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Spring is a great time to start planting herbs in the UK. Not only do they add beauty to your garden, but they also provide fresh and aromatic flavours to your meals. Whether you’re a proud kitchen-garden owner or want to branch out into growing herbs and spices for culinary or aromatherapy purposes, here are some examples of easily available herbs to plant in your garden this spring.
Chives – Chives are a versatile herb that can be used in a wide variety of dishes, including soups, stews, salads, and omelettes. They are easy to grow, and their bright purple flowers make a great addition to any garden. Chives prefer well-draining soil and partial to full sunlight. They can be propagated by dividing the clumps every three to four years too, so once you’ve grown one batch of chives you should be able to keep coming back for more every few years.
Thyme – A traditional accompaniment to rosemary (as made famous by the song), thyme goes famously well in stuffing and with meat. It can be planted in gravel at first and then moved into full sunlight in the summer. It needs protection from harsh wind and rain so is also ideal to be grown in a window box or planter.
Mint – Mint is a refreshing herb that can be used to flavour teas, cocktails, and desserts. It grows best in damp, fertile soil and partial to full sunlight. It can spread quickly, so it is best to plant it in a container or a separate area of the garden. It can also be propagated by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in water.
Oregano – This can either be sown in spring or started off in pots indoors until the soil has warmed up. It’s a fragrant herb that can offer a definite Italian flavour to any dish. It’s used very commonly in pasta dishes, as a result.
Rosemary – Rosemary is a hardy herb that can grow up to six feet tall. It is a popular herb used in Mediterranean dishes, such as lamb and roasted vegetables. Rosemary prefers well-draining soil and full sunlight. It can be propagated by taking stem cuttings in late summer or early fall.
Lavender – Best planted in spring as the soil warms up, plant lavender in dry soil ideally and water regularly through the spring. What you’ll be left with is a floral herb with a sweet scent that can really bring fresh life to teas and desserts.
Sage – Sage is an aromatic herb that is commonly used in stuffing and meat dishes. It prefers well-draining soil and full sunlight. Sage can be propagated by taking stem cuttings in late summer or early fall. It is also a perennial plant, meaning it can live for several years if taken care of properly.
