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Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) - 600 seeds
£1.29
LEMON BALM (Melissa officinalis) - 600 seeds
Sow - March - May.
Harvest - June - October.
Hardy Perennial. Height 1m. Spread 70cm.
A bushy plant with light green leaves. Use lavishly in soups, stews, vegetables, stuffings or in a sauce with fish or meat to impart a lemon flavour. Make a refreshing summer drink by adding fresh leaves to lemonade or sparkling water.
SOW OUTSIDE in spring in drills keeping watered if dry. Germination may be erratic. Thin out or transplant when large enough to handle. Grow in good soil, preferably in a sunny position.
HARVEST fresh leaves for drying at any time. Pick young leaves before the sun gets too hot.
Lovage (Levisticum officinale) - 120 seeds
£1.29
LOVAGE (Levisticum officinale) - 120 seeds
Sow - April - August.
Harvest - June onwards.
Hardy Perennial. Height 1.5m. Spread 80cm.
A tall stately plant with yellow-green shiny leaves followed by yellow flowers which turn into decorative seed heads carried on tall hollow stems. Use sparingly in soups and casseroles. A good addition to salads or cooked with vegetables, meats and fish. Lovage tea has a stimulating effect on digestion and makes a refreshing addition to bath water.
SOW OUTSIDE in spring or summer. Scatter a few seeds in the growing site and rake in or cover with soil. Water well and thin seedlings as required. Prefers rich garden soil that retains moisture, ideally in full sun.
HARVEST the fresh leaves any time during the growing season. May be dried for winter use.
Pot Marjoram (Origanum vulgare) - 400 seeds
£1.29
POT MARJORAM (Origanum vulgare) - 400 seeds
Sow - March - May and August, September.
Harvest - June - August.
Hardy perennial. Height 55cm. Spread 60cm.
Another name for Oregano. Marjoram is an essential addition to many Italian dishes including tomato-based pasta sauces and vegetables, as well as stuffings and sausage meat. May be taken as tea to soothe a sore throat.
SOW INSIDE at any time in trays or small pots, sowing very thinly in a peat based compost. Cover with glass until seeds germinate and maintain at 20c.
SOW OUTSIDE in spring. The tiny seed should barely be covered, thin and transplant when large enough to handle. Prefers well drained soil in full sun.
HARVEST leaves at any time for drying before the sun is too hot.
Sweet Marjoram (Origanum marjorana) - 1500 seeds
£1.29
SWEET MARJORAM (Origanum marjorana) - 1500 seeds
Sow - March and May.
Harvest - June onwards.
Half Hardy Perennial. Height 30cm. Spread 25cm.
A small bushy plant with small grey-green leaves. The flower heads are "knotted" with tiny white flowers during the summer. Rub the leaves into roast meats, game and poultry.
SOW INSIDE in trays or pots in March at 20 deg C using a soil-less compost. Cover with fine soil. Prick out when large enough to handle and harden off before planting out in May.
SOW OUTSIDE In May. Cover with very fine soil and water well. Germination of th tiny seed tends to be erratic. Prefers good garden soil in full sun.
HARVEST leaves at any time. For drying, the leaves and flowers should be cut before the sun is too hot.
Chamomile Lawn (Chamaemelum nobile) - 1,000 seeds
£1.45
CHAMOMILE LAWN (Chamaemelum nobile) - 1,000 seeds
Sow - March - May.
Harvest - September, October.
Hardy Perennial. Height 20cm. Carpet spreading.
Cats love the bruised leaves and stems. The dried leaves may be used to make a refreshing tea or used as seasoning.
SOW OUTSIDE in shallow drills in early spring. Cover with fine soil and water if dry. Transplant the seedlings when large enough to handle. Prefers a light soil in full sun.
HARVEST for tea when the flowers are fully open.
French Parsley (Petroselinum crispum French) -450 seeds
£1.29
FRENCH PARSLEY (Petroselinum crispum French) - 450 seeds
Sow - March - August.
Harvest - June onwards.
Hardy Biennial. Height 50cm. Spread 40cm.
French or Plain Leaved Parsley has no curl to its leaves and has a stronger flavour. Used chopped or milled over meats, vegetables, egg dishes, omelettes, salads and tomatoes.
SOW INSIDE in a tray in soilless compost. Keep at 20c, cover and prick out when large enough.
SOW OUTSIDE in spring when the ground has become really warmed or preferably in August for a crop through winter (protected under a cloche) and the following year. Sow in a drill or scatter or in a clump, cover with fine soil and water well with near-boiling water. Germination is slow but keep watered while waiting. Prefers a rich water-retaining soil.
HARVEST at any time.
Italian Parsley (Petroselinum crispum neapotlitanum)
£1.29
ITALIAN PARSLEY (Petroselinum crispum neapolitanum) - 450 seeds
Sow - March - June and September.
Harvest - June onwards.
Hardy Biennial. Height up to 70cm.
The plant is much hardier than the curled varieties and should withstand most winters. It also grows vigorously and geminates more easily. A good strong flavour, widely used in many dishes and in bouquet garni.
