Grow With Glandore!
Exercise those green fingers this weekend and get out into that jungle of green! Gardening is a mind field of preparation, nurturing and maintaining. There is a lot to know about building a sustainable garden. Is the soil correct? How much sun does each plant need? Harmonious colours going together, splitting up the litter! The list goes on!
Why not start your green fingered discovery with a small herb patch. This won’t feel as daunting as mapping out a whole manicured garden. A herb garden is a great way for beginners or people with less time to create something to be proud of and that the whole family can enjoy. As long as you have a small space in your garden you can achieve anything with herbs! Even if you live in an apartment, you can always grow a few of your favourites in trays out on your balcony, or on a small window cil.
The chefs from our sister business, Suesey Street will agree with us when we say that herbs are one of the most important ingredients when cooking and even more special when grown in your own garden!
Building Your Foundation
Where do you want the raised bed to be? Where does the sun hit it? Start to ask yourself these questions before you start to build your bed. You will need to cut 3 sleepers that form a rectangular shape, or a square depending on what size you want it.
You will need this wooden frame to plant in the area designated for your herb patch. Mark the area you want the sleeper to sit in, and dig this area until you can see loose soil form. A dept of about 15cm should work well. (If you are building this to sit on a height you will need your own soil mixture). Then place the sleepers in place. Attach the sleepers to each other with some coach screws. Fill the bed with a mixture of peat free compost and soil, just below the edge of your bed.
Plant your herbs, but remember to leave space as they will grow and expand.
Here is a helpful little video on building your herb bed:
Drainage
Most herbs thrive in typical garden soil, as long as it has good drainage. However, some herbs, such as rosemary prefer gritty, sharply drained soil. Good drainage is crucial because the roots are likely to rot in moist soil. If your garden soil is heavy, grow these herbs in raised beds or planters.
Sunlight & Exposure
Make sure there is at least six or more hours of direct sunlight per day for your herbs. If you have a garden that receives less sun, choose herbs that don’t need as much. Growing herbs in beds near the house or next to other buildings or walls provides a warm, sheltered area for them to thrive from. Be careful of our little friends who love to eat new herbs and veg. You may need to put down some repellent so that your new growers are not eaten up straight away!
The Ingredients!
We have put a list together of some lovely herbs that will be great little starters for your herb garden!
1. Spinach
Spinach is a great vegetable to grow in the next few months and is very versatile and a brilliant vegetable to have close by for adding to your meals. Keep a large space for this to grow as the leaves can become quite large and will need space so you can cut it when used.
2. Coriander
If you are a fan of cooking, you will know that coriander is a must for your homemade Thai green curry or for some fresh salads. The flavour is exquisite and it will also leave a beautiful fresh fragrance around your herb patch.
3. Parsley
Parsley is another robust herb that should grow well for you. Parsely is grey in all kinds of dishes especially if you are making some fresh fish cakes or even thrown into a soup. Parsley has a rich source of vitamins K, C & A.
4. Rosemary
This is the ultimate of herbs. Rosemary has the most intense flavour and smell. Rosemary is another very strong herb that will grow in any dry area. It doesn’t need much maintenance. Many meat dishes will be well complemented by Rosemary. Lamb, hams, beef or any kind of meat stews. Rosemary is part of the mint family, together with Basil, Lavender, Oregano and many other herbs. Hence why this herb can be used in many fruity drinks.
5. Chives
Chives are a really easy versatile herb and will flourish when it grows. Chives are great in any potato dishes and you can always cut them back and gift to a neighbour. Chives also grow and have a pretty flower that works beautifully in a sea of green growers!
6. Basil
Another robust herb is basil. The most exquisite scent will follow you through your garden and kitchen from this herb and is the perfect ingredient for all of your spring and summer dishes. Goes great with a vat of Spaghetti Bolognese!
Be sure to take some pictures of your herb patch and send it to us here on Instagram or Facebook, and we will share your masterpieces!