Nicholson's Herb Farm

Purslane - Herb of the Month

2011-07-19T18:00:00.000+01:00

Purslane was a popular herb in Tudor Britain, around the time of Elizabeth I. However, it has actually been grown for thousands of years both as a vegetable and as a medicinal herb, known to the Ancient Egyptians and grown in both India and China. France is now the main producer of purslane which is still a popular salad herb in Europe. It is unfortunately far less well known in Britain.

Purslane is a half hardy annual herb plant which can reach a height of 30cm and a spread of 60cm. It has thick, soft, trailing stems. The succulent oval green leaves of this herb plant have the taste of mange-tout and are followed by small yellow flowers in late summer which open in the sun and close in the shade. The variant ‘Aurea’ has golden leaves which make it an attractive and colourful contrast to other salad plants.

Both the leaves and the stems can be eaten. The French add it to sorrel soup to help reduce the acidity of the sorrel. Fresh leaves can be added to salads and soups. Its crunchy stems are very nice and can be cut into chunks and added to salads. This herb is one of the ingredients of a traditional Middle Eastern salad called fattoush.

Purslane is a good source of vitamin C and recent research has also shown that this herb plant is a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids which help to strengthen the immune system and maintain a healthy heart.

The juice of the fleshy leaves is soothing when applied to bites, burns and eczema.

In order to stimulate new growth pick leaves regularly from spring onwards. This herb prefers a sunny spot and light, well drained soil. Plenty of water is required for good leaf development although avoid overwatering. Slugs are also partial to purslane so you will need to protect young plants from slugs as far as possible.

Sow herb seeds in spring under protection at 20°C or alternatively outside in summer when night time temperatures remain above 10°C. We sow this particular herb at the same time as basil (late March/early April) as we find that even under protection early sowings are less successful. Avoid sowing seeds too thickly as seedlings are prone to damping off.

Buy purslane herb plants (between April and June) and golden purslane herb seeds (available now in sale!) online from Nicholson's Herb Farm.

Viper's Bugloss - Wow!!

2011-07-18T16:24:00.000+01:00

Wow!! We've never grown the herb Viper's Bugloss in our garden before and it has been a revelation - we can't overstate what a stunning herb plant this is.

You may wonder why we haven't appreciated this before and that is all due to the way we grow our herbs. We sow herb seeds and pot up young plants constantly throughout the growing season so unless we put them in the garden (which is already jam packed with herbs) generally we never see them grow any bigger than our pot size. It makes an uninspiring herb in its first year (on top of which its leaves can be a bit of an irritant). Viper's Bugloss is a biennial herb plant which means that it doesn't flower until the second year and it is in the second year where it also puts on most of its growth, growing to a height of 45-60cm.

Historically an old medicinal herb (it was traditionally thought to expel poisons and venom, presumably hence its name) it is mainly grown now for its striking brilliant blue and red flowers which open over a long period and are hugely attractive to bees. Ours has been buzzing with activity for last six weeks or so. Importantly for us it is also a good drought tolerant herb, evidenced by the fact that it has managed to thrive in our garden which is woefully neglected during our frantic spring and early summer season!!

Plant in autumn, give it a good bit of space and reap the benefits next spring. That's what we'll be doing this year!!!

Buy Viper's Bugloss herb plants online from Nicholson's Herb Farm.

Lemon Balm - Herb of the Month

2011-06-20T11:10:00.000+01:00

Lemon balm is a neat, undemanding herb plant. It is a hardy, herbaceous perennial which grows to a height of between 30-80cm. It has oval shaped leaves on a square stem which are slightly hairy and deliciously lemon scented. Flowers are small and cream and grow in clusters around the stem. They are not showy but all the same, we think they're really pretty. Lemon balm is a native herb plant of southern Europe, western Asia and northern Africa.

There are also different cultivars of this herb plant - M. officinalis ‘Aurea’ which has lovely variegated leaves. New leaf growth is green with a distinctive gold splash although leaves do revert to pure green in summer. This can be disconcerting but fresh new growth in spring will have the same lovely variegations. M. officinalis ‘All Gold’ has bright yellow foliage.

Lemon balm has been cultivated for over 2000 years. The Greeks grew this herb as a bee plant which may explain its Latin name, Melissa meaning “honey bee” in Greek. In ancient times it was a herb often grown by front doors to ward off evil spirits. In the Middle Ages it was used for a variety of things – to prevent baldness, as a lucky love charm and to help cure dog bites among others, whilst the Arabs thought the herb beneficial in treating anxiety and depression.

The leaves of this herb can be used to add flavour to chicken, game and fish, to make stuffing or add to soups, sauces, salads, desserts and drinks. They also make a calming tea.

Current research has also shown that this herb plant may be beneficial in the treatment of cold sores, helping to reduce the chance of further outbreaks and reducing healing time. For this reason it is often found in lip balms. Fresh leaves can be rubbed on the skin to act as an insect repellent and to soothe bites.

Lemon balm is a herb plant which can be planted in any soil in sun or partial shade. It spreads and self seeds readily. A good herb for containers. M.officinalis ‘All Gold’ will benefit from shading from the midday sun as its leaves are prone to scorch.

M. officinalis can be propagated by seed under protection at 20°C. Germination takes 1-2 weeks but can be erratic. Seedlings are also prone to damping off so do not overwater. Softwood cuttings root easily and can be taken in early summer. Established herb plants can be divided in autumn or spring. M. officinalis ‘Aurea’ and ‘All Gold’ cannot be propagated from seed but as cuttings root easily don't let this deter you from trying.

In terms of maintenance, cut back herb plants after flowering to prevent them becoming woody or straggly. Cutting back M. officinalis ‘Aurea’ in this way will also promote new variegated growth.

Lemon balm herb plants and herb seeds are available to buy online from Nicholson's Herb Farm.

It's time for Elderflower Cordial

2011-06-03T12:54:00.000+01:00

If you live in a rural area then you can't fail to miss the elderflowers in bloom this month. Until we made our own elderflower cordial we have to say that we regarded elders as a bit of a nuisance - self seeding all over the place and growing at a rate of knots so that before you can turn around you have a tree in the most inopportune place. Elderflower cordial mixed with ice cold sparkling water however is an absolute treat on a hot day so we are slightly more forgiving of the poor elder these days. This is the recipe we use which is very easy.

You will need:

1.5 litres of boiling water

1 kilo of ordinary white granulated sugar

20 or so large elderflower heads

4 lemons

55g of citric acid

You can get citric acid from your local chemist but you will need to ask for it as they don't keep it on the shelves. They may also ask you why you want it. It's inexpensive - our last box cost something like 80p.

