FRESHEN UP FOOD WITH MINT GROWN AT HOME

SETTING up a herb garden in your backyard is not only fulfilling from a gardening perspective, it can also be incredibly useful in the kitchen. Many of the herbs regularly used for cooking are easy to grow and you don’t need a lot of room for them to flourish. Whether you set up an entire garden bed or just keep them in pots, there are plenty of growing methods to suit various sized homes. The crucial ingredients are soil that drains well, fertiliser or compost, some watering and a position that allows some sunshine. Some herbs like rosemary, sage, mint and oregano can grow up to a metre, while herbs such as chives, dill and parsley only normally reach about 30cm. Most plants are happy in full sun, although if the temperature reaches above 32 degrees it might be better for them just to receive morning and afternoon sun. Herbs can be bought as seeds or seedlings. Speak with staff at local nurseries to figure out what will suit your home best.

Who to Contact: Limberlost Nursery and Garden Centre, 113 Old Smithfield Rd, Freshwater 4055 1262 What Gear: Seeds or seedlings, soil, fertiliser, water and pots How Much: Herb seedlings can often be purchased for under $10 each