SOW INSIDE thinly in a peat compost in early spring, cover lightly and do not let dry out. Keep temperature at 20c and thin when large enough.
SOW OUTSIDE in May or June when the ground has warmed and continue sowing until September for a crop into the next year. Sow in shallow drills and cover with fine soil. Germination is slow but keep watered while waiting. Prefers a rich moisture retaining soil in semi-shade.
HARVEST at any time.
Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) - 90 seeds
£1.29
POT MARIGOLD (Calendula officinalis) - 90 seeds
Sow - March, April.
Harvest - June onwards.
Hardy perennial. Height 55cm. Spread 30cm.
Pale green leaves on branching stems with bright orange flowers. May be used in cooking as a substitute for saffron but the colour is not as strong and, although the flavour is quite different, it is delicious. Also useful in salads and omelettes and an infusion of flowers is used in fevers to promote perspiration.
SOW OUTSIDE in March or April in shallow drills or scatter the seed and rake in. The seed is large and may be spaced apart so as not to require thinning. Will grow in any good garden soil but prefers full sun.
HARVEST the flowers when dry and fully open.
Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) - 1,500 seeds
£1.45
PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE (Lythrum salicaria) - 1,500 seeds
Sow - March - May.
Harvest - June, July.
Hardy Perennial. Height tall.
A very stately and colourful garden subject with tapering spikes of purple-red flowers from June - August and dark green willow-like leaves. The whole flowering plant makes an excellent gargle and wound cleaner. Rapidly stops bleeding
SOW OUTSIDE in spring in a very fine seed bed. The seed is like dust and should barely be covered or, preferably, just watered in with a very fine rose. Prefers sun or partial shade in a moist position which does not dry out.
HARVEST when the plant is flowering.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) - 100 seeds
£1.29
ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis) - 100 seeds
Sow - March - May.
Harvest - all year round.
Hardy Perennial. Height 1m or more. Spread 80cm.
Very useful culinary herb, used either fresh or dried, to flavour lamb, veal, chicken, fish and rabbit as well as potatoes and other vegetables. Rosemary is said to strengthen memory and is beneficial as a hair rinse and skin tonic.
SOW INSIDE for reliable results in a seed tray of soilless compost. Cover with compost and glass and maintain a temperature of at least 20c. When large enough to prick out into a 5cm pot, gradually harden off and plant out any time from May to September. Prefers light, well drained soil in full sun.
HARVEST cut off portions of branches and dry in an airing cupboard. When brittle the leaves may be rubbed off into a container.
Rue (Ruta graveolens) - 75 seeds
£1.29
RUE (Ruta graveolens) - 75 seeds
Sow - April, May.
Harvest - All year round.
Hardy perennial. Height 40cm. Spread 30cm.
An evergreen shrub with small green-blue leaves and yellow flowers which continue throughout the summer. Use sparingly for culinary use. May be used finely chopped in salads. With a long history of medicinal use, Rue is said to expel poisons and used to treat hysteria, epilepsy and convulsions. An important repellent of all skin and internal parasites.
SOW OUTSIDE in April/May in a shallow drill. Cover lightly with soil and water well. Plant out when large enough. Prefers well drained soil in full sun. Waterlogging over winter will kill Rue.
HARVEST leaves at any time. Drying is not recommended.
Sage (Salvia officinalis) - 35 seeds
£1.29
SAGE (Salvia officinalis) - 35 seeds
Sow - April, May.
Harvest - June - October.
Hardy Perennial. Height 55cm. Spread 65cm.
A very fragrant shrub with grey-green leaves and very attractive blue-mauve flowers in summer. Use fresh or dried with rich meats such as port, roast duck and also eel as well as in stuffings. Fresh leaves may be chopped over salads and to flavour cheese. Sage tea is a good tonic and may be used to alleviate the symptons of colds and sore throats. It is said to increase the memory!
SOW OUTSIDE in spring when the soil has warmed in shallow drills. Cover with fine soil, keep well watered and transplant when large enough.
HARVEST leaves at any time and just before flowering for drying.
Salad Burnet (Sangiusorba minor) - 95 seeds
£1.29
SALAD BURNET (Sangiusorba minor) - 95 seeds
Sow - April, May.
Harvest - all year round.
Hardy Annual. Height 60cm. Spread 40cm.
Use the leaves lavishly in salads especially in the winter. Burnet is a most nutritious plant which provides a useful addition to soups, sauces, cream cheese and herb butters.
SOW OUTSIDE In spring, in well spaced drills. Keep moist and transplant to their permanent position when large enough to handle. Prefers sun or half shade.
HARVEST the young leaves at any time. To ensure an abundance of young leaves, do not let the plant flower.
Salad Rocket (Eruca sativa) - 1,000 seeds
£1.45
SALAD ROCKET (Eruca sativa) - 1,000 seeds
Sow - April - October.
Harvest - June onwards.
Annual or Biennial. Height up to 60cm.