Method:

Use a large bowl or saucepan. Empty the sugar into it and pour over the boiling water, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.

Wash your lemons and take the zest off (but don't throw it away!). Slice the lemons and when the sugar/water solution is cool add them to the solution along with the zest, citric acid and the elderflower heads.

That's it. Cover your pan with a cloth and leave for 48 hours. After 48 hours strain the liquid twice through a sterilised muslin cloth (or if you don't have muslin a tea towel or pillow case works just as well - as long as it's sterilised).

Using a funnel or jug carefully pour the cordial into hot sterilised bottles. Elderflower cordial will keep in the fridge for several weeks but if you want to save some it will freeze. You can freeze it into ice cube trays or plastic containers (just don't fill the containers too full so as to allow for expansion - the cordial is very sticky so you definitely don't want it all over your freezer). We put our containers inside a plastic freezer bag to be on the safe side.

Don't forget to dilute to drink as you would squash.

Hyssop - Herb of the Month

2011-05-06T23:10:00.000+01:00

Hyssopus officinalis is an ancient herb plant which is mentioned in the Bible. It is a native herb of central and southern Europe and western Asia. The Greek physician Hippocrates (460-337 BC) used the name Hyssopus which is derived from the Hebrew ezob meaning “holy herb”. He recommended it for chest complaints, as did Culpepper, although his Herbal contains a myriad of other uses for this herb which, if used with honey, is said to “kill worms in the belly”. Its strong aromatic foliage made it popular as a strewing herb.

Hyssop is a semi-evergreen perennial herb plant which forms a neat upright shrub. It is a hardy herb, growing to a height of between 60 and 90cm with small, narrow aromatic leaves and dense spikes of glorious deep blue flowers. There are also pink and white flowered variants.

The fresh leaves of this herb plant, which have a mint-sage flavour, can be added sparingly to stews or used with fatty fish and meat. Fresh flowers can be sprinkled in salads and dried flowers can also be used to make a herbal tea. Commercially, hyssop oil is used in the perfume industry.

Hyssop looks good grown as a small hedge and is an excellent herb plant for attracting bees and butterflies. It is also a good companion herb being thought generally beneficial to grapevines as well as helping to repel cabbage white butterflies.

This herb plant prefers well drained soil in a sunny position. Prune hard in spring to keep plants bushy and to prevent them becoming straggly.

To propagate this herb sow seeds in spring under protection at 20°C. Germination takes between 5-10 days. Alternatively take softwood cuttings in summer. Established herb plants can be divided in autumn.

You can buy hyssop plants and hyssop seeds online from Nicholson's Herb Farm.

Cornflower - Herb of the Month

2011-03-09T16:47:00.000Z

This pretty wildflower, along with the field poppy was commonly found in cornfields and on wasteland until the 1920s.

It is therefore astonishing to think that cornflowers almost died out in the UK following the widespread introduction of chemical weedkillers in the 1970s.

An old country name for the cornflower is Bluebottle. Its Latin name, on the other hand, Centaurea, comes from the centaur Chiron, known for his knowledge of herbs.

Decoctions made from the flower heads of the cornflower were used to treat inflamed and tired eyes and were used by the French in their eyewash “Eau de Casselunettes”. Cornflower florets are edible and can be used fresh in salads. Dried florets can also be used in pot pourri. The juice of the petals produces a blue ink and also a water colour pigment. Medicinally this plant has anti-inflammatory properties and today, commercially, extracts of cornflower are added to shampoos and rinses.

Cornflowers are tall, slender, hardy annuals which can reach a height of up to 1m. They have grey-green lance shaped leaves and striking flowers of the most beautiful blue. The base of the flower has distinctive overlapping bracts which give it a thistle-like appearance. The flower bud itself is covered in tiny hairs. Flowers are generally blue but occasionally white, pink or purple flowers may appear (and it is in fact now possible to buy mixed seeds).

Cornflowers are very attractives to bees and butterflies. They prefer well drained soil in a sunny position and make an ideal filler in borders. Alternatively create your own wild meadow and plant alongside field poppies, oxeye daisies, alliums and camassias (for best results here plant young plants rather than broadcasting the seeds as they will be unable to compete with the grass).

Sow cornflower seeds in autumn or spring. For best results sow direct outside when night time temperatures exceed 10°C. Germination takes 10-14 days. Alternatively sow under cover in early spring. Germination in a heated propagator takes only 2-3 days. Cornflowers are often used as cut flowers or for flower arranging and if this is the case flowers may need supporting if straight stems are required.

You can buy cornflower seeds and field poppies online from Nicholson's Herb Farm

It's Time to Sow

2011-03-09T15:51:00.001Z

It’s time to sow – one of our favourite times of the year. There is nothing more rewarding than sowing a tray of tiny herb seeds and then watching as they germinate in what can sometimes seem a hostile environment for something so small. We know of course from our herb plant sales that many customers prefer to buy their herbs “garden ready”. There are, however, some herb plants which are so easy to grow from seed it seems a shame not to give them a try.

Don’t feel that you need a greenhouse or lots of expensive equipment to get started - although once you’ve got the bug you may well find yourself lusting after a Victorian glasshouse (well we do!). Although we sow the majority of our herb seeds under cover using a heated mat this is really only for two reasons. The first is that we are sowing earlier than you probably would at home. Depending on the weather we sow the first of our herb seeds between the middle and the end of February. Secondly, our tunnels are unheated and so the heated mats help to keep the soil temperature evenly warm, assisting germination. We don’t want our herb seeds sitting in cold wet compost for too long, especially in February. Having said that with space at a premium a lot of the plants we grow for our own use on the allotment are generally grown in an old plastic tray on the kitchen windowsill covered in cling film.

There are just a couple of things to remember when starting off herb seeds inside – (1) once your herb seeds have germinated remember to turn the pots round every day to stop the seedlings leaning towards the light and (2) brush them gently with your hand every now and again. Seedlings grown under cover and away from the elements will be more tender. Giving them a brush over every now and again simulates the wind. This helps toughen them up so that they are more robust when the time comes for them to be planted out.

If you’ve never grown herb plants from seed before we’d recommend wild rocket, sorrel and chamomile. You really can't go wrong with these. The seeds germinate quickly and the seedlings are robust survivors. Also on the "easy to grow" list are cornflowers, coriander and pot marigolds and, being annuals, growing these herb plants from seed makes good financial sense.

At the other end of the scale, for those of you fancying a bit more of a challenge why not try basil or purslane. Purslane is not particularly tricky but both it and basil need to be sown a bit later when the weather is warmer otherwise damping off can be a serious problem. Slugs are very partial to purslane so you do need to keep an eye out for those. Basil is a slow starter. Basil seeds germinate quickly but plants seem to stay small for a very long time. It really is very weather dependent. As soon as we get the scorching hot days of summer though you can almost see it growing daily. And of course, you can’t beat the flavour so it is well worth the wait.

