How about your favourite herbs right where you need them? All it takes is a little imagination and a bit of recycling, as Joyce Russell demonstrates

Joyce Russell

KITCHEN HERB GARDEN

It’s always a pleasure to have fresh herbs in the kitchen.This is particularly true in the winter months when outdoor plants may be dormant or have died right back. You can often buy pots crammed with young plants in a supermarket; although these may be so dry and ready to bolt that they don’t grow for long. How much better to sow your own basil, coriander and other favourites? And better again to put the pots in a home-made planter that creates a lovely herb garden on your kitchen window ledge.

This project is easy to make and it costs hardly anything: use some scraps of plywood, or timber, recycle some large fruit tins, and check the cupboards for leftover paint.The end result is pretty plus practical and it might make a really useful Christmas gift. You, or someone you care enough to make something for, can enjoy picking and using a supply of fresh herbs for months.