An expert’s guide to growing a herb garden

It’s easy – and affordable – to grow your own produce, ready to be picked and popped into all sorts of culinary masterpieces.

“Nothing compares to the freshness of homegrown herbs, and as you only pick what you need, there’s no waste”

Sharon Pfueller, Vice-president, Sustainable Gardening Australia

The right location is key when plotting your patch. “You want it to be easily accessible, so outside the back door is ideal, yet I also needs to be suitably sunny,” says gardener Sophie Thomson of Sophie’s Patch. Mediterranean herbs with small, tough leaves, such as sage and oregano, need at least six hours of direct sun a day and tolerate drought.

“Herbs with large, delicate leaves, such as mint, parsley and coriander, prefer moist soil in partial shade with at least 3-6 hours of direct sun,” says garden designer Justin Night of Regenerative Designs Australia.

Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil is vital. Rosemary is very hardy, while oregano is robust and suitable for ground cover or in a pot.

For more garden inspiration click here.

Christina Beischl

Now back in her native Germany, Christina travelled the world before settling in sunny Sydney where, as HB features editor, she wrote about some of the most talented artists and makers in Australia and explored interior trends.

Writer Kylie Jackes

Ever since writer and stylist Kylie Jackes got a Holly Hobby quilt cover at age 6 she’s been obsessed with interiors. For the past 10 years she’s enjoyed writing about beautiful spaces and the people who call them home. When she’s not styling other people’s places, she loves acquiring plants to fill every corner of her beach house.