For more detailed information about growing herbs from seed there are two herb seed sowing guides on our website:

Herb Seed Guide No. 1 - Sowing Herb Seeds Under Cover (The Basics)

Herb Seed Guide No. 2 - Common Problems

Happy sowing!

Dill - Herb of the Month

2011-02-01T17:48:00.001Z

This ancient herb has been important in the Middle East since biblical times. According to the records of the Talmud (ancient Jewish law) dill was subject to a tithe and used as a means of paying taxes. In the Middle Ages dill was used as protection against witchcraft although today it is a herb plant more widely known for its culinary uses. It is a native herb to southern Europe, southern Russia and western Asia.

Dill is a hardy annual herb plant which can reach a height of between 60cm-1m. A very decorative herb, dill has a long stem with lacy grey-green leaves followed by umbels of yellow flowers in summer and attractive seed heads which dry well. It resembles fennel although is shorter with matt leaves. The leaves have a strong parsley/caraway smell.

Use the leaves and ripe seeds to flavour salads, fish, seafood and egg dishes. It is a herb much used in Scandanavian cooking. The seeds can also be used in vinegars and pickles or to make tea which aids flatulence and stomach ache in adults.

Commercially dill oil is used in soaps, detergents and food flavouring. Dill is also the active ingredient in gripe water.

This herb likes fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Dill is prone to bolt in poor soil and needs adequate water. Avoid planting too near to fennel to avoid cross pollination and deadhead flowers if you wish to avoid self seeding.

In early spring sow seeds under cover at 15°C. Germination takes between 5 and 20 days. Dill reputedly does not like to be transplanted (although we haven’t encountered any difficulties ourselves) so sowing direct may be preferable (once the night time temperatures exceed 7°C).

Dill seeds are available to buy online from Nicholson's Herb Farm with next day despatch available on all herb seed orders. Fresh herb plants are available to pre-order with despatch mid-late April.

EU Ban on Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products

2011-02-01T17:38:00.000Z

We’ve had quite a few enquiries about the EU Directive which comes into force on 30th April 2011 by people worried that they will no longer be able to buy medicinal herbs from us. Please be reassured, this ban does not affect the sale of medicinal herb plants. It does however have significant consequences for herbal practitioners and the sale of herbal medicines. In short, herbal medicinal products will now be subject to the same licensing as pharmaceutical drugs which is a very expensive exercise. Those which have not been licensed will not be available for sale to the general public.

According to the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, after 2011 the only way herbalists can continue to have access to the full range of herbal medicines is by being designated ‘authorised health care professionals’. They would then be able to legally commission a medicine to be made up for their patients. However the only way they can achieve the status of ‘authorised health care professional’ is if herbalists have a statutorily protected status which at the moment in the UK they do not. The Government are currently being lobbied on this issue.

There is a very useful summary on the National Institute of Medical Herbalist’s website if you require any more information.

Medicinal herbs are available to buy online from Nicholson's Herb Farm. Herb seeds are available now (with next day despatch). Fresh herb plants are available to pre-order now with despatch mid-late April.

Evening Primrose - Herb of the Month

2011-01-13T09:13:00.000Z

It is thought that the Latin name for this herb, Oenothera may come from the Greek words “oinos” which means wine and “thera” which means hunt, being the name given by the Greek philosopher Theophrastus to a plant whose roots were eaten in order to arouse the desire for wine.

Evening primrose is a hardy biennial herb plant. It is related to willow herbs although it is unrelated to primroses. The leaves are lance shaped and form a neat rosette in the first year. Evening primrose can reach a height of 1.5m in its second year. Flowers in the second year are yellow, trumpet shaped and night scented and are followed by small oval downy seed pods.

Mrs Grieve (A Modern Herbal – 1931) states that a drug was made from the leaves and stem peelings of this herb plant to treat asthma, gastrointestinal disorders, whooping cough, and certain “female complaints such as pelvic fullness”.

The Native Americans recognised the healing properties of this herb, using it as a poultice to sooth rashes, itches and bites although in fact it was only in the 1980s that scientific research showed the effectiveness of evening primrose oil for a wide range of complaints. The oil is a rich source of fatty acids which assist the production of hormone like substances. It is now used to treat various conditions including premenstrual syndrome, eczema and liver damage.

Evening primrose oil is also used by the cosmetic industry in toiletries and cosmetics.

As a culinary herb young leaves can be added to salads and the more mature leaves can be cooked as you would spinach. Its roots are also edible and can be cooked like parsnips.

Evening primrose is a herb plant which is happy in dry soil, including sand. It prefers full sun. It is not a herb suitable for container growing due to its second year height.

Sow seeds in either spring or autumn. If sowing in autumn pot up young herb plants and over-winter in a cold fame or unheated greenhouse before planting out. Evening primrose is an easy herb to grow from seed. It will self seed in the right conditions so ensure that you dead head plants once the flowers have finished if you wish to avoid this.

Evening Primrose herb seeds are available to buy now (with next day despatch) from Nicholson's Herb Farm. Fresh herb plants will be available to order online from March.

Don't Miss Carol Klein on BBC2

2011-01-13T08:56:00.000Z

Did anyone catch the first of Carol Klein's new series Life in a Cottage Garden? If you didn't do try to tune in this week (BBC2 - Friday at 8.30pm). It is a look at part of her own garden in Devon, filmed over a year. It's a breath of fresh air. Last week looked at January and February and it was so freshing to see that Carol's garden (or at least part of it) looks as bad as our's during the winter months. Watching her clear up ready for spring made you just want to get up and get out in the garden. We don't expect there will be any significant coverage of herb plants but she is a fanatical propagator and so there will be lots of tips on how to propagate plants which you can use to increase your stock of herbs. Last week looked at root cuttings (which are good for herbs such as mint, horseradish, comfrey and tarragon) and division (which is an option for chives, bugle, lady's mantle, sweet cicely, yarrow, mint, lemon balm and oregano to name a few). This week covers March and April and the sowing of the first seeds - perfect inspiration for your own borders and a great time to take a look at our herb seeds on offer this year which include, for the first time, echinacea, pot marigold, cornflower and evening primrose.

Gardening with Herbs - Book Review

2010-12-16T18:25:00.000Z

Gardening with Herbs by John Stevens is the latest book review to be added to our website. If you are a keen herb gardener then this book is definitely for you. Rather than being an encylopedia of herbs this book focuses on the gardening aspects including propagation, herb planting and aftercare. It looks in some detail at the various different habitats you might find in the garden and matches herb plants to their appropriate habitat. We've all tried putting a plant where we want to put it rather than where the label says and although it may survive for a while it just doesn't thrive does it? For happy herb plants the correct siting is important.

