The majority of herbs are Mediterranean in origin, and prefer a site that is sunny, open but sheltered with a free-draining soil. The oils, which account for the herbs' flavour, are produced in the greatest quantity when plants receive six to eight hours of full sunlight each day, although some, such as angelica (Angelica archangelica), woodruff (Asperula odorata) and sweet cicely (Myrrhis odorata) will thrive in partial shade.

Herbs will usually grow in any good garden soil, although it should be fairly neutral (pH 6.5-7.0) for the best results. Most herbs do not require the soil to be highly fertile; in fact, very fertile soils tend to produce excessive foliage that is lacking in flavour and is vulnerable to frost.

Whilst some herbs (mint - Mentha spicata, angelica - Angelica archangelica and lovage - Levisticum officinale) can flourish in fairly moist conditions, none will survive in poorly-drained or waterlogged sites. You may need to consider planting in containers or a raised bed if your soil is too heavy or wet.

Preparing the Site

Once you have chosen the location for your herbs, the ground should be prepared for planting. This should be carried out as far in advance as possible; preferably during the autumn, before planting in spring.

Remove any weeds, taking special care to eradicate persistent, perennial weeds such as bindweed, ground elder or couch grass. Dig over the soil using the simple digging technique and then leave the soil in its rough, chopped up state so that it may be broken down further by winter frosts.

Any weeds that appear may be removed in early spring, and then well -rotted organic matter (such as garden or mushroom compost) forked in to provide a free-draining and relatively fertile soil.