How to... plant a herb window-box

Grow your own herbs - within reach of the kitchen

Rather than rummaging through cupboards, imagine simply reaching out of your kitchen window to snip some fresh sage, rosemary, thyme and chives for the pot. Here's how:

✔ Choose a windowbox. It can be timber, terracotta or metal, but remember it's likely to get pretty hot and dry out quickly, so line the sides of your pot with bubblewrap for insulation. Ensure there are plenty of drainage holes in the bottom of your pot to allow water to drain away.

✔ Lift your windowbox into position before filling as it will be heavy once planted, securing it to the sill, if necessary, with screws and brackets.

✔ Add broken-up polystyrene to further improve drainage, before filling with general-purpose compost, mixed with grit, before adding plants.

✔ Once you've planted your herbs, add a thick layer of mulch to slow water evaporation, stop weeds from seeding and give a polished look.

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