POTS OF FLAVOUR

Herbs are an excellent choice for a container of any kind, but you must group them according to their natural inclinations — so don’t mix thyme with chives, for example, or basil with rosemary. Also, avoid herbs that have a deep tap root, such as fennel and dill. Here are three planting suggestions for different situations...

FOR A SUNNY SPOT

TAKE a large pot or window box and line the bottom inch or two with crocks or polystyrene chips to improve drainage. Take some peat- free compost (a bark-based one is ideal) and mix it 50-50 with horticultural grit. This may seem very gritty indeed, but the herbs will love it.

Place thyme and oregano in the front, with an upright type of rosemary as the centrepiece. If you have enough space, you could add sage and summer savory to complete the Mediterranean mix.

Place the container in the sunniest spot you have. If this is on a hard surface, raise it up slightly so that it doesn’t sit in a puddle after watering — and don’t forget to water it well once a week.

FOR A HANGING BASKET

TRY combining ornamental herbs such as chives, sweet cicely or woodruff with trailing Indian mint and herbs such as oregano (pictured above).

FOR A SHADY CORNER

PUT crocks or wood chips at the base of the container to improve drainage, but add only a handful of grit to the potting compost. This will ensure adequate drainage without impoverishing the compost.

Do not fill the compost right to the brim but allow an inch for watering.

Plant parsley, chives, mint, sweet cicely or sorrel, allowing sufficient room for each plant to grow to about twice its size.

Water well and place the container where it can get sunshine for at least half the day.