Herbs are tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions and they grow well with very little maintenance. For healthy, flavoursome and fragrant herbs we have divided them into four categories with hints for each group.
Soil preparation and aspect
Generally, herbs prefer a light, well-drained, crumbly soil, but most will grow satisfactorily in heavier soil provided there is good drainage.
Before planting, dig the soil to a depth of about 25 cm. Remove all weeds and break up clods to bring the soil to a moderately fine texture. If the soil lacks humus, place 5-10 cm of compost on the surface and dig in to spade depth. At the same time, apply animal manure, blood and bone, or a complete fertiliser. Agricultural lime or dolomite can also be beneficial if mixed in at the rate of about half a cup to the square metre. If possible, prepare the soil several weeks before planting.
For best results, plant herbs where they will receive sun all day. Some, such as parsley and mint, are tolerant of partial shade.
Vegetable culture herbs
Anise, Basil, Caraway, Capsicums (Sweet Peppers and Chillies), Catnip, Chervil, Chicory, Chives, Cumin, Coriander, Dill, Endive, Fennel, Garlic, Horseradish, Land Cress, Lovage, Parsley, Rocket, Salad Burnet, Shallots.
Gardening tips:
High soil fertility: use organic or complete fertilisers with high nitrogen content at rates recommended for vegetables.
Watering: water well in summer.
Mediterranean climate herbs
Catmint, Chamomile, Curry Bush (Grey Leaf), French Tarragon, Germander, Hyssop, Lavender, Lemon Verbena, Marjoram, Nasturtium, Oregano, Pineapple Sage, Pyrethrum, Rosemary, Rue, Sage, Santolina, Savories, scented Geraniums (Pelargoniums), Thyme, Wormwood, Yarrow.
Gardening tips:
Low to moderate soil fertility: these plants thrive if mushroom compost is used as a soil conditioner or surface mulch.
Lime soils: as plants in this group are mainly natives of chalky (limey) soil, an annual application of lime or dolomite would be beneficial.
Watering and drainage: these plants enjoy extremely well drained soil, if you have poorly-drained clay soil, raise beds at least 20 cm. Incorporating gypsum and compost will improve drainage. Avoid overwatering.
Ample summer moisture herbs
Angelica, Baytree, Bergamot, Cardamon, Comfrey, Elderberry, Five-in-one, Heartsease, Lemon Balm, Lemon Grass, Lovage, Mints, Sorrel, Water Cress.
Gardening tips:
High soil fertility: use organic or complete fertilisers with high nitrogen content at rates recommended for vegetables.
Watering and drainage: these herbs will not flourish if allowed to dry out, especially in summer. If regular watering is not possible, mix organic compost into the soil and also surface mulch to a depth of at least 10 cm to help retain moisture.
The soil should have reasonable drainage rather than being water logged. Mints and Water Cress perform best in wet conditions.
Suit most conditions
Aloe Vera, Borage, Feverfew, Purple Coneflower, Tansy, Winter Tarragon.
Gardening tips:
These herbs will grow well under conditions outlined for herb categories 1, 2 or 3.