It is easier to buy in young plants of mint, tarragon, thyme or rosemary. These are harder to grow from seed, some being prone to damping off, others unreliably producing ripe seed, and others being more quickly and practically propagated by division or cuttings.

Thyme can be propagated by layering, either into adjacent soil, or into little pots buried under the soil surface (for an instant potted plant).

Trim sage plants to keep them neat and to encourage fresh shoots.

Check that clumps of invasive herbs such as mint, lemon balm and even chives, haven’t grown too big for their allotted space. Use a spade to dig out unwanted shoots and runners, or divide them, giving away or transplanting any excess divisions.

Control weeds by hoeing between garden plants and by hand-weeding containers. Weed infested clumps may need lifting to disentangle weeds from the plant roots.

Pest & disease watch

Remove any mouldy or yellowed leaves promptly, to prevent spread of grey mould and other fungal diseases.

Giving plants adequate spacing will help to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal problems.

Look out for pest problems once the weather warms up. Vine weevil can be a pest of container grown plants.

Covering plants with fleece can protect them from flying pests, as well as from the cold.

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