What to Do
Episode: # 13 07/07/07
Presenter: Melissa King
Whenever Melissa has to buy cut herbs from the shops, she feels really sinful because they are so easy to grow at home. When you have only got a small space, they are the perfect choice because they are ideal for pots and you only need to step outdoors to harvest, fresh tasty herbs just minutes before you need them.
Herbs are perfect plants for city gardeners because they can be grown in pots and hanging baskets or the tiniest garden spaces, provided they get enough sun.
The first piece of advice Melissa would give you is to grow the herbs that you cook with a lot. It sounds obvious, but if space is restricted and you want to get the most out of a pot then you should definitely start by growing your favourites.
Melissa likes the idea of creating a herb pot based around a theme, so she is going for a Mediterranean flavour, using a beautiful creamy coloured pot. We talk a lot about good potting mix on the show, but it really is the key to a great-looking potted display.
Rosemary is a great one to include. It has wonderful aromatic grey-green foliage and blue or white flowers, depending on the variety – so it is attractive to look at and it is the perfect complement to lamb, chicken and roasted potatoes and pumpkin.
Now you could opt for the curly leaved parsley or go for an Italian or Flat leaved parsley which has a stronger flavour. Great with fish and invaluable as a garnish.
There are lots of thymes to choose from. English Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is most common and it is used to flavour soups, fish, meat, poultry and eggs. It is one of those great herbs that require little attention once established and grows with little water.
If you are into Asian-style cooking you could go for an Asian theme. Start with a nice deep-red oriental style pot.
Then add some Vietnamese mint (Persicaria odorata) which has a bitter, spicy kick to it – an essential ingredient in a good laksa. Some spring onions and garlic Chives – very popular in Asian cuisine – you can smell the garlic.
Curry Plant; the leaves smell like curry, but this plant is not used to make curry. Curry seasoning is in fact a blend of many different herbs. The chopped leaves of this plant can be used to add flavour to roast chicken and pork – but it is quite strong so use it sparingly.
Now when you need fresh herbs, it is as simple as walking out the back door.
Featured Products
Thrive Premium Potting Mix
Presenter: Melissa King
Whenever Melissa has to buy cut herbs from the shops, she feels really sinful because they are so easy to grow at home. When you have only got a small space, they are the perfect choice because they are ideal for pots and you only need to step outdoors to harvest, fresh tasty herbs just minutes before you need them.
Herbs are perfect plants for city gardeners because they can be grown in pots and hanging baskets or the tiniest garden spaces, provided they get enough sun.
The first piece of advice Melissa would give you is to grow the herbs that you cook with a lot. It sounds obvious, but if space is restricted and you want to get the most out of a pot then you should definitely start by growing your favourites.
Melissa likes the idea of creating a herb pot based around a theme, so she is going for a Mediterranean flavour, using a beautiful creamy coloured pot. We talk a lot about good potting mix on the show, but it really is the key to a great-looking potted display.
Rosemary is a great one to include. It has wonderful aromatic grey-green foliage and blue or white flowers, depending on the variety – so it is attractive to look at and it is the perfect complement to lamb, chicken and roasted potatoes and pumpkin.
Now you could opt for the curly leaved parsley or go for an Italian or Flat leaved parsley which has a stronger flavour. Great with fish and invaluable as a garnish.
There are lots of thymes to choose from. English Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is most common and it is used to flavour soups, fish, meat, poultry and eggs. It is one of those great herbs that require little attention once established and grows with little water.
If you are into Asian-style cooking you could go for an Asian theme. Start with a nice deep-red oriental style pot.
Then add some Vietnamese mint (Persicaria odorata) which has a bitter, spicy kick to it – an essential ingredient in a good laksa. Some spring onions and garlic Chives – very popular in Asian cuisine – you can smell the garlic.
Curry Plant; the leaves smell like curry, but this plant is not used to make curry. Curry seasoning is in fact a blend of many different herbs. The chopped leaves of this plant can be used to add flavour to roast chicken and pork – but it is quite strong so use it sparingly.
Now when you need fresh herbs, it is as simple as walking out the back door.
Featured Products
Thrive Premium Potting Mix
- Ideal for all potted plants and shrubs including ornamentals, fruit trees, vegetables and herbs.
- Contains Nutricote controlled release fertiliser to feed up to nine months.
- Added wetting agent allows the mix to absorb water quickly thoroughly and allows for easy re-wetting of the mix.
- Organic based blend.
AS SEEN ON 
