The Gardener South Africa – September 2019

http://www.thegardener.co.za I 67

Lemon balm has a bright and

citrusy taste, like lemon but with a

hint of mint or lemon grass. Its flavour

is sweet but strong.

To grow: Plant in full sun to partial

shade. It doesn’t mind poor garden

soil if the drainage is good. Water

regularly during hot days. Fertilising

with an organic fertiliser will supply all the needed

elements for optimum growth as it is a heavy feeder

and can quickly show deficiencies, making the plant

more susceptible to diseases. Harvest lemon balm in

the afternoon, when its essential oils are strongest.

Sweet basil has a spicy aroma with a sweet

clove-like taste.

To g r ow : This summer annual does best with morning

sun and afternoon shade. Water regularly and fertilise

monthly with a liquid fertiliser to promote lush leaves.

Remove the flowering tops otherwise the plant will

go to seed. Basil also grows well in pots. Plant basil

next to tomatoes; it keeps pests away and enhances

the flavour of the fruit.

Herbs for fish

Tarragon

Dill has a slightly lemony, sweet flavour with a hint

of bitterness.

To grow: This summer annual needs full sun, fertile

soil that drains well, and shelter from wind. It grows

1m high. Don’t let the plant dry out on very hot days

as it will run to seed very quickly. Fresh leaves have far

more flavour than dried leaves. For people on a salt-

free diet, dill can act as a salt substitute because it is

rich in mineral salts.

Fennel has a sweet, anise-like flavour that does

not overwhelm but adds a light, spring-like quality to

the food it flavours.

To grow: This perennial herb has feathery foliage

and large, striking flowers that attract butterflies

and beneficial insect predators. It does best in well-

drained soil and will thrive in full sun or morning sun.

It can grow up to 2m tall. Cut back when the leaves

start to fade and the plants will shoot up again.

French tarragon has a very distinctive

bittersweet flavour, with a clear anise aftertaste that is

stronger than that of dill or fennel and should be used

sparingly.

To grow: It needs full sun and likes moist but not

waterlogged soil. Its aromatic foliage repels insects.

When grown next to other crops, especially brinjals,

it enhances their growth and flavour. It dies down in

winter but should be left in place as it sprouts again

in spring. Plants grow 40cm high and wide.

Lemon

balm