I would have to use a window box as I have no garden. What soil do I need, what are the best-easiest herbs to cook and is this the right time of year?
I would appreciate as much detailed help as possible as I have never done any gardening in my life.

I'm not that good at gardening but have some herbs in our garden. I'm not sure about soil you can buy special soil from garden shops for growing plants.I think you could by herb seeds or buy her plants and plant them in your window box. In our garden we have parsley, rosemary, basil, chives (although think chives are meant to be in doors), did have some thyme dunno where that went and have some mint.

A window box, huh? Well that doesn't give you much space and some herbs grow really tall. Some of the more popular herbs are Basil, thyme, oregano, cilantro, chives and sage. If you have a rather large window box then you might be able to squeeze these in. If you happen to have a patio then I would suggest an extra large container. The soil you would use is just a regular potting soil. Most herbs don't require excellent soil to do well, but they will need good drainage so be sure to add some rocks or broken pottery int he bottom of your containers. Herbs like a lot of sun as well. I don't know where you are, but I can still find herbs at our nursery's and garden stores. Good luck

Generally, good potting soil will work for most herbs. Get an artificial light to make sure they're getting what they need. Also find an organic fertilizer that contains all of the trace minerals needed by the body. Don't just use "N.P.K."

Mix some soil with dried grass/leaves and let them burn slowly. ( It should be reddish brown by then ) Then mix it with one third sand and you are ready for planting. The sand act as a easy drainage for water.

Read these....they provide good information:

http://www.thefarm.org/charities/i4at/lib2/herbgard.htm

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/victorygarden/knowhow/pp/herbs.html

I have a very green thumb but don't have alot of success with seeds as far as herbs are concerned. I would buy small plants that are already established and get a good potting soil. My fav is basil, but I get dill, rosemary, oregano and you can also make a dish garden with your herbs. They don't all have to go in to window box. Your local garden center can help you choose what the best container is for a dish garden if you want it, along with your window box of herbs. Happy Cooking because there is no substitute for fresh herbs.

here is a usefiul guide I found for growing herbs

http://www.recipes4us.co.uk/Growing%20Herbs.htm

I have always tended to grow them in pots because some like mint can really take over your garden if you don't keep an eye on them. You might find you have the same problem with a window box if you plant mint. Perhaps it would be better to use a seed tray or individual pots per plant if you are going to do it indoors.

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