The first requirement for most herbs is sunshine. The next most important requirement is the fertility and physical consistency of the soil. A whole chapter is given later in this book to soil preparation and composting, but in this chapter I shall discuss two aspects only: the soil must be well-drained, and it must have the essential nutriment needed by any plant for healthy vigorous growth.
The drainage can be easily dealt with (on papier anyway!). Digging a trench and laying crocks or gravel or agricultural drainage pipes or channels sounds like, and is, hard work; but no herb will grow with constant “wet feet”. In places where sandy or light shale soils predominate, drainage is not such a severe problem; but don’t think you can get away with growing herbs in heavy soils which, after rain, are waterlogged for days. Sage is one of the first to succumb, then the leaves start to yellow on the thymes, and before long some very sick herb plants are all that remain. The time spent in initial drainage of the site is well worth it.
Some herb growers prefer to put their plants in raised beds to meet this drainage requirement. A low double stone or brick wall, the hollow filled with rich soil, and sufficient water available, is a happy hunting-ground for all the hardiest sun-lovers. Try prostrate rosemary, Westmoreland or caraway thyme, bush basil in the spring, and a few plants of marjoram or sage, and watch them revel in these conditions.
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