In the garden: October

Why not start a herb garden in October? Here's how…

• Pick a sunny spot not too far from the kitchen, so you can easily access your herbs when you need them.
• Your herb garden could be in pots or planters on a deck if you don't have a garden.
• Plant seeds or seedlings in good-quality potting or garden mix.
• Plant about 4cm apart, and mulch with grass clippings, bark or compost.
• Water your herbs regularly.
• Cut off flowers if they appear.
• Good starter herbs to try include basil, coriander, thyme, parsley, rosemary and sage.

Tips

• Try planting basil near your tomatoes – they taste good together and are good companions in the garden, too.
• Parsley will last a year or more once planted. Allow the herb plenty of room to grow and pick regularly.
• If you plant mint, keep it in a separate pot or bed from other plants to stop it from spreading and taking over the whole garden.