Need advice what to plant in small garden that will produce all summer, like parsley which keeps growing till late autumn,

the good ol' farmer's almanac cannot be beat for information

[link to www.almanac.com]

You just caught me in my gardener's mode. As for herbs, I can offer you some advice from one of my old books:

Like vegetables, herbs can be housed in a variety of containers: window boxes, barrels, homemade wooden containers, and clay pots. Make sure any container is at least 4 inches deep and 18 to 20 inches long, provide drainage holes, and be sure to have a saucer device or tray underneath to catch excess water. Most herbs need a good deal of water because of scanty watering will not produce good plants. Make sure the herbs are not crowded.

Some herbs such as dill grow very tall outdoors, but will not grow as tall indoors (and can be pushed back) on a window shelf with lots of sun.

Use a good rich soil composed of 3 parts loam, 1 part sand, and 1 part compost and they are thoroughly mixed.

Put a layer of stones or shards in the bottom of the container, fill with soil, the carefully sow your seed (least expensive) or transplant tiny seedlings (faster growing time and more expensive) in small holes dug previously. Cover with soil and tamp down to eliminate air pockets, then thoroughly soak the soil.

Fertilize with a soluable plant food once a month; and keep them well trimmed.

Tarragon and chervil will need some shade; other herbs can take full sun.

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Check often for insect infestations. If you find insects, prepare a dishsoap and water solution in a spray bottle and spray the plant until dripping, the rinse well with clean water - or buy insecticide soap from a hardware store.

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Herbs to try:

Basil: annual - easily started by seed in July or August.

Chives: keep in moist soil - snip as needed - likes sun.

Dill: Sow a few seeds in late summer or early fall, likes bright light and lots of water.

Parsley: biennial - add to salads and cooked dishes - seed is easily sown any time - sunlight and coolness will provide good growth. Soak seed 24 hours before sowing. Likes good air circulation.

Rosemary: perennial - likes bright light, coolness, and rich soil with excellent drainage - does best in larger pots.

Sage: sow seeds any time - likes good sun and plenty of air with even moisture.

Sweet Marjoram - start from seed any time - likes good sunlight and even moisture.

Thyme: needs lots of sun to prosper, as well as coolness and well-drained soil - it also makes a pretty house plant.

Winter Savory: buy young plants in autumn and grow in a bright window, likes well-drained soil and even moisture.

I hope this helps.

Last Edited by RedlicoriceRedux on 03/10/2012 01:45 PM