Jekka’s advice on growing herbs in containers and her top 10 herbs

By Caroline Anderson March 19, 2023 21 mins read 163 Views

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Jekka's RHS displays in the past have often featured a few herbs in small pots. This shows that it is possible to grow herbs to gold-winning standards in containers. It is a great asset to both the garden and kitchen by keeping a collection of herbs in containers near your house. They are cheaper than store-bought herbs and taste better.

Jekka's Top 10 Herbs for Containers

While most herbs can be stored in a container, Jekka's favorite herbs, which are primarily used in the kitchen for culinary purposes, will not.

Lemon Thyme (Thymus 'Culinary Lemon', Thymus pulegioides 'Kurt' or Thymus 'Golden Lemon')
Rosemary ( Salvia rosemarinus).
Oregano HOT & Spicy ( Origanum "Hot and Spicy")
Parsley (French, Curly)
Salad Burnet (Sanguisorba minor)
Mint ( Mentha).
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus 'French')
Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora)
Winter Savory (Satureja montana)

There are herbs for every place, from the sun-baked courtyard to the shaded balcony to your kitchen windowsill. Jekka's blog herbs for different situations has more information. Avoid pot-grown herbs in supermarkets. They are often grown under glass and can be too lush and stressed to live outdoors.

How do you choose your container for herbs

Jekka’s top tip: Pot up your plant in one size. Going from a 1Ltr pot to 10 Ltr one time can stress and kill the plant. If you have a large decorative container you want to use, first place a smaller one inside and then increase the pot until it is the right size.

Parsley and Coriander are long tap roots, so they prefer containers that give them a deep root run and can be left unaffected. Long tom pots are deep enough and can be used in a massed fashion.

To limit root growth, other invasive herbs like Horseradish and Mint should be grown in sunken containers such as old buckets with drainage holes, or plastic pots.

Make sure your container has drainage holes. You can also use a 'crock' to fill the hole if necessary.

Growing and maintaining herbs within containers

Place your container herbs where they are warm and well-lit until they have filled the container to the brim. You can place herbs in containers so that they can be moved to more sunny or sheltered locations depending on the season. Rearranging your pots can help you transform your garden and revitalise it quickly.

To get the best results, use a well-drained, gritty substrate to grow your herbs. Jekka recommends that you use a loam-based and peat-free compost. If your options are limited, you can go for a standard John Innes. To aid drainage, you can add perlite, vermiculite, or horticulture gritty.

Container-grown herbs require regular watering and feeding. Your container-grown herbs should be fed with a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season. As this provides all the nutrients that herbs require, we use liquid seaweed. We "Feed on Fridays" throughout the growing season.

If your container-grown herbs begin to look weak, make sure they aren't pot bound. If they are, lift them up and pull the roots from the edges of the pot. Then, replant in a larger pot. Jekka advises not to place herbs in too large a pot because they will grow roots faster than the top.

To maintain the shape of your herbs, cut them back after they have budged. You can find advice on how to grow and maintain herbs in the 'Jekka’s Seasonal Tips' blog series. It includes information about what to do with your herb garden in spring, summer, autumn, winter, and late spring. These are the foundation of Jekka’s guide to growing herbs.

Wintering herbs in containers

Some herbs, such as French Tarragon or Mint, die in winter. These are called herbaceous. If placed in a place where they can't be frozen, saturated with rain or too dry, herbaceous herbs will take care of themselves. You can place them against a wall or in a cold frame. To keep out heavy rain from wet areas, you can use plywood or a sheet glass. To prevent waterlogging, it might be a good idea to place your pots on bricks.

Wrap containers in bubble polythene and horticulture fleece to protect them from freezing in cold weather.

Want to learn more?

Jekka has a guide to growing herbs. Her blog contains her top tips for growing your herbs. For more tips, you can sign up for our newsletter or follow @jekkasherbfarm on Instagram for more information and to be notified when our Master Class and Herb Experiments for 2022 are released.

Do you want to start growing right away? Jekka has Culinary Herbbox Collections and Jekka has Grow at Home Autumn Herb Kit. These kits contain everything you need to get started growing this fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What herbs should you take daily?

Depending on your health and wellness needs, many herbs can be taken daily to help improve your overall health.

