Sow in May

Strawberry Stick – Seeds

(Chenopodium foliosum)

Strawberry Stick is a unique annual plant grown for its bright red, strawberry-like seeds. These edible seeds are not only nutritious but also add a decorative touch to gardens. Its upright, bushy habit makes it perfect for borders, vegetable gardens, and ornamental planting. Easy to grow and drought-tolerant, it’s both practical and attractive.

Why Grow Strawberry Stick?

• Bright red, edible seeds

• Attractive upright, bushy foliage

• Nutritious and ornamental

• Easy to grow and drought-tolerant

Key Features

• Type: Annual

• Height: 50–80 cm

• Flowers: Summer

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Well-drained, fertile

Ideal For

• Vegetable gardens and edible landscaping

• Borders and ornamental plantings

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

• Low-maintenance garden displays

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in seed trays

• Sow outdoors: April–May in prepared soil

• Germination: 10–14 days at 18–20°C

• Spacing: 25–30 cm apart

• Care: Moderate watering; remove weeds for best growth

Dwarf Spearmint – Seeds (Mentha spicata)

The Dwarf Spearmint is a compact and aromatic herb, prized for its refreshing flavor and versatility. With its smaller, bushy growth habit, it’s perfect for container gardening, herb borders, and kitchen windowsills. Its bright green leaves bring a cool, sweet taste to teas, salads, desserts, and savory dishes, while also offering natural health benefits.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds indoors in early spring or directly outdoors after frost.

• Scatter seeds thinly on the surface of moist soil and lightly press down.

• Keep in a sunny to partly shaded spot with regular watering.

• Harvest young leaves as needed to encourage fresh growth.

Key Features

• Compact, bushy spearmint variety

• Refreshing sweet-mint flavor

• Excellent for containers, windowsills, and small spaces

• Perennial herb with continuous harvests

• Culinary and medicinal uses

Ideal For

• Fresh teas, cocktails, and infused water

• Salads, sauces, and desserts

• Small gardens, pots, and indoor growing

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: March to June

• Harvest: May onwards, throughout the season

Quick Tip

• Regular trimming keeps plants compact and prevents them from spreading too aggressively.

Marsh Mallow – Seeds (Althaea officinalis)

Marsh Mallow is a hardy perennial herb known for its tall, elegant growth and soft, velvety leaves. Traditionally valued for its medicinal properties, its roots and leaves can be used in herbal remedies, teas, and natural skincare preparations. The plant also produces attractive pale pink flowers that add charm to herb and cottage gardens.

Ideal for garden beds, borders, and natural herbal plots, Marsh Mallow is easy to grow and low-maintenance once established.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: February – April

• Sow outdoors: April – May

• Depth: 0.5–1 cm

• Spacing: 40–50 cm between plants

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained, moist

• Watering: Regular watering until established

Key Features

• Hardy perennial herb with medicinal and culinary uses

• Soft, velvety leaves and pale pink flowers

• Ideal for teas, herbal remedies, and natural skincare

• Low-maintenance once established

• Suitable for herb gardens, borders, and cottage gardens

Harvest

• Harvesting period: Summer – Autumn

• Pick leaves and flowers as needed; roots can be harvested in autumn for medicinal use.

Short Tip

For a continuous supply, harvest leaves selectively and leave some to flower for seeds.

Lemon Balm – Seeds (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon Balm is a hardy perennial herb valued for its refreshing lemon-scented leaves. Perfect for teas, desserts, and savory dishes, it also makes a soothing herbal remedy often used to promote relaxation. Its fragrant foliage attracts bees and pollinators, while its resilience makes it an easy-to-grow choice for gardens, pots, or borders.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: March – May in trays at 18–20°C.

• Sow outdoors: May – July in a sunny or lightly shaded spot.

• Thin or transplant seedlings to 30 cm apart.

• Prefers fertile, well-drained soil.

• Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.

Key Features

• Hardy perennial with refreshing lemon scent

• Aromatic leaves for teas, salads, and cooking

• Excellent for herbal remedies and relaxation

• Attracts bees and pollinators

• Easy to grow in borders or containers

Ideal For

• Herbal teas and drinks

• Culinary use in sweet and savory dishes

• Herb gardens, borders, and patio pots

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: March – July

• Harvest: May – October

Quick Tip

Pick leaves early in the morning for the best flavor and fragrance.

Stinging Nettle – Seeds

(Urtica dioica)

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a versatile perennial herb valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Its vibrant green leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals, making it perfect for teas, soups, and natural remedies. Hardy and easy to grow, it also provides shelter and food for wildlife, supporting pollinators and beneficial insects.

Why Grow Stinging Nettle?

