I’m a gardening expert – you’ll have free herbs for months with my easy tips to stop supermarket plants dying in days
A GARDENING expert has explained how you can make your store-bought herbs last for months with her incredible trick.
Horticulturist Frances Tophill says she has the solution to prevent your supermarket plants from dying in just a few days.
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Many Britons have lost battles trying to make their small indoor herb garden grow longer.
Most are easy to maintain if they receive the right amount of sunlight and have good soil conditions.
But some people still find their supermarket-bought herbs spilled along their windowsills as they prepare to rustle a delicious meal.
However, Frances claims that there is a quick fix to prevent your favorite components from going bad – and it only takes a few minutes.
She discussed her herbal secrets while concocting garden-inspired cocktails with mixologist Carmen O’Neal during a segment on Friday’s episode of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
The green-fingered presenter, from Kent, said the herbs people buy while scurrying down the aisle are not known for their longevity.
“They’ll tend to die because it’s all just crammed in,” explains Frances.
“If you buy it from the supermarket, break the lumps you have in the pot and put each one in the pot.
“Then they’ll be much happier.”
She suggests that giving your plant proper breathing space will encourage it to grow longer.
Then the gardener revealed another tip to ensure a steady supply of herbs in your household.
While grabbing some basil to add to a summer cocktail, Frances says, “I’ll show you a trick – as it’s also a really good way to keep your basil alive.
“If you take the top of it out, you’ll see the lower sections begin to branch instead of pulling each leaf out.”
Picking up the upper leaves, even if they are not as large, will allow the herb to replenish itself and continue growing.
Simply shredding the pieces won’t give it a chance to make new branches, meaning you won’t get much from your herbs.
We said before how Chelsea Flower Show host and garden designer Joe Swift, 58, revealed how to brighten up your outdoor area for just a few pounds.
In addition to colorful plants and flowers, he advises Britons to incorporate different materials into their garden design.
And while most viewers of the show were mesmerized by this year’s garden designs, some fans were also smitten by Monty Don.
He was dubbed the “absolute fit” by viewers distracted by the presenter’s dapper.
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