Can I still plant tulips in November in the UK?

Yes, November is one of the best times to plant tulip bulbs in the UK. The cooler soil helps prevent fungal diseases such as tulip fire. Plant bulbs at a depth about three times their height in well-drained soil for beautiful spring blooms.

What vegetables can I grow in November in the UK?

You can sow broad beans, garlic, onions, and winter salads under cover or in mild regions. Spring cabbage and hardy spinach are also good choices for early crops next year.

Should I mulch my garden in November?

Yes. Adding compost, bark chips, or leaf mould helps insulate roots, retain moisture, and improve soil quality. Focus on perennials, shrubs, and newly planted trees.

How do I protect my garden from frost?

Use horticultural fleece, cloches, or straw to cover tender plants. Move potted plants into sheltered areas and reduce watering, as damp soil retains heat better than dry soil.

How can I help wildlife in my garden during winter?

Keep bird feeders topped up, provide fresh water, and leave leaf piles or plant debris for hedgehogs and insects. Avoid cutting back all dead stems — they offer shelter for beneficial wildlife.

What garden maintenance should I prioritise in November?

Tidy beds, rake leaves, clean tools, and plant bulbs. It’s also the ideal time to enrich soil with compost and plan next year’s garden layout.

Uncover the Secrets to Cultivating Your Own Medicinal Herb Garden

Green Spaces
May 29, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Jul 2, 2025

Growing your medicinal herb garden is a gratifying and rewarding venture that can bring numerous benefits. Not only does it allow you to harness the healing properties of various herbs, but it also promotes sustainable living and can enhance your cooking. This step-by-step guide will help you navigate the process of starting your garden, covering everything from selecting the right herbs to caring for them effectively.

Masses of Lavender in the field — Lavender Fields

Why Grow Medicinal Herbs?

Medicinal herbs have been used for centuries to treat ailments, enhance well-being, and promote a balanced lifestyle. Additionally, growing your herbs ensures you have access to fresh, organic plants whenever you need them.

In this guide, you'll learn about easy-to-grow herbs and how to care for your garden, ensuring your medicinal herb garden thrives for years to come.

Selecting the Right Location for Cultivating a Medicinal Garden

Before you begin planting, it’s essential to find the right location for your herb garden.

Sunlight: Most medicinal herbs thrive in full sunlight, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day.
Accessibility: Choose a spot close to your kitchen for convenience when cooking or preparing herbal remedies.
Drainage: Ensure the area has good drainage to prevent water from pooling around the roots, which can lead to rot.

Take time to assess your space—whether it’s a small balcony, a back garden, or even indoor pots by a sunny window.

Choosing Your Herbs

Selecting the right herbs is crucial for a successful garden. Here are some of the easiest medicinal herbs to grow:

1. Basil

Uses: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and digestive benefits.
Growth conditions: Prefers warm temperatures and loamy soil.

2. Lavender

Uses: Often used for its calming effects, helping to alleviate anxiety and promote sleep.
Growth conditions: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

3. Mint

Uses: Excellent for digestion and has refreshing qualities.
Growth conditions: Likes partial shade and moist soil, but can spread quickly, so consider container planting.

4. Chamomile

Uses: Well-known for its soothing effects on the stomach and for promoting sleep.
Growth conditions: Enjoys full sun and can grow in poor soil conditions.

5. Thyme

Uses: Renowned for its antimicrobial properties; useful in cooking and medicinal teas.
Growth conditions: Prefers well-drained sandy soil and full sun.

Feel free to mix and match according to your preferences and space.

Preparing Your Soil

Once you've decided which herbs to grow, it’s time to prepare the soil.

Testing pH: Most herbs prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.0).
Enriching the Soil: If your soil is lacking, consider adding organic compost to provide essential nutrients.
Tilling: Loosen the soil to improve aeration and drainage. A garden fork or tiller can help with this process.

Planting Your Herbs

When planting your herbs, you can either start from seeds or seedlings.

Seeds: If starting from seeds, follow the instructions on the seed packet for depth and spacing.
Seedlings: If you’re purchasing herb seedlings from a nursery, plant them directly in the prepared soil, ensuring they are spaced according to their needs.

It's often best to plant in the spring after the last frost to give your herbs a full growing season.

Watering and Fertilising

Proper watering and occasional fertilisation are crucial for the health of your herbs.

Watering

Consistent Moisture: Ensure the soil stays consistently moist but not soggy.
Morning Routine: Water in the morning, which helps prevent mould and evaporation during the hotter parts of the day.

Fertilising

Natural Fertilisers: Use organic fertilisers like compost or well-rotted manure.
Feeding Schedule: Fertilise your herbs once a month during the growing season to provide necessary nutrients.

Pruning and Harvesting

Regularly pruning and harvesting your herbs encourages new growth and can help prevent diseases.

Pruning: Trim back the leaves for fuller plants unless you need them for harvesting.
Harvesting: Pick leaves as needed, opting for early morning when the essential oils are most effective.

Always leave enough foliage to allow the plant to continue thriving.

Pest and Disease Management

Keeping your herb garden free from pests and diseases is important for sustaining healthy plants.

Natural Pest Control

Companion Planting: Plant herbs like basil and marigold alongside other plants to help deter pests.
Neem Oil: This natural pesticide can help control insect problems without harming beneficial insects.

Regularly inspect your plants for early signs of disease or infestation, addressing issues promptly to make management easier.

Conclusion

Cultivating your medicinal herb garden can be a fulfilling project that enhances your culinary experiences and provides natural health benefits. By selecting the right herbs, preparing your soil, and tending to your plants, you can create a thriving garden right at home.

As you become more familiar with growing these herbs, you may find joy in experimenting with different types and uses. Happy gardening!