Popular herbs for daily consumption include ashwagandha, turmeric, ginger, holy basil, chamomile, lavender, peppermint, and cayenne pepper. Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that can help the body resist stress and anxiety. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger has been shown to aid digestion and boost immunity. Holy basil may help with managing blood sugar levels, as well as providing a calming effect. Chamomile can promote relaxation, while lavender is used in aromatherapy for its calming properties. Peppermint can help aid digestion and reduce nausea, while cayenne pepper has antibacterial properties that may boost your immunity.

As always, you must consult your doctor before taking herbs daily to ensure they are safe for you and do not interact with any other medications or herbs you may be taking.

There is no shortage of information on what foods we should eat and how much exercise we should do. But when it comes to what supplements we should take, there is a dearth of knowledge.

This is because most of us aren’t sure which ones work or which are junk. So we go online and look up whatever we can find.

But often, these articles are written by companies trying to promote their products. Which means they're usually biased toward their product.

So instead of finding unbiased advice, we end up reading marketing hype.

This makes sense since marketers make more money selling stuff than doctors.

The medical industry isn’t even allowed to advertise directly to consumers anymore. The best way to learn about natural remedies is to read independent reviews.

This is where you'll find real users sharing their experiences with each supplement. These sites give you an honest opinion of whether or not a particular herb helps.

Users will often share their experience with a supplement after taking it. This gives you a good idea of its effectiveness and any side effects.

You can also check out forums dedicated to herbalism. Here you can ask questions and receive answers based on personal experience.

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to learn about herbs.

There are books, websites, blogs, videos, podcasts, and classes. All of them provide valuable information about natural remedies.

What is the difference between herbs and spices?

Herbs are used for cooking, and spices are used for seasoning.

Herbs have more intense flavors and can be used to cook dishes, while spices can bring out the flavor of foods without altering the taste.

Spices can also be added to food during preparation, such as curry. Spices may be bought individually, or whole packages may be purchased. There are many spices, including black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, garlic, ginger, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, parsley, rosemary, sage, salt, thyme, turmeric, vanilla extract, etc.

The best way to ensure that you are selecting the right spice for your dish is to read the label carefully. If there is an ingredient list, look for "spice" among the ingredients. A common mistake cooks make is buying too much of a particular spice because they do not realize how little they need.

There are a few basic rules to follow when choosing which herb or spice to use. For example, most herbs are fresh, whereas spices tend to last longer. Also, herbs are generally found in small quantities, while spices come in larger containers. Finally, most herbs are usually sold loose (or ground), while spices are packaged in jars or cans.

As long as you are careful to select the correct herbs or spices, you will find that adding them to recipes makes preparing meals easier. After all, spices add flavor to various dishes, while herbs can help improve the appearance and aroma of food.

Which spices from the kitchen are used to cure diseases?

There are more than 4000 medicinal plants that are widely distributed throughout the world. Some of these plants contain active compounds that may help treat various ailments.

In India alone, there are more than 1000 species of herbs that are used for medical purposes. This includes Ayurvedic medicine, Unani medicine, Siddha medicine, Homeopathic medicine, and Chinese medicine.

The most common ingredient found in these medicines is ginger. Ginger contains volatile oils that give it its aromatic flavor. These oils contain anti-inflammatory properties that make them useful against arthritis, fever, vomiting, and indigestion.

Ginger also helps relieve nausea and stomach cramps caused due to pregnancy. Pregnant women often consume ginger tea to reduce morning sickness. Ginger is also commonly used for cough and cold relief.

Another spice that is known to have medicinal value is turmeric. Turmeric contains curcumin which has been shown to inhibit tumor growth. This makes it an effective cancer treatment.

Turmeric is also considered to be very beneficial for joint health. It relieves inflammation and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It is also believed to prevent osteoporosis.

Garlic, too, is another herb that is extensively used in traditional medicine. Its healing qualities include treating infections, asthma, heart disease, and diabetes and even reducing cholesterol levels. Garlic oil is also used to treat wounds and insect bites.

Garlic is a natural antibiotic that fights bacteria and viruses. The antibacterial property makes it ideal for treating respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

It is also helpful in preventing urinary tract infections.

Other spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, black pepper, ginger, cayenne, mustard seeds, fennel, and coriander are also used to treat different illnesses.

