Q&A - Herbs

Q. I have got a Fennel plant growing in my garden and it has been growing like there's no tomorrow! Its now over 5 foot tall and is covered in flowers, since this has happened the leaves/branches have been turning yellow, should I be cutting the flowers off? or should I leave it alone?

A. Your fennel is an annual plant and is simply going through its natural phase of producing flowers ready to produce a new generation. If you want more fennel for cooking this year you would be best to plant a new one.

Q. Can you plant herbs outside through the winter?

A. Yes some herbs can be grown outside all year round, generally speaking the woody types such as rosemary, sage, thyme. However if you want fresh leaves from the annual (parsley, basil, coriander) or herbaceous types which die down in the winter (mint, chives) then you should grow small pots of these inside a greenhouse, cold frame or cool windowsill. You can start these off now and by careful planning and a little warmth can herbs throughout the winter.

Q. I want to grow herbs but I don't have a greenhouse and I get very little sun on my garden. Is it still possible?
Sue Cook

A. You don't need a greenhouse for herbs but most do like good light. If you have room for pots, then thyme, mint, coriander & parsley are good choices. Basil will be happy on your windowsill indoors (replace it frequently or it can go woody). Rosemary & bay are good in pots when small (both make big shrubs) so prune frequently or pass them on to friends when they get too big and start again.