September (in the southern hemisphere) is a good time to prepare your herb garden for summer.
With temperatures rising rapidly, there is no time to lose. Remove any plants that have died and dig generous amounts of compost into the beds. Compost improves drainage and it conditions the soil.
Trim back perennial herbs like Marjoram, Oregano, Thyme, Chives, Rosemary, Fennel and Sage. Dig some compost in around their roots and give them a drench of liquid fertiliser to give them a jump start.
The herbs most associated with early summer are the tasty salad herbs like Sweet Basil, Rocket, and Dill. Young plants are now available from garden centres or you can sow you own. Parsley and Mint may need to be replaced after the very cold winter.
If you feel that the existing herb garden needs a revamp this is the time to do it.
Try a new layout, renew the pathways or stepping stones and consider making space for a few vegetables, based on companion planting principles.
Companion plants are those that enhance each other's growth such as Basil and Tomatoes, Carrots and Chives, Dill and Broccoli as well as Cabbage, Oregano and Brinjals and Thyme and Green Peppers.
Resources:
Monthly kitchen garden to-do lists.
Indoor Herb Gardening
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