Purple cone flower (Echinacea purpurescens) A
Herb Garden is an enduring asset, so do not be over-hasty in getting started.
With the site prepared, construct any edgings and paths, except for gravel,
which is best laid after planting to avoid depositing soil in it.
Although
container-grown herbs can be planted at almost any time of the year, autumn is
the perfect season, unless winters are very cold, in which case wait until
mid-spring. If you have to wait several months before planting, use the bed for
a display of annual flowers or grow a ‘green manure’ crop of mustard to dig
in later as a soil-improver.
Always
choose young, short-jointed bushy plants with a good healthy colour.
Choose
a pleasant day for planting, and one on which you have the time to finish an
area completely. Water plants well, whether they are in pots or the open ground,
and then arrange them on the surface. Check the overall effect and make sure
everything has room to develop. Plant edgings first, together with strategic
plants such as trees, shrubs or anything with a large rootball - stake these
where necessary, and tread the soil firmly around larger plants. Label
everything clearly and then water the whole bed to settle the soil around the
roots.