Planting herbs in pots

[gilliflower]

Hi, I have just bought some oregano and thyme herbs and want to put them in bigger pots in the garden. I already have some bulb potting compost. Is it OK to use this for the herbs?

[rowanwitch]

not many nutrients in bulb compost and its too fibrous herbs like a free draining slightly gritty compost a soil based one would be better

[nungate]

Will they be kept out of doors? I am not too sure whether the oregano will be hardy in the UK, thyme should be fine. If they are going outdoors try a mix of multi purpose with some John Innes No.2 mixed in, or just some ordinary multipurpose or even container compost either of these would do for indoor or outdoor.

[rowanwitch]

split the oregano and keep some on a windowsill through the winter

[nungate]

Well I'd put it in the multi purpose or container compost. My herbs are all outside the back door in multipurpose and John Innes - most of them came through last winter despite being under a couple of feet of snow for a few weeks or so

[rowanwitch]

better drainage improves the chance of survival as water isn't held round the roots where it would freeze,,, golden marjoram is quite a good substitute for oregano, tough as old boots and very pretty especially when in flower

[ummmm]

Don't get rabbits....they like herbs...

[nungate]

Will probably try that. There is good drainage in the herb box, it's just that last winter up here was the worst I can remember since I was 5 or 6 which would make that the winter of 1962 - gee am I that old? Must have a wincarnis and a lie down to recover from the realisation of my age

[LoftyLottie]

Both my oreganos survived last winter and do very well left outside. South facing garden.

[gilliflower]

Thanks for your advice everyone. I shall get some multipurpose or container compost. I will be keeping them outside. I have some other herbs (sage, mint, rosemary) out of doors, on a bed of stones, so they have pretty good drainage and did survive last winter. Good idea to split the oregano rowanwitch. I'll try that. I've had a good result with basil on my windowsill.

[derekpara]

Lucky Basil !

XX

D