GROUND WORK Herbs grown in containers require light soil that retains moisture, as they dry faster than if grown in the ground. Heavy, clay soil should be avoided or amended with organic matter (dampened peat moss, old manure or sifted compost ), and sand. Add bone meal to help establish the root system. The soil of a herb garden should have the same light texture. If not well-drained, incorporate damp peat moss, perlite or vermiculite. A suitable environment Most herbs are sun-loving plants, though some like parsley, fennel and mint do well in partial shade (each plant is sold with instructions). Select a sheltered site as the wind blows away the delightful scents you should be enjoying. Watering Herbs require lots of water when newly planted but are not so needy when well established. Water when the soil is dry or if the leaves are wilted. The best time is the morning, as you may burn the leaves if you water during the hottest hours or promote mildew if you water in the evening. Clay containers need more watering than plastic ones. Fertilizing Too much fertilizer has a negative effect, lowering the essential oil content of the plants. Choose preferably an organic fertilizer that releases the nutrients slowly. Most herbs need little fertlizing, with the exception of sweet basil, dill and fennel. Trimming and dead-heading When planting, pinch the central stem – if not already done – to promote lateral growth. It is not necessary to remove flower buds during the growing season, dead-heading is usually sufficient. Sweet basil is the exception as the lower leaves tend to fall when the plant is allowed to bloom. Dead-head self-seeding perennials and annuals, such as borage and anise hyssop.