With the credit crunch well and truly upon us, what better way to save some money than growing your own tasty herbs? Rather than buying your herbs from the supermarkets, why not grow your own this autumn, and add a personal touch to your cooking.

Growing your own herbs is very simple, as all herbs can be planted in pots, or in the ground, and most herbs can survive both inside and outdoors. Evergreen herbs such as rosemary need little attention once they have been planted; all you need for growing your herbs is light and water. With a little bit of care and attention, you could soon have your own herb garden to help you transform your cooking! 

• You can buy your herbs from most supermarkets or garden centres.
• If you are growing your herbs in pots they will need more water than herbs planted in the ground. This is because the herbs planted in the ground benefit from the soil’s natural nutrients.
• Although most herbs can happily survive in everyday garden soil, you can give your herbs a helping hand by adding a multi purpose compost (which is available from all garden centres).
• Water your herbs in the morning rather than later on in the day. This gives the plant the best chance to grow if the temperature is hot during the day.
• Most herbs will require at least six hours of direct sunlight, so place your herbs in the middle of a southern facing windowsill, or if they are outside make sure the sunlight can reach them.
• Prune your herbs regularly to promote growth. Remember, you can freeze any cuttings that you don’t use straight away.

Chives – in the autumn move the pots indoors to provide leaves throughout winter.	Finely chopped chive leaves can be added to boiled potatoes and omelettes.
Bay – can be grown indoor or outdoor all year round.	Fresh or stewed bay leaves can be added to lasagnes, stews and casseroles.
Rosemary – can be grown indoor or outdoor all year round.	Can add delicious flavour to lamb and other meat dishes, and can also be added to garlic bread.
Sage – can be grown indoor or outdoor all year round.	Can be used in chicken stuffing.
Thyme - can be grown indoor or outdoor all year round.	This is one of the most versatile herbs, and can add flavour to almost any meat or vegetable dish.