Last week we had a deluge of rain combined with wind that pushed the herbs over and, most recently, we have had 30 degree heat. The weather is definitely variable and increasingly so due to the effects of climate change.
In our last guide, Jekka spoke about gardening in a changing climate and building on this, our latest blog is Jekka's top 10 herbs for sunny and semi-shade spots as well as dry and damp conditions. Your garden might have a miriade of micro-climates and to get the most from your garden you should work with your natural habitats and grow herbs or plants that suit them.
At Jekka's we strongly advocate sustainable and environmentally sensitive practices and this is one of our core roots. We give some environmentally friendly advice below on what to do if you've planted your herbs in the right conditions but they are still not quite looking their best.
We are often asked what to do if a few leaves look orange, or a bug has invaded your herb, or your herbs do not look healthy any more. Our first response is that plants are not perfect (like us) and a few orange leaves might be perfectly natural. If you think your herbs need a little more attention we always recommend an environmentally friendly solution, and these are Jekka's top three:
- Maxi crop liquid seaweed: 'Feed on Fridays' as Jekka always says for all round good plant health.
- SB Invigorator: a safe and effective insecticide and fungicide to help control a wide range of pest species -Epsom salts: the horticultural equivalent of what you put in your bath to top up magnesium and stop orange leaves.
At Jekka's we love Basil and this year, even if we do say so ourselves, our Basils are quite special. Jekka's top three basils are:
Cinnamon Basil - this basil is slightly spicy, reminiscent of cinnamon after which it is named. Add it just before serving a stir fry for extra flavour.
Red Rubin Basil - this basil has deep purple leaves and looks attractive in a border or makes the most amazing gin (see our recipe here)
African Blue Basil - this is Jekka's perennial basil if treated right and comes with an attractive leaf and wonderful flavour.
Jekka's top tip for growing Basils is not to send your Basils to bed wet and therefore water before midday.
Our Basil plants are only available from the farm and the last few tickets are remaining for Jekka’s July Open Days on Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd & Saturday 4th July. Please see our website for the Open Day coupons. During the Open Day, Jekka's team will be on hand to answer your herb related queries and our shop will be open selling seeds, gifts and our herbal infusions.
If you are unable to travel at this time, you can also grow your own Basils from seed. You can see our seeds online here.