There is a section on herb garden design which is excellent, particularly if garden design is not your thing. The section is broken down into smaller chunks covering formal herb gardens, dry gardens, the water garden, the winter herb garden and many more.

Finally there is herb directory which lists 200 or so herbs which make good garden plants. You won't find every herb plant listed here but you will find those herbs which will enhance your space.

We've only include a summary of our review here; the full review of Gardening with Herbs is available on our website.

Herbs for Next Season - Thyme, Foxley

2010-12-15T18:43:00.000Z

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Next up on the list of new herbs for next season is a new thyme - Foxley Thyme (Thymus pulegioides 'Foxley').

Foxley thyme is a hardy, evergreen, perennial herb plant which grows up to 10 cm high. It does not fall within the category of creeping thymes but nonetheless is a herb with a gently spreading habit, rather than a bushy upright thyme. This makes it a great herb plant for ground cover. Foxley thyme has attractive round variegated green and cream foliage which is followed by pink flowers in summer. In the winter the leaves have an attractive pink tinge.

Foxley is a thyme with a good culinary flavour and as such can be used in soups, marinades, oils, vinegars, stuffing, casseroles, baked vegetables and tea. Dried leaves can be added to pot pourri.

The scent of thyme is fabulous. Potting up herb plug plants in a freezing polytunnel in February is no fun but the smell of thyme really does make you feel that summer is at least on its way! The scent of this herb is irresistable to bees and butterflies love it too. We really like this particular variety which features heavily in our own thyme garden. Thyme is a Mediterranean herb plant and, like all of the Mediterranean herbs, likes a well drained soil in full sun.

Foxley Thyme will be available to buy online from Nicholson's Herb Farm from March 2011. Thyme is such a good all round herb plant it can be found in Herbs for Cooking, Aromatic Herbs, Herbs for Teas & Drinks, Herb Plants for Wildlife and Herbs for Companion Planting.

Herbs for Next Season - Purple Loosestrife

2010-12-11T10:17:00.002Z

Over the coming weeks we'll be featuring herb plants which we are introducing next season. We're kicking off with Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), primarily a medicinal herb but also a herb plant attractive to bees, butterflies, hoverflies and dragonflies. You'll find this herb in our Medicinal Herbs and Herb Plants for Wildlife categories.

The word Lythrum comes from the Greek word lythron which means blood. This may refer to the herb's medicinal uses. Historically purple loosestrife was used to heal wounds and stem bleeding and was widely used in the cholera epidemics during the 19th century. It has astringent and antibacterial properties and is still valued in herbal medicine today.

Purple Loosestrife is a hardy, herbacious perennial herb plant which can reach a height of 1.2 metres and has a spreading habit. It is an upright herb with willow like leaves and beautiful spikes of pink-purple flowers from mid summer to mid autumn. A good pond or bog garden plant, this herb requires rich damp soil in full sun or partial shade. It can become invasive in warm climates if not controlled - in spring and autumn divide established plants and cut back in autumn before the seed sets.

You can buy purple loosestrife online from Nicholson's Herb Farm from March 2011.

Mistletoe - Herb of the Month

2010-12-04T17:47:00.001Z

With the recent snow we've been having and the feeling of Christmas come early, December's Herb of the Month just had to be Mistletoe (Viscum Album).

A lot has been written about the history and tradition of this herb plant so that it is difficult to know where to begin. There does seem to be a general consensus however about how the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe came about; it is thought to originate from a Scandanavian legend. It is said that Balder, who was the god of peace was killed by an arrow made from mistletoe. He was restored by Frigga, his mother and the goddess of love. It is said that the tears she wept for her son turned into the white berries of the mistletoe and that when he was restored she kissed everyone who passed under the tree from which it was growing. It was subsequently decreed that no ill should befall anyone standing underneath the mistletoe but instead they should receive a kiss as a token of love.

Mistletoe is a hardy parasitic evergreen shrub with branched stems and leathery yellow-green leaves. It has insignificant yellow flowers in spring which are followed by the more familiar white sticky berries. Mistletoe is, mostly, a parasitic plant and therefore requires a host. It grows on the young branches of host trees which include apple (most usually), oak (rarely), poplar, maple, hawthorn and rowan. Commercially it is often grown in orchards.

Although all parts of this herb are poisonous (the stems, leaves and the berries) it does have some medicinal properties and has been used medicinally both internally and externally. It has been the subject of medical reasearch for various illnesses. Interestingly its medicinal constituents are thought to vary according to the host plant which may explain the ancient druidic belief that the drug from the oak mistletoe was superior. Mistletoe is sometimes used in Chinese medicine although in some countries its sale and use are restricted. Because of its toxicity treatment must only ever be carried out by a qualified practitioner.

Opinion is divided about how easy this herb is to grow. In theory it sounds simple enough. Squash the ripe berries into the crevices and cracks in the bark of the host tree in autumn so that they are protected from birds. Birds are the main propagators of this herb plant so mimicking them would seem a sensible option in which case make sure that the berries are squashed close to the trunk, (as a bird would do if it was cleaning its beak). Germination should take place the following spring although some authors suggest that it can take four years for seeds to germinate. Why not try it and see?

Although mistletoe is not a herb plant which is available to buy online from Nicholson's Herb Farm, please visit our website for full details of the wide range of herb plants, herb seeds and homemade preserves available to buy online.

Sweet Cicely - Herb of the Month

2010-11-16T15:46:00.007Z

Sweet cicely (previously also known as sweet chervil) is a native herb plant of Europe and northern Britain. In times gone by its roots were boiled and then chewed as a breath freshener whilst its seeds were crushed and used to make a furniture polish. Sweet cicely was a popular strewing herb in medieval times and was valued as a traditional medicinal herb, particularly for coughs and flatulence.

A tall herb plant, sweet cicely has delicate, soft green, fern-like leaves which have an aniseed flavour. Umbels of sweetly scented creamy white flowers follow in late spring to early summer (although ours was still flowering right through October). The seeds of this herb are distinctive – long and dark brown, turning to black when fully ripe. It makes a lovely herb plant for a woodland garden or a wild area.

All parts of sweet cicely are edible. Leaves can be added to salads or cooked fruit such as rhubarb or gooseberries to reduce their tartness. Flowers can be used to make a cordial (as you would elderflower cordial) and roots can be eaten raw in salads or boiled as a vegetable.