What plant helps with infection?

There are plants out there that help fight infections. Some even contain anti-bacterial properties. One of them is mint.

Mint has been used for centuries to treat respiratory infections such as cold symptoms and flu. Mint also supports digestion and relieves gas pains. You may find relief with peppermint tea if you have an upset stomach. Peppermint oil has antibacterial properties, which make it effective against germs.

Peppermint tea contains menthol, beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium. These nutrients support healthy immune systems and provide energy to keep your body strong.

You can make peppermint tea at home by adding one teaspoon of dried mint leaves to boiling water. Let steep for five minutes and drink hot three times per day.

Or you can buy peppermint tea bags at any grocery store. Simply add two teaspoons of dried mint leaves to a cup of hot water. Steep for 10 minutes and strain. Drink hot three times per day for best results.

Why do some love coriander and others don't?

Some people hate coriander, while others love it. But why?

Coriander is an herb that grows in warm climates throughout the world. It is native to both North America and Europe.

The leaves of the plant are used in cooking and can also be found in condiments such as salad dressings and dips. When added to food, coriander provides a spicy flavor.

Many people love its taste because it adds a fresh flavor to dishes without overpowering them. Others dislike the smell and taste of coriander because they find it too strong.

But there is more to coriander than meets the eye. There are two types of coriander – sweet and hot. Sweet coriander is milder and sweeter tasting compared to hot coriander.

Sweet coriander is usually grown for its seeds, often called cilantro. This type of coriander is easy to grow and is very low maintenance.

Hot coriander is most commonly used in Indian cuisine. Hot coriander gives a rich flavor to curries and sauces, making it popular among Indians.

Some people say that hot coriander tastes better than sweet coriander. However, the opposite is true for those who prefer sweet coriander.

There are many reasons why people enjoy different varieties of coriander. For example, one person may love the taste of coriander, while another enjoys the aroma.

Whether you like sweet or hot coriander, you might be surprised to learn that you can buy both types of coriander online.

What is the difference between "regular" and smoked paprika powder?

Regular Paprika Powder (Piment d'Espelette) is an essential ingredient for our recipes. We use it for its intense flavor and color. It's also used as a spice and seasoning agent. Smoked Paprika Powder (Paprika Chorizo) adds a smoky taste and aroma to dishes. Both types of Paprika Powder come from Spain, where they grow the best peppers in the world.

Smoked Paprika Powder (Chorizo Paprika) is made from red peppers, which are dried slowly in special ovens. This gives them a rich flavor. They are then ground and mixed with salt, garlic, and spices.

Regular Paprika Powder (Espelette Paprika) is made by grinding green bell peppers without additives.

Statistics

Studies have shown that cinnamon can lower fasting blood sugars by 10-29% in diabetic patients, which is a significant amount (9Trusted Source10Trusted (healthline.com)
The global herbs market is expected to reach more than $125 billion by the end of 2025.

External Links

How To

How To Upcycle Herbs After Making Infusions, Oils, Tinctures, And More?

There are more ways to use herbs than you might realize. This is why it's essential to keep an open mind when learning how to make herbal infusions, oils, tinctures, and more.

You'll find that there are many methods for making these products, and even though they may seem similar, each method has its benefits.

For example, some methods include creating decoctions, boiling water or alcohol with the herb(s), and letting them simmer for a while. These infusions are solid and potent because they contain higher concentrations of active compounds.

Another type of infusion includes macerating the herb(s), which means soaking them in liquid for a few hours or even overnight. Macerations tend to produce milder results because the plant material isn't boiled.

Some cold-infused forms involve steeping herbs in cool liquids such as ice cubes or cold water. Cold infusions are gentler than hot ones, often used to treat minor ailments.

Herbal oil extraction involves heating the herb(s) to release the essential oils. You can either do this yourself or have someone help you out with it.

Finally, there are tinctures made by mixing herbs with alcohol. They're usually taken orally and are very effective for treating coughs, colds, and flu symptoms.

The best way to learn how to create infused products is to experiment with various techniques. Each technique offers a different potency and effectiveness, depending on the herb(s) you choose.

Once you've tried a few different methods, you'll begin to develop your preferences. In time, you'll be able to determine which techniques work well for you and which aren't worth pursuing.