• Nutrient-rich leaves for culinary and medicinal use

• Hardy perennial, easy to grow

• Supports pollinators and wildlife

• Traditional herbal remedy with multiple uses

Key Features

• Type: Perennial herb

• Height: 60–150 cm

• Leaves: Harvest from spring to autumn

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained

Ideal For

• Herbal and edible gardens

• Pollinator-friendly plantings

• Natural remedies and teas

• Wildlife habitats

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in seed trays

• Sow outdoors: April–May directly in prepared soil

• Germination: 14–28 days at 15–20°C

• Spacing: Thin seedlings to 30 cm apart

• Care: Prefers consistent moisture; perennial, low maintenance

Peppermint – Seeds (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint is a vigorous, aromatic perennial herb with refreshing, minty leaves. Known for its intense flavor and fragrance, it is perfect for teas, desserts, cocktails, sauces, and herbal remedies. Easy to grow and highly versatile, Peppermint thrives in containers, garden beds, and herb gardens, making it a must-have for any culinary or medicinal collection.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds indoors from February to April, lightly covering with soil.

• Maintain 18–22°C until germination.

• Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost in a sunny or partially shaded spot.

• Prefers moist, well-drained soil and regular watering.

• Trim regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering.

Key Features

• Aromatic, perennial herb with strong minty flavor

• Fast-growing and easy to cultivate

• Ideal for teas, desserts, sauces, and cocktails

• Thrives in containers and garden beds

• Suitable for culinary and medicinal use

Ideal For

• Fresh and dried herbal teas, desserts, and beverages

• Herb gardens, containers, and small spaces

• Gardeners seeking aromatic and multipurpose herbs

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: February to April

• Depth: Lightly covered

• Harvest: May to October

Quick Tip

• Regular harvesting of leaves encourages vigorous growth and keeps the plant flavorful.

Dill 'Bouquet' – Seeds (Anethum graveolens)

Dill 'Bouquet' is a fast-growing herb prized for its aromatic leaves, seeds, and delicate yellow flower heads. This popular variety is widely used in the kitchen – perfect for seasoning fish, pickles, sauces, salads, and soups. Its feathery foliage is also highly decorative, making it a dual-purpose plant for culinary and ornamental use.

How to Grow

• Sow outdoors: April – July directly where plants are to grow.

• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil in full sun.

• Spacing: Thin seedlings to 20–30 cm apart.

• Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.

Key Features

• Popular dill variety with strong flavor

• Aromatic leaves, seeds, and flower heads

• Fast-growing and easy to cultivate

• Great for fresh use or drying

• Decorative feathery foliage

Ideal For

• Herb gardens and borders

• Culinary use in pickling, sauces, and fish dishes

• Companion planting with cucumbers and cabbages

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: April – July

• Harvest: Leaves from May onwards, seeds in late summer

Quick Tip

Harvest leaves early in the morning for maximum flavor. Sow little and often for a continuous supply throughout the season.

Russian Tarragon – Seeds (Artemisia dracunculus)

Russian Tarragon is a hardy perennial herb valued for its anise-like flavor and aromatic leaves. While milder than French tarragon, it grows easily from seed, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want a reliable and vigorous herb. Perfect for flavoring chicken, fish, salads, and sauces, it also makes a decorative addition to herb gardens with its fine, slender foliage.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: March – May in seed trays or pots.

• Transplant outdoors: After last frost into a sunny, sheltered position.

• Soil: Well-drained, light soil.

• Spacing: 30–45 cm apart.

• Water moderately, avoid waterlogging.

Key Features

• Hardy perennial, easy to grow from seed

• Aromatic leaves with mild anise flavor

• Reliable alternative to French tarragon

• Drought-tolerant once established

• Attractive foliage for herb borders

Ideal For

• Herb gardens and kitchen gardens

• Flavoring chicken, fish, soups, and sauces

• Growing in pots, raised beds, or borders

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: March – May

• Harvest: July – October

Quick Tip

Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushy growth. For best flavor, harvest young leaves before flowering.

Garlic Chives – Seeds (Allium tuberosum)

Garlic Chives are a hardy perennial herb prized for their mild garlic flavor and tender, flat green leaves. Perfect for enhancing salads, soups, stir-fries, and garnishes, these chives bring a fresh, aromatic touch to any dish.

Easy to grow and low maintenance, Garlic Chives thrive in garden beds, containers, or raised planters. They are also tolerant of colder climates and will return year after year with minimal care.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: February – April

• Sow outdoors: March – May

• Plant spacing: 20–25 cm between plants

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost

• Care: Keep soil consistently moist; trim regularly to encourage fresh growth

Key Features

• Hardy perennial with tender, flat green leaves

• Mild garlic flavor ideal for salads, soups, stir-fries, and garnishes

• Easy to grow and low maintenance

• Suitable for garden beds, containers, or raised planters

• Returns year after year with minimal care

Harvest

• Harvesting period: 60–90 days after sowing

• Snip leaves as needed; regular harvesting promotes continuous growth.

Short Tip

Trim regularly to prevent flowering and maintain tender, flavorful leaves throughout the season.