Its historic medicinal uses are described in Culpepper’s Herbal as follows:

“The garden chervil being eaten, doth moderately warm the stomach, and is a certain remedy (saith Tragus) to dissolve congealed or clotted blood in the body, or that which is clotted by bruises, falls, &c. The juice or distilled water thereof being drank, and the bruised leaves laid to the place, being taken either in meat or drink, it is good to help to provoke urine, or expel the stone in the kidneys, to send down women's courses, and to help the pleurisy and pricking of the sides.”

Sweet cicely is an excellent herb plant for well drained humus rich soil and sun or partial shade although generally it will tolerate most conditions.

Sow seeds in autumn as they require stratification in order to germinate (see our post in March 2010 for more information about stratification). Sow in pots or seed trays and leave outside exposed to all weathers. Protect from birds with a sheet of glass or plastic if necessary. Germination will take place the following spring. Established plants can be divided in autumn.

Sweet cicely can self seed freely so remove spent flowers promptly if you wish to avoid this.

Buy sweet cicely online between March and July from Nicholson's Herb Farm.

Elecampane - Herb of the Month

2010-10-10T18:37:00.010+01:00

Elecampane is a native herb of central and southern Europe and north west Asia. Its Latin name, Inula helenium, is thought to be derived from Helen of Troy. She was believed to be gathering this herb plant when she was abducted from Sparta by Paris.

Elecampane is a hardy, herbaceous, perennial herb plant which can grow to a height of 3 metres. It dies down completely in winter but will reappear in spring. It is an impressive, stately herb with large, light green, pointed leaves which are slightly serrated and downy underneath. The flowers are large, bright yellow and daisy-like and appear from mid-summer to mid-autumn. A superb herb plant for providing structure and height to the herb garden or borders although it will require a bit of space.

Elecampane has been used as a medicinal herb since ancient times and still has medicinal uses today. The Tudors used to make sweets for coughs and colds from this herb. Elecampane is also a traditional dye plant; the flowers make a yellow dye and the roots a blue one.

As a culinary herb plant elecampane was once popular as a flavouring for desserts and fish sauces and its roots were candied or made into a cordial. The Romans were partial to candied root which they dyed red with cochineal. It is a herb still used today in some wines and liquers.

Elecampane self seeds freely but if you don’t mind a bit of self seeding leave the seed heads in place as they provide useful seeds for birds. Alternatively cut and dry the seed heads which are attractive and which can be used to make dried winter decorations.

This herb prefers moist, well drained soil in full sun. Due to its height elecampane does not make a good container herb.

To propagate this herb sow seeds in spring under protection at 20°C. Germination takes between 1-3 weeks with bottom heat and slightly longer without. Alternatively established herb plants can be divided in autumn when foliage has died back.

Elecampane requires very little maintenance although flowers may need staking in unsheltered areas.

Buy elecampane online from Nicholson's Herb Farm.

Buy Homemade Preserves at Ely Apple Festival

2010-10-01T11:20:00.014+01:00

We are delighted that this year we will be participating in Ely Apple Festival which is being held on Saturday 16th October on the Palace Green (which is opposite the cathedral).

There are various Apple Days taking place at this time of year in celebration of the British apple. In our area the East of England Apples & Orchard Project also attend various events (and will be at Ely) to help identify your unknown apples. We first became aware of Apple Days when we moved to the farm and needed assistance identifying the different types of apple tree that we had.

The Ely Apple Festival looks like it will be a lot of fun. There will be woodturning and bee keeping demonstrations, cookery demonstrations, folk music, Morris dancing, children's activities and storytelling, competitions (including the longest apple peel contest) and alapacas. On top of that there will be an Apple Market made up of lots of local traders with an apple theme and that's where you'll find us.

This year we will be taking along our homemade jam, jelly and chutney. We have been busy in the kitchen for weeks now! Lots of our produce is naturally dependent on apples (it forms the base for many of our jellies and chutney) but this year we are adding one or two more additional apple based preserves as well as some of our regular favourites. We'll be selling our large jars individually, in threes in a jute presentation bag and also our popular mini jars - 6 varieties which come in an attractive jute gift box.

So come along, meet us and have a great day out. If you would like any apples identified you are advised to bring along a length of stem and some leaves as well as the apple.

You never know, you may well be growing a long lost local variety!

Pot Marigold - Herb of the Month

2010-09-09T12:51:00.010+01:00

Pot marigold is a native herb of Asia and central and southern Europe. It has been used as a healing herb for centuries, well known by the Indians, Arabs and Greeks. No self respecting Elizabethan herb garden was without its bright and cheery flowers and back in medieval times its blooms were considered an emblem of love.

We learned just today that such large quantities of this herb plant are grown for medicinal use in the former Soviet Union that it has earned the name “Russian penicillin”.

Pot marigold or calendula officinalis is a member of the daisy family. It is a hardy annual herb plant which grows to a height of between 50-70cm with showy bright orange or yellow daisy-like flowers. These flowers are held above bushy, pale green, slightly aromatic foliage. Pot marigolds flower from late spring through to early autumn and the first frosts.

This herb plant has a variety of uses. In the kitchen its petals are used in salads or as a colourant for cakes, custards and rice dishes.

It is also a popular choice for natural skincare products. It is mild and gentle which makes it excellent for soothing sensitive skin (including sunburn) and is used by the industry in lotions for both babies and those with skin complaints such as eczema.

Pot marigold not only makes a bright and cheerful contribution to any herb garden but is also a good companion plant, helping to deter asparagus beetles.

Whole dried flowers or petals add colour to pot pourri.

Pot marigolds tolerate most soils although avoid water logged or poor draining soil. They like a sunny position.

Pot marigolds are a very easy herb to grow. Sow seeds in early spring under protection at 20°C or alternatively sow outside in late spring. Germination takes between 5 days and 2 weeks.

To prolonge the flowering period regularly dead head them. They are generally fairly pest and disease free but if leaves do become affected with powdery mildew remove and destroy these to prevent its spread.

You can buy pot marigolds online from Nicholson's Herb Farm between March and July. Look out next spring for the addition of the pot marigold daisy mix which has flowers in varying shades of yellow and orange and nice compact, bushy foliage. A definite must have for 2012.

Natural Dyes from Herbs

2010-09-09T12:43:00.002+01:00

We are always on the look out for new areas to explore and share and this summer were fortunate enough to be at Kentwell Hall, transported back to the 1530s, where we watched a group of dyers dyeing skeins of wool with woad. A call of “woad” brought many people over to the dyeing area where we watched the skeins being brought out of the dye pot – yellow to begin with and, as they came into contact with the air, turning green and then a beautiful blue colour. It was absolutely fascinating and sparked our interest in using herbs as dye plants.