Rocket, Italian Cress, Roquette Rucola are some of the many other names for Salad Rocket. The thickish green leaves, which have a peppery taste, are mainly used in salads but may also be cooked like spinach and, in France, are cooked with peas. Flowers may be used to decorate salads.
SOW OUTSIDE in shallow drills in a sunny position. Cover lightly with soil and keep well watered in dry weather. Sow throughout the season for a regular crop.
HARVEST this is a cut-and-come-again crop. Start cutting when the plants are 2-10cm tall and you will harvest up to 5 cuts.
French Sorrel (Rumex scutatus) - 350 seeds
£1.29
FRENCH SORREL (Rumex scutatus) - 350 seeds
Sow - March - April.
Harvest - June onwards.
Hardy Annual. Height 150cm. Spread 60cm.
Produces large clumps of long leaves and tall striped flower stems with small reddish flowers during June and July. Always use young leaves. They make a delicious soup when combined with potatoes and onions etc and may also be added to stews, vegestables and omlettes. Young leaves may also be cooked like spinach but make sure an enamel pan is used.
SOW OUTSIDE in early spring in shallow drills spacing out the seed. Cover lightly with soil and water well. Transplant when large enough to handle. Prefers rich moisture-retaining soil in sun or partial shade.
HARVEST young leaves for use fresh or for drying.
Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis) - 1,500 seeds
£1.29
SUMMER SAVORY (Satureja hortensis) - 1,500 seeds
Sow - March - May.
Harvest - June - August.
Hardy Annual. Height 50cm. Spread 30cm.
Fine, pointed, dark green leaves on this erect plant covered with tiny pink-white flowers in July and August. Used widely on the continent to flavour all types of beans. Used also for seasoning cucumber, pork and is a traditional seasoning for trout. Combines well with other herbs.
SOW OUTSIDE in spring when the soil has warmed. Sow in shallow drills or broadcast where the plants are to remain. Cover lightly with soil and water well. Prefers good soil in a sunny position.
HARVEST any time for drying just before flowering.
Russian Tarragon (Artemesia dracunculoides) - 300 seeds
£1.45
RUSSIAN TARRAGON (Artemesia dracunculoides) - 300 seeds
Sow - March - May.
Harvest - June - November.
Hardy Perennial. Height 60cm.
The green, narrow, pointed leaves are used to flavour a variety of fish and chicken dishes or may be steeped in wine vinegar to make tarragon vinegar. Although not as strongly flavoured as French Tarragon, this variety is less likely to succomb to harsh winter weather.
SOW OUTSIDE from March to May in shallow drills or in a 9cm pot. Thin to 5cm apart, or 2o3 to a pot, when large enough to handle. Transplant to growing site in September or early the following spring.
HARVEST leaves from June until the first frost.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) - 450 seeds
£1.29
THYME (Thymus vulgaris) - 450 seeds
Sow - March - May.
Harvest - anytime.
Hardy perennial. Height 30cm. Spread 40cm.
A very aromatic low growing plant covered in tiny grey-green leaves and, in June, delicate mauve-pink flowers. The leaves may be used to flavour stews, stuffings, sausages and vegetables. It combines very well with marjoram and rosemary and is an essential ingredient of bouquet garni. Thyme tea with honey is soothing for coughs and sore throats.
SOW OUTSIDE in a very finely prepared shallow drill. Lightly cover with finely sieved soil and keep watered. Transplant when large enough. Prefers any light, well drained soil, in full sun.
HARVEST the leaves just before flowering if drying. Otherwise, at any time.
WORMWOOD (Artemesia absinthium) - 600 seeds
Sow - March - May.
Harvest - July - September.
Hardy Perennial. Height 1m. Spread 90cm.
A woody plant with many stems and much divided grey-white leaves. The flowers are small and drooping and yellow/green in colour. The plant has a distinct aroma and bitter taste.
SOW INSIDE in seed trays of soilless compost in spring. The tiny seed needs just a very light covering of compost. Cover the tray with glass until germination. Prick out into small pots when large enough and grow on before transplanting to the growing site which should be well drained and in either semi-shade or sun.
SOW OUTSIDE not recommended as the seed is so small.
HARVEST upper half of stem when plant is in flower. Dry outside in a warm place out of direct sunlight.
Wormwood (Artemesia absinthium) - 600 seeds
£1.29
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) - 400 seeds
£1.45
CREEPING THYME (Thymus serpyllum) - 400 seeds
Sow - March - May.
Harvest - anytime.
Hardy perennial. Height 5cm. Creeping habit.
A fragrant, carpeting plant which spreads rapidly to form a dark green mat of tiny leaves and pink-mauve flowers - a lovely sight in June. Use for flavouring stews, stuffings and sausages as well as vegetables. Thyme tea with honey is soothing for coughs and sore throats.
SOW INSIDE in spring in a seed tray of soilless compost. Cover the tiny seeds with finely sieved compost. Keep at 20c until germination. Prick out when large enough and grow on in small pots. Prefers light, well drained soil in full sun. Add lime if required.
HARVEST the leaves at any time.
