Save a few pennies by growing herbs

Brits can save themselves some cash by growing their own herbs in the garden or greenhouse, according to celebrity grower Monty Don.

Writing in the Daily Mail, Don suggested an "endless supply" can be grown at home for the price of a few bunches from the grocers.

He said herbs are a useful and easy food to grow as they can make a big difference to meals and can flourish in almost any sunny spot.

"Many of our favourites, such as rosemary, thyme and sage, come from the baking hills of the Mediterranean and do best in poor soil," Don told the newspapers readers.

The Mediterranean varieties – which also include coriander, tarragon and oregano – enjoy full sun and good drainage, he said.

Contrary to other foods, they grow well in poor soil and the former Gardeners World presenter explained he has created raised beds using subsoil mixed with grit to keep his herbs in tip top condition.

Don recently advised a Daily Mail reader that chopping down the bamboo that had spread from his neighbours garden would stop it growing further into his own land and may even strengthen the parent plant.