Three of the most stunning colours come from woad, weld and madder which produce blue, yellow and a terracotta red respectively. In the course of our investigations we came across Woad-inc who are based in neighbouring Norfolk. Ian and Bernadette Howard, among other things, run half day courses on dyeing with woad and, if you want to know more (as we did) will offer half day one to one courses tailored to your requirements. We learnt how to extract the dye from woad leaves and how to make a dye bath from dried weld leaves/flowers as well as dyeing with madder extract.

We are trialling various dye plants here on the farm and a whole new category will be included on the website in time for next spring. In the meantime we're continuing our research into the use of herbs as dye plants and will include any new information in future posts.

Fennel - Herb of the Month

2010-07-09T18:06:00.005+01:00

Fennel is a native herb plant of the Mediterranean and has been used as a herb and vegetable since the time of Charlemagne (724-814) when it was grown on the imperial farms. The Greeks used fennel to suppress hunger and Greek athletes used to eat fennel in the hope that their performance would be improved.

During the Middle Ages fennel was believed to ward off evil spirits and was hung over doorways on Midsummer's Eve to protect the household from evil spirits. Fennel seeds were stuffed into keyholes to keep ghosts from entering the room!

Fennel is a hardy herbaceous perennial herb plant. It is a tall, handsome herb with erect hollow stems, soft green feathery leaves and large umbels of yellow flowers in late summer. It can reach between 1.5 and 2m in height. The flowers are followed by small grey-brown aromatic seeds.

Foeniculum vulgare ‘Purpureum’ is a bronze version of this herb plant and has soft bronze foliage which is extremely attractive. The whole herb has an anise flavour.

Both the leaves and seeds are used in a variety of dishes including fish, stir fry and rice dishes, pork and salads. Young fennel leaves can be eaten in salads and a tea can be made from the crushed seeds.

Fennel is also attractive to bees, hoverflies and other insects and its seeds provide food for seed eating birds.

Fennel prefers a fertile well drained soil in a sunny position. Avoid planting this herb too near to dill to avoid cross pollination.

Sow fennel seeds in spring under protection at 20°C and grow on under protection until the threat of frost has passed. Alternatively direct sow in late spring.

Once fennel seeds have been collected cut back this herb plant to encourage new leaf growth. Foliage will die back in autumn and at this time fennel will appreciate a good mulch. Fennel dislikes winter wet (it is prone to rot) so ensuring good drainage is essential.

Buy both fennel and bronze fennel online from Nicholson's Herb Farm

Propagating Herb Plants from Cuttings

2010-07-09T15:37:00.007+01:00

Propagating new herb plants from cuttings is easy with a bit of knowledge, confidence and patience. You don't need to be an expert.

Now is an excellent time to take herb cuttings and we are busy propagating many herbs at the moment including tarragon, oregano, thyme and rosemary ready for next season.

It is best to take cuttings early in the morning before the sun starts to dry them out. Our herb stock beds are a little way from our polytunnels and we collect lots of cuttings each trip. To stop them drying out too much we take a small plastic bag with a little water in the bottom to help keep them hydrated.

Make sure that you take your herb cuttings with clean, sharp implements - scissors or secateurs. Choose healthy strong growth and non-flowering stems. Strip off the bottom leaves, taking care not to damage the stem. Any areas of damage on the stem can attract disease. Once the bottom leaves have been stripped off cut the stem with a sharp knife just below a leaf node. This is the optimum place to make the cut as the cutting is more likely to root at this point.

Push your herb cuttings into prepared modules or pots. Seed or cuttings compost is ideal but general multipurpose will do if that is all you have. Stand your pot or tray in water until the compost turns black and then take out and cover with a propagator lid or plastic bag to stop the compost drying out. The bag should not touch the cuttings - if necessary push sticks into the pot first to keep the bag clear of the foliage. You may need to turn the bag every few days to remove condensation.

Your herb cuttings should be misted with water daily and placed in a warm spot out of direct sunlight. Bottom heat will help the cuttings to root more quickly but is not essential. Most herbs will root in between 2-4 weeks although this does vary a bit depending on the herb plant and whether bottom heat is involved.

Thyme - Herb of the Month

2010-06-09T15:02:00.005+01:00

Thyme is a native herb plant of the western Mediterranean and southern Italy where its natural habitat is rocky hillsides and dry, chalky slopes. It was a popular herb with both the Greeks and the Romans. The Greeks used it as a fumigator and burnt it like incense in their temples as well as drinking thyme tea to prevent nightmares.

The Romans, on the other hand, gave thyme to the melancholy in the belief that its scent could cure them. Both used thyme as a flavouring.

Thyme is a hardy evergreen perennial herb plant which can grow up to 30cm in both height and spread. It comes in various forms from the well known upright thyme, of which the classic culinary thyme is one, to mounding and creeping variations with scents ranging from lemon, caraway, orange and others. Leaves are small and highly aromatic and whilst many are grey-green they also come in a multitude of variations, some of which alter with the season. Flower colour varies from white and pale pink through to rich pinks, purples and reds with flowers appearing from May onwards. The scent of thyme is just lovely.

Common thyme is an essential ingredient of bouquet garni and many French dishes. Thyme can also be added to soups, marinades, oils, vinegars, stuffing, casseroles, baked vegetables and tea.

Dried leaves can be added to pot pourri or sprigs kept amongst clothes as an insect repellent. It is also widely used in toiletries.

A good companion plant, thyme is thought to help control flea beetles, cabbage white butterflies and other such cabbage pests.

Medicinally, thymus vulgaris (common thyme) has been the subject of recent medical research into the ageing process.

Thyme thrives in hot, dry conditions and prefers a gritty soil. Plants will suffer in heavy soil in wet winters. Full sun is required for a good part of the day. If you want to grow your own thyme plants sow seeds in spring but keep watering to a minimum as seedlings are prone to damping off. Always water from the bottom. Alternatively take cuttings from new growth in spring. Established herb plants can be divided in spring or autumn.

Cut back your thyme plants after flowering in late summer to prevent plants from becoming woody. A light trim in spring will also help to encourage new growth.

Anise Hyssop - Herb of the Month

2010-05-12T00:16:00.005+01:00

The genus name Agastache is derived from the Greek words agan, meaning “very much”, and stachys, meaning “spike”, and refers to this herb plant's proliferation of flower spikes which continue over a long period.

Anise Hyssop is a native herb plant of North America where the North American Indians were familiar with its healing powers. In the 1870s it was a herb planted widely in America to attract honey bees and is well known to bee keepers today as a rich source of nectar.

Anise Hyssop is a beautiful and robust herb plant with anise scented leaves and bold spikes of light purple flowers all summer. It is a member of the mint family, but without its invasiveness, and has a characteristic square stem. The flowers are attractive to birds and butterflies as well as bees.

