Winter garden: herbs for window boxes in the cold
Don't worry, because you can get all the herbs you need in a window box, perfect for people who live in a flat or don't have any growing space. Though many herbs do die off when it comes to the colder months, you can pick the right ones that will survive the winter.
Thyme usually lasts through the winter as it's relatively hardy. It has a spicy flavour, that makes it great to accompany pretty much all meats, or as a lovely flavouring in herb bread.
A lesser known herb that can last through the winter is chervil. It tastes like parsley, but with a stronger flavour. It can be added to most dishes that parsley can be, such as pasta, but make sure to put it in after you've finished cooking. The heat will kill off the unique flavour of the herb, so put it on last to make sure your food will taste wonderful.
Sage can brave the colder weather, which is great as it's so versatile. Add it to a simple risotto to bring some flavour, and it's great for helping to digest fatty foods.
If you're going to grow herbs through the winter, protect them by putting down a two inch layer of organic mulch - a mixture of bark, sawdust and pine straw. It can provide protection for temperatures up to minus 30°C, and keeps the temperature of the soil around the roots uniform.
Emily Bancroft
Tagged in Garden Home & Garden