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Here’s how to create a herbal plot in your own back garden.

As the weather and the soil starts to warm up now’s the perfect time to think about creating your own herb garden. The first thing to consider is location, location location.

For example do you want your herbs close at hand so you can just nip out your back door to collect them? Or would you rather wander down to a secluded area in the garden away from the hustle and bustle so growing and picking become a peaceful experience - another world full of delicious smells, colours and textures to which you can escape.

Alternatively if you live in the city and don’t have a garden you can easily grow herbs in pots, which you can then display on your patio or windowsill.

DESIGN CHOICE

Once you have decided where your plot is going to be the next stage is the design. Herbs suit a formal design particularly well. Shapes to consider include a simple square shape crossed at right angles or diagonal paths.

Or you might like to divide your plot into sections corresponding with individual body systems, for example digestive, nervous, respiratory, endocrine and skin. If you decide to go own this route the next step is to fill in the sections with the herbs that could help to keep each body system in optimum working order.

Although some herbs can be grown from seed it’s sometimes easier to buy plants. They will establish quickly and most will be ready to use straight away.

Read on for some ideas to set you on the right path.

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

Milk thistle
This striking plant with distinctive white veined leaves grows best in well-drained soil in a sunny position. Sow seeds in April for flowering in the summer and make sure you protect the young plants from slugs and snails.

By the end of the summer the purple flowers will have matured into seed heads. Place in a warm dry place and after a few days tap the heads to release the seeds. Prepare as a decoction or grind the seeds and add them to salads

Benefits: the seeds of milk thistle contain chemical compounds known collectively as silymarin, which are thought to help boost liver health.

Mint
There are more than 20 different species of mint but peppermint is the one most widely used in herbal remedies. It grows best in a rich moist soil in a sunny or partially shaded spot.

As mint is such a rampant grower it is best to restrain it by starting off with a plant in a large pot, which you can then plunge straight in the ground. Make sure the lip of the container remains above the surface to prevent shoots escaping over the top. 

The plant will need watering and a light pruning in summer to keep it bushy. The leaves can be picked throughout the growing season and used fresh or dry to make an infusion.

Benefits: Menthol, the active ingredient in mint, stimulates the production of bile as well as relaxing the stomach muscles, both of which help to improve digestion.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Thyme
With its colourful, fragrant foliage, thyme likes a sunny spot and a well-drained, slightly stony soil. It is best to start off with plants, which you can also grow in pots filled with compost.

Thyme should be harvested in summer before it starts to flower. Keep plants compact by lightly trimming over the top after flowering. Thyme can be used dried or fresh as an infusion.

Benefits: Rich in the volatile oil thymol, thyme has powerful antiseptic, antibiotic and anti-fungal properties.
It is good for coughs, throat and chest infections.

 

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

Sage
With its pretty small green leaves, sage likes a well-drained sandy soil and plenty of sun. It is best start off with plants, which will need a light pruning in the summer after flowering to encourage a bushy growth.

The leaves should be harvested just before the plant starts to flower and can be used dried or fresh to make an infusion.

Benefits: Traditionally associated with longevity, sage is rich in plant oestrogens. It may help to combat hot flushes and night sweats and can also be used as a gargle and mouthwash for sore throats.

 

SKIN

Lavender
A pot or bush of lavender is a must in any herbal corner. Start of with plants, which can be grown in pots filled with gritty compost or in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. If growing in pots allow the compost to almost dry out between watering and keep on the dry side in winter.

Lavender should be harvested in summer just as the petals start to open. The flowers can be made into oil by infusing fresh blooms in virgin olive oil. Alternatively use dry or fresh as an infusion. A sprig of lavender under your pillow may also help you to sleep at night.

Benefits: Lavender contains chemical compounds that are thought to help relieve pain and reduce irritability. It can be used to soothe burns, bites and stings as well as to ease insomnia, tension and depression.

 

NERVOUS SYSTEM

Valerian
This pretty plant, which produces large clusters of vanilla-scented white or pink flowers in the summer, thrives in a moist or well-watered soil in a sunny or partially shaded position. You can start off with seeds or plants.

Once established, you should cut back stems as the flowers fade to prevent plants from self-seeding. After the plant has died back in the autumn the roots can be dried and prepared as an infusion.

Benefits: Sometimes described as nature’s tranquiliser, valerian contains valerenic acid and substances known as iridoids which are thought to help calm the nerves and promote sleep.

Lemon balm
Instantly recognisable by its fragrant leaves, lemon balm thrives in any well-drained soil in a sunny spot. You can start off with seeds or plants. Regularly trimming the shoots will keep plants bushy and produce the tastiest leaves. They can be used dried or fresh to make an infusion.

Benefits: Volatile oils, such as citral and citronella, give lemon balm anti-spasmodic properties, which can have a calming effect on the central nervous system.

For information on drying herbs and making infusions and decoctions read Make your own.