Episode: # 10 09/06/07
Presenter: Dean Boone

Dean shows you one of the simplest and easiest ways to get into gardening by creating a potted herb garden. You can do this just about anywhere even if you only have a courtyard or balcony. The best way to enjoy fresh herbs, is by having them right at your fingertips

First you have to start with a pot, and a lightweight one is best. Try one of the new release Tuscan Edge pots from Yates. These pots are sleek and uncluttered and will complement an outdoor setting. They have a clever self’ watering feature and a reservoir of water inside the pot at the base with a discreet closure that clicks back into place after watering, so no mess-no fuss.

Once your pot is ready, always start with a quality potting mix, and look for the Australian Standards tick of approval. Thrive Premium Potting Mix is perfect for all your potted garden needs and is also going to be the best choice for my herb garden.

The potting mix is the basis for your gardening success. It has all the essential ingredients you need to retain moisture, provide excellent drainage and good nutrition. A healthy potting mix will mean healthy plants, so don’t cut any corners and invest in the best quality right from the start.

Dean plants rosemary right in the centre as the focal point of the pot. For the rest of it, he is going to sow some seeds, and chives, parsley, rocket, thyme or mint can all be started this time of the year. They will give a lovely lush green contrast to the rosemary and look as good as it is going to smell.

All you need to do is water it and give it a little TLC and watch the seedlings grow. Give the young herbs a bit of Thrive Soluble Plant Food every few weeks to make sure they grow extra strong and healthy, then just start picking fresh herbs as you need them, whenever you want a bit of fresh flavour.

So creating a potted herb garden is easy. Great pot, the best potting mix, a feature plant and some herb seeds and a boost with some liquid plant food as it all grows and you are away. It is an easy weekend project for just about everyone.

Eden Brae Camden Park
Bridgewater Estate
Young Avenue
Tel: 02 4655 7822

Featured Products

Thrive Premium Potting Mix

• Ideal for all potted plants and shrubs including ornamentals, fruit trees, vegetables and herbs.
• Contains Nutricote controlled release fertiliser to feed up to nine months.
• Added wetting agent allows the mix to absorb water quickly thoroughly and allows for easy re-wetting of the mix.
• Organic based blend.

Yates Tuscan Pots

• These good-looking pots are made from UV-stabilised plastic (which means they last well outdoors)
• Available in an attractive range of colours: Caulfield Green, Sandstone, Terracotta, Burgundy and Cobalt Blue
• A large number of drainage holes and raised drainage channels in the base ensure good drainage.
• Vertical ridges in the internal sides act as root trainers and add strength to the pot walls.
• Can be teamed with matching saucers.
• Lightweight and easy to move.

Thrive Soluble All Purpose

• A fast acting, complete soluble fertiliser ideal for feeding a wide range or ornamental flowers, shrubs and trees as well as vegetables, herbs and lawns.
• Feeds through the foliage and roots.
• Specially formulated blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace elements to encourage healthy green foliage, flowers and fruiting.