Our son is a staunch vegetarian and his Christmas present this year will have a herb theme. He has the space for many pots and some new raised beds as he develops his garden 200 miles south of our Yorkshire home. It is  bound to be warmer down there if not Mediterranean.

My selection of plants to grow will be governed by seeds I will give him to create a ‘saladery’ ( my word for a green leafy range of herb crops.) As a carnivore I can’t resist some Beef Tomatoes and Lambs lettuce on the menu.

Salad Seeds

• Coriander for cut and come again leaves and ultimately seeds. I have bought a lemon coriander packet from Suttons said to be ideal to entice ladybirds.
• Basil [Ocimum basilicum  ] should produce well and there are several varieties to chose from . Sweet basil, lemon basil and lettuce leaf basil are on the list.
• I had not thought of eating Bergamot leaves ( Monarda didyama) but they are recommended in my herb book.
• Chervil,  and chives are good old fashioned standbys.
• Fennel and dill have similar tastes.
• Lovage tastes a bit like cellery but beware of the diuretic effect.
• Flat leaved and curly parsley ane a personal favourite
• Sweet cicely roots can be boiled to bulk out a salad.

Other Recommended Herb Garden Staples

• Sage
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Mint
• Camomile
• Garlic
• Bay
• Marjoram
• Lavender