Windowsill herbs

[madonplants]

sweetleaf said:

I was in Homebase yesterday keith and they did have Basil but it wasnt very healthy, so I bought seed as well.

Suttons seeds Basil, only named "Red" Also bought garlic chives which sounds nice, already have ordinary chives at the lottie in a sink. Im going to start collecting different kinds of mint again, too.

We have three different types, or is it four, of mint as well. We have ordinary mint, chocolate, Tashkent(?) mint and I am convinced we have some apple mint in a pot without a label!! Maybe we are hooked already and didn't know it!!
Still can't get over the basil. One of the G?C was a big one with a good supply of herbs of all types, but no Basil!

Keith

[sweetleaf]

I used to have 3 kinds of mint in a sink which was sunk into the patio, then I moved the sink and it all died! I have a black thumb with mint apparently.

Chocolate mint was mentioned to me recently by Sleepy, Id love some of that! Does it smell like after eights ?

[madonplants]

It doesn't smell badly I must admit, but it is one that OH hasn't used yet in cooking!!

Keith

[sweetleaf]

It would be a nice touch on top of ice cream at a posh meal, (searching for the correct word, failing miserably)

[Sleepy]

sweetleaf said:

It would be a nice touch on top of ice cream at a posh meal, (searching for the correct word, failing miserably)

I think she's trying to say that it would add that special garnish to a classy desert

[sweetleaf]

Thats the one! Thanks Sleepy I hate it when that happens,and my synapses fail to fire, my memory isnt what it could be

[4pygmies]

The reason Basil isn't on sale in GC's Keith is cos it's much too tender to sell outside yet. Forced Basil which you buy in supermarkets is usually OK when it's been repotted, as long as you keep it warm and sunny and keep cutting it. Basil grows extremely easily from seed btw.
Sweetie, it's not a great idea to keep different Mint varities in one tub as they tend to cross pollinate and lose their individual scent after a season.
Keith, true Apple mint has hairy, bright green leaves. Bowles mint is often sold as Apple mint but it has an apple/spearmint scent and the leaves aren't hairy.
There is a lovely decorative Oregano called Green 'n Gold (I think) which is much smaller leaved and more amenable to growing in a pot indoors (for a while). Oregano vulgano can be a bit of a thug. Or get your OH Sweet Marjoram or Golden Marjoram to try in pots - much smaller and just as strong flavoured.

[sweetleaf]

Thanks babe Ill bear that in mind, I want to make a herb wheel (maybe) so I shall make sure the varieties have some space between them

[madonplants]

Thanks 4P, didn't know basil was tender. How far apart can you grow mint? We know about the Oregano being a thug, I put it in a hanging basket once, fatal mistake!!!

Keith

[4pygmies]

I would keep it distinctly separate unless you are vigilant about cutting off the flowers. It's always best to keep culinary herbs trimmed off anyway as they lose their flavour once they start to set seed.
Basil is reallyreally susceptible to drops in temperatures which is why supermarket plants often look a bit manky as they've been forced in greenhouses, then roughly transported. Cruelty to plants - I can't abide it! Also why it's grown in GC's and PT's with tomatoes as it responds to the heat and regular watering.

[madonplants]

That is alright then as I am good at not allowing them to flower. We will get a good book, but what herbs can't you plant together other than mint? I remember hearing something about dill, am I right?

Keith

[cheerypeabrain]

I don't think that you're sposed to grow dill and fennel together Madon
They look similar so maybe they cross pollinate or sommat....

CPBx

[madonplants]

cheerypeabrain said:

I don't think that you're sposed to grow dill and fennel together Madon
They look similar so maybe they cross pollinate or sommat....

CPBx

Thanks, CPB, I knew I had read/heard something about dill. I have fennel in the garden, so better not get any dill!

Keith