry periods. The plant forms a multi stem clump, which is best grown in full sun for optimum leaf and ripe seeds production.
  • Modern breeding has produced a more dwarf habit where the leaves remain green and healthy without yellowing or bolting. Rounded, white bulbs have a delicious aniseed flavour. Try grating a bulb and chopping up some leaves to add to mixed summer and autumnal salads.Sow seed in pots or trays using a good free-draining seed compost 6-13mm (¼-½in) deep at 20-25°C (68-77°F). Germination usually takes 7-14 days.Transplant/plant out once all risk of frost has passed, 30cm (12in) between plants, in rows 45cm (17in) apart.
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