Unfortunately anise hyssop is not a long lived herb plant and so to be on the safe side allow the plant to self seed in autumn or take a few cuttings in early summer. Having said that, the small plants we planted last summer have survived the recent harsh winter with new growth starting to appear a couple of weeks ago.

The leaves of this herb plant can be added to drinks or salads or used to flavour pork and other meat dishes. Fresh or dried leaves can be used to make a refreshing tea.

A herb native to the North American prairies and dry thickets of North America anise hyssop will appreciate a warm, sunny spot in well drained soil. Its roots are prone to rot in heavy clay soils.

Sow seeds in early spring under protection at 20°C. Germination takes 7-10 days. Alternatively, seeds can be sown outside in late spring. Softwood cuttings can be taken in early summer. Anise Hyssop will flower in its first year.

Anise Hyssop requires very little maintenance once established. For plant health divide herb plants every three years (in spring). Young plants should be protected from frost.

You can buy anise hyssop online from Nicholson's Herb Farm.

Sage - Herb of the Month

2010-04-03T18:32:00.007+01:00

Sage is a native herb plant of the Mediterranean region and has been used for thousands of years. Sage has been cultivated in northern Europe since medieval times, it was introduced to North America in the 17th century and was also well known to the ancient Egyptians who used it to increase fertility.

In 1615 Gervase Markham wrote The English Housewife, a handbook for housewives containing "all the virtuous knowledges and actions both of the mind and body, which ought to be in any complete housewife." In this book he offers forth a recipe for sage tooth whitening scrub “for teeth that are yellow”.

Salvia officinalis is a perennial, evergreen, woody herb plant with soft grey green leaves which are highly aromatic. Blue flowers follow in summer (although it is possible to grow a pink flowering version). S. officinalis ‘Icterina’ is an attractive golden variegated sage whilst S.o. ‘Purpurascens’ (Purple Sage) has soft purple foliage with irregular pink splashes. Tricolor Sage is less vigorous and has, as its name suggests, tricoloured foliage - its leaves having pink, cream and green variegations.

Sage has been thought by herbalists for centuries to be a tonic for the brain and modern scientific trials have found that oil derived from this herb plant does help improve the memory. Trials into the effectiveness of sage as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease continue.

In the kitchen sage is an indispensable herb plant. It is used to flavour cheeses, stuffings, sausages and even eels. The leaves can be made into a tea.

Sage grows naturally in hot, dry conditions and so in the garden environment it is essential that your herb plants have good drainage to survive wet winters. Give plants plenty of space and ensure good air circulation, especially around the base of the herb.

S. officinalis can be grown from seed sown in early spring under cover at 18°C. Germination is reasonably quick – 1-2 weeks. Seeds can be sown outside in late spring. Sage roots easily and softwood cuttings can be taken in spring and summer. Alternatively divide or layer herb plants in autumn or spring.

To encourage new growth lightly prune in spring and again after flowering. Mildew can be a problem in damp weather – be sure to clear away any dead leaves under the plant to ensure air circulation is kept to the maximum. Sages generally become woody and straggly over time and it is recommended that they are replaced every 4-7 years.

Buy all of the herb plants mentioned in this post online at Nicholson's Herb Farm.

Growing Herb Seeds - Damping Off

2010-03-30T09:40:00.008+01:00

Damping off can affect the seedlings of all plants but there are some herb seeds which we have found more susceptible than others. Damping off is a fungal disease which causes seedlings to collapse and die; they rot off. It spreads quickly and it can be very soul destroying, having sown your herb seeds, to find that they have all damped off.

Good hygiene and ventilation are key. Make sure that seed trays and modules are scrupulously clean. Sow herb seeds thinly, make sure that seedlings have adequate ventilation and avoid over watering. For best results water from below rather than above and always before lunch. Seedlings do not enjoy sitting in cold wet compost overnight when temperatures drop.

Herb seeds sown too early are more prone to damping off and the prolonged period of cold we have had this year has made early sowings troublesome.

Those herb seeds which we have found have the greatest loss if sown too early include salad burnet, summer savory, purslane, dill, thyme, sweet marjoram and basil. It is best to sow these herb seeds later (from late March/early April) when the germination rates will be far more successful.

Those herb seeds which can be sown early (mid February onwards) and without difficulty include chamomile, sorrel, chives, garlic chives, coriander, parsley and chicory.

You can buy Herb Seeds online at Nicholson's Herb Farm.

Growing Herb Seeds - Weak Spindly Growth

2010-03-30T09:26:00.004+01:00

Weak spindly herb seedlings are definitely not what you want. Tough, strong, herb seedlings are the goal and light levels have one of the biggest impacts here. If your herb seedlings have insufficient light they will grow taller to try and reach the light. Herb seeds grown on a windowsill will also produce seedlings which will lean towards the light; these seedlings will need turning often to make sure that they stay upright.

Are your seedlings overcrowded? Overcrowded herb seedlings will also need to compete for light and so once the second set of leaves appears (the first true leaves) prick out your seedlings to give them more space.

Ventilation is also important. Don’t pamper your herb seedlings too much. Seedlings will not toughen up if they are never subjected to any air movement. If your seeds are on the windowsill open the window on mild days or try gently brushing your herb seedlings with your hand which will help to toughen them up.

If your herb seedlings have completely toppled over or have failed to germinate then they may have "damped off" - see our separate post about damping off disease.

You can buy Herb Seeds online at Nicholson's Herb Farm

Growing Herb Seeds - Stratification

2010-03-30T08:54:00.008+01:00

Some herb seeds require a period of cold in order to germinate so if you sow them at the wrong time of year then you may be disappointed. This is called stratification. Ideally these herb seeds should be sown in autumn and allowed to over-winter. The process of stratification breaks down the herb seed’s protective coating and they should germinate when the weather warms up again the following spring. Alternatively you could try artificially stratifying your herb seeds by refrigerating them. Soak for 24 hours and then mix the herb seeds with moist sand or compost. Put the seeds in a plastic bag and put them in the fridge for 3-5 weeks.

Herb seeds which require a period of stratification include sweet cicely, angelica and sweet violet.

You can buy Herb Seeds online at Nicholson's Herb Farm

Increase Biodiversity - Plant Herbs!

2010-03-09T17:12:00.008Z

2010 has been declared the International Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations and we are all encouraged to take part in whatever way we can.

So, increase biodiversity in your garden and plant herbs. Numerous herb plants will help to encourage beneficial wildife into your garden and many of them are culinary herbs too so you can grow your own herbs (zero food miles) and help wildlife.

