the first thing to do is to assess your site-most herbs prefer sun and free-draining soil.A soil test to assess pH and soil texture may be necessary in areas prone to very acidic,limey or clay soil.The solution to acidic soil is to add lime at the recommended dose per sq metre,if the soil is limestone sulphur can be used to acidify the soil but preferably choose another site.If the soil is clay add leafmould,manure and sand in equal quantities to improve the texture.
Another factor to consider is wind-you may need to plant a windbreak if the site is particularly windswept.Also try to avoid sites close to rabbit warrens as they have a tendency to nibble young growth.
Next remove the layer of grass,water heavily and leave for a few weeks before spraying off the weeds with a herbicide such glyphosate.Also try to choose a site not infested with perennial weeds such as dandelion,nettle,groundelder or bindweed.
Nextsingle dig the area and rake to a fine tilth improving the soil as already stated with manure and//or sand.It not a good idea to add too much manure as manyherbs do not require excessive nutritionto flower infact quite the opposite.
Plants for sun-
rosemary- a plant from the med which is hardy to -6 degrees c due to the fact that it grows near the coast.It was used as the original christmas tree and can produce beautiful blue or white flowers at christmas time
thyme-used as a gargle by herbalists due to its anti-bacterial action.It is delicious when combined with meat and aids digestion.It hates getting wet feet so always grow in full sun in free-draining soil
lavender-a beautiful herb which is very bitter to taste but used in cottage gardens round the country in pastel schemes.Again must have full sun and free draining soil as it is from the med like rosemary and thyme
nasturtium-annual herb with edible flowers and leaves with that kick which is typical of members of the brassica family.Tolerates extremely poor soil and heat but can spread prolifically by late summer producing red and orange flowers
Marshmallow-the root was the original source of the sweet.grows on marshes in the east of england rarely so prefers moisture retentive soil in full sun.produces beautiful pink flowers in july.Its leaves are used as a demulcent in herbalism.
plants for shade
Angelica-biennial plant that flowers in its 2nd year before dying.Allow it to self-seed if you can but remember that it gets very big.There is a purple version also and both make a beautiful feature at the back of a shaded border.
melissa- lemon balm.tolerates shade and poor soil and has scented leaves-like jerusalem artichoke its the easy going plant of the herb garden as it will survive anywhere.
violets-flowers in early spring-you cant beat a carpet of violets!the flowers can be candied.
bastard balm-has little opera singers of flowers with pink collars.found in hedgerows but rare in england but common in the sw where the rain sustains it.
monarda-bergamot-used to make earl grey tea and has apunk hairstyle tuft of flowers.very beautiful plant.