Allotments 4 All

Hi all,

I scavenged a large rectangle plastic trough about 5 feet long and 18 inches square at the ends.

I`d like to use it to try something I wouldn`t otherwise do and my herb growing is patchy so I thought I`d make a raised herb garden. This would also be the back of a bench, raised off the ground and sheltered in a corner under the overhang of my potting shed. It will get plenty of sun especially in the afternoon and evening as my plot is very sunny.

Does anybody have any tips about growing herbs that will do well in this situation.

Thanks Col

Sage and thyme are both planted up on my allotment in this form and seem happy. Mint is another one that is best kept in a container, and I also have horseradish in a separate container (is horseradish classed as a herb?).

What about these:

http://www.thecuttinggarden.com/html/GiftCard.asp?cat=20&type=bulbs&Product=799&prevnext=no

I ordered a box for my Mother for yes, you've guessed it- MOTHERS day!  ;D ;D

Good value Organic or untreated seeds, here is the herb link, hope it helps!

http://www.tamarorganics.co.uk/pages/catalogue.php?status=2&cat=6&typename=HERB+VARIETIES&prod=590

Rosemary is another herb I wouldn't be without. If you put mint in your trough, might be best to put it in a large pot within the trough to stop it taking over. Chives go well outside, some parsley might go well too, although you'd need to replace that after the second year. You could start some basil indoors soon and stick it out there once it warms up (may/june). It will die off once the frosts come in Autumn, but you could replace it next year.

Hi
I have read that mint should be planted in a container as it is very invasive.   I have mine in a large-ish potburied  in the large raised salad bed in the back garden,  i didn't cut the bottom out of the pot should i have?  At the tie of planting i thought it wasn't a good idea because the roots would just come out under the pot.

i also have thyme, which i could not do without,  parsley, sage and rosemary.  oregano.

Pakaba

Hi all, Thanks for the replies,  :D

I have mint growing in a sunken builders bucket with a hole in the bottom -that thrives.
I had parsley once and I have some tiny plants that self-seeded in amongst my strawberries. I once had coriander but I`ve failed miserably with other herbs so this is my opportunity to grow a little herb garden.

Thanks, Col

There are some good suggestions in this thread, can I add purple leaved sage, tastes the same, and variegated thyme and golden oregano to add different colours into your trough.  The chive flowers would look pretty in there too.  Have fun.

One addition which I have planted in my garden, not allotment, is lemon balm. Great in the kitchen with chicken etc, but its real joy to me is to brush it and get that wonderful mediterranean scent of lemons.