Some of the best herb plants for biodiversity include:

Angelica (hoverflies)
Anise Hyssop (bees, butterflies and seed eating birds)
Bergamot (bees)
Borage (bees)
Catmint (bees)
Chamomile (hoverflies)
Chives (bees)
Coriander (hoverflies and drone flies)
Elecampane (seed eating birds)
Fennel (bees, hoverflies, seed eating birds)
Hyssop (bees and butterflies)
Lavender (bees)
Lemon Balm (bees)
Lovage (seed eating birds)
Marjoram/Oregano (bees, butterflies, seed eating birds)
Mint (bees)
Red Orach (seed eating birds)
Sage (bees and butterflies)
Thyme (bees and butterflies)

To celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity we have put together a 2010 Year of Biodiversity Collection of nine herb plants guaranteed to get your garden buzzing.

This is an abridged version of an article on our website. For additional tips on how to increase biodiversity in your garden read the full article.

Borage - Herb of the Month

2010-03-03T17:53:00.008Z

Borage originated in the Mediterranean where it was commonly found on wasteland. This is a herb plant which has a reputation for raising the spirits. In The Herball, or Generall Historie of Plantes (1597), John Gerard, among other things, said that “the floures of Borrage put into wine make men and women glad and merry, driving away all sadnesse, dulnesse and melancholy”. Of course, the wine itself may have had something to do with this! Borage was given to Roman soldiers for courage and comfort.

Borage has dull green, large and wrinkly leaves which are very hairy and have the scent of cucumber. In summer this herb plant has beautiful star shaped flowers of intense blue. In good soil it can grow into a substantial plant.

Bees love borage and so if you keep bees it is worth growing a lot of this herb which is easily propagated from seed. Even if you don’t keep bees it is worth trying to attract them into your garden.

You can add the young leaves of this herb plant to salads and soups or chop into cream cheese or dips. Borage flowers are also edible and can be added to salads, summer drinks and ice cubes. The oil from borage seeds is used medicinally.

Borage is a herb plant which will tolerate most soils including clay and poor soil but it does like full sun. To propagate, sow borage seeds in early spring under protection at 20°C. Germination varies with some seeds germinating within days and others taking up to two weeks. Borage seedlings are quite large so bear this in mind when spacing your seeds. Alternatively, seeds can be sown outside in late spring. Once established borage requires very little maintenance although as it self seeds readily seed heads will need collecting if you wish to avoid this.

Buy fresh borage herb plants online from Nicholson's Herb Farm.

Please note that excess consumption of borage can cause liver damage and so caution is required. The fresh leaves may also cause skin irritation.

Does your Lemon Verbena look like a Twig?

2010-02-27T17:52:00.006Z

If your lemon verbena herb plant is looking decidedly twiggy don't panic! Whilst lemon verbena isn't the hardiest herb and in many areas will need some protection over winter, you needn't necessarily be concerned if yours is not showing any new signs of growth at the moment. Lemon verbena is a deciduous herb plant so it will naturally lose its leaves during winter. It is also one of the last herb plants to get its new leaves in spring.

We've been outside in the tunnels today potting up yet more herb plug plants which we rooted from cuttings last autumn. Lemon verbena was in for the royal treatment today - released from their tiny plugs with their roots given the freedom to roam the new potting compost into which they were being transplanted. You could almost hear the sighs of relief!

Even without leaves these tiny lemon verbena herb plants still had a magnificently strong scent of lemon. Amazing - we can't wait for spring!

Buy lemon verbena online from Nicholson's Herb Farm.

Primrose - Herb of the Month

2010-02-06T12:10:00.002Z

The medicinal properties of this herb plant have long been listed in old herbals (since the Roman Pliny’s time) and it is because of the useful medicinal properties of its flowers that primroses are classified as herbs.

Historically primrose flowers were used to make ointments and the herb was thought to be effective in the remedy of insomnia, rheumatic pain and gout. Primrose was well known for its sedative properties and it has been stated that primrose tea drunk in May “is famous for curing the phrensie”!

Primroses are low growing perennial herbs with deeply veined, broad ovate, mid-green crinkly leaves and delightful pale yellow flowers with a deep yellow centre. The flowers are delicately scented. Primrose flowers from winter to late spring.

The flowers and leaves of this herb are both edible and can be added to salads and desserts. Primrose flowers can be candied and added to cakes.

Primroses prefer a moist, humus rich soil. They were a herb once found in profusion in the wild but are now becoming very rare. Their natural habitat in the wild tended to be in woodland areas or along the edge of hedges and ditches. In the garden environment choose a spot with shade or partial shade; try to emulate the natural habitat of the plant as much as possible. Primroses are a farm favourite. We have them planted under our deciduous willow trees which shade them in summer, the falling leaves in autumn providing a mulch which keeps the soil damp and the provides humus rich soil they prefer.

The easiest way to propagate primroses is to divide established clumps in autumn. Division is necessary in any event to keep the plants healthy. Alternatively leave the seed heads to ripen and the seeds to fall in situ. Primrose seed needs to be sown fresh otherwise it will need a period of cold to stimulate germination. Germination is likely to be more erratic using this method. Sow the seeds in late summer and place outside during the winter (either in a cold frame or cover with glass to keep the birds off). Germination will occur in spring. Fresh primrose seed sown in late summer will germinate in a few weeks.

Primroses are available to buy online.

Seeds to Sow in February

2010-02-04T09:53:00.000Z

You can sow many Herb Seeds under cover this month at around 18-20C including chamomile, hyssop, coriander, lemon balm, chives, pot marjoram, parsley, garlic chives, chervil and thyme. Germination rates will vary with from herb to herb but parsley seeds will almost certainly be one of the last out of the list above to show their faces. Garlic chives can also be a bit erratic - it is best to sow more seeds than you need to allow for this. Don't be tempted to start your basil seeds off too early. It will germinate now under cover but it is prone to damping off and seedling loss is much greater than if you wait a month or so.

The picture shows chamomile seedlings just a week after the seeds were sown.

Aromatic Herbs - Thyme

2010-02-03T09:27:00.000Z

We have been busy potting up the tiny herb plug plants we grew from cuttings at the end of last season which, sun permitting, should grow into lovely fresh herb plants by April. With a bit of sun the temperatures in our polytunnels this week reached Mediterranean proportions (unlike the temperatures outside). It only takes a bit of warmth and aromatic herbs truely come into their own. The vast majority of aromatic herb plants have a wonderful and intense aroma and we were reminded as we potted up herb plant after herb plant that nothing smells better than the aroma of fresh thyme. A welcome and thymely (sorry!) reminder that in just a few weeks our polytunnels will be brimming full of deliciously scented and flavoursome herb plants and that spring really is just around the corner. Do you have a favourite aromatic herb plant that you would like to share?