"Mark Blewett" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 2 Aug 2004 21:51:24 +0000 (UTC), "RzB"
wrote:

Could someone tell me what herb this is....

http://www.oofus.com/pix/rbpics/odds/herb.jpg

I'm sure it's a very common variety but I have been
unable to identify it from my books and from web
searches.

Also - I would like to set up a small herb garden.
What advice would you give...

Having limited experience in herbs (I only started a few years ago
with half a dozen pots), I'm probably not an expert... but here's what
I've found;

1) Generally they are very easy to grow (for some reason I always
manage to kill off mint.. which is meant to be the easiest herb to
grow!)

2) Conditions matter... personally I'd put them in pots, so if they
don't like the position you can move them.. otherwise read carefully
the conditions on the seed packet and consider where to plant... from
my experience most do best with some sun.. but not full sun. Also some
need good drainage.. others don't mind so much.

I have been unable
to locate specialist herb dealers within striking
distance of Southampton or on the web. Is there a
list somewhere of suppliers...

I must admit I got seeds from Wilkensons (a woolworths like shop).. a
few pots and a bag of general purpose compost, and some gravel (for
drainage for those herbs that like dry conditions).. thats all you
need.

I haven't tried planting seeds mid summer, but I assume it would
work.. the other quick alternative is to buy potted herbs from the
supermarket, and re-pot/plant them (I've had great sucess with some..
keeping them for the rest of the year and a disapointmet with others
tho)

Regards
Mark
One trick worth a try is to buy the potted supermarket herbs and immediately
transplant into a decent size pot with good compost and they do really well.
Diane