HERBS TO YOUR DOOR

A fascination for growing herbs soon developed into a fullyfledged business and so Urban Herbs was born – a family affair selling herbs online. KG spoke to its founder, Andrew Perry

- Andrew Perry

What got you into herbs as your speciality and how long have you been growing them professionally?

Back in 2010 I began an experiment: I would grow plants alongside my studies to pay off my tuition fees. It worked. I finished my degree and the business paid for my course. I actually submitted my final thesis while sitting in the polytunnel. In late 2010 I began growing herbs and fell in love with the weird and wonderful flavours that could be grown. I remember the afternoon that I encountered pineapple sage. That was a game changer for me. In 2012 we began to grow only herbs. It has been my sole source of income ever since.

You travel around the country during the summer selling your plants. Do you ever spot any trends for particular herbs and do tastes differ between the places you visit?

Travelling around the UK selling herbs has taught us an important lesson. There really are no stereotypes when it comes to people’s love of growing. We don’t have a typical customer. Our stand will regularly be packed by people of all ages and genders who share a passion for growing unusual things. We recently worked with a school in Birmingham, working with students who had recently come from Syria. It was amazing that they still recognised the varieties of herbs that they enjoyed at home. I guess we all enjoy the smell of lime mint or blackcurrant sage in the same way, no matter who we are or where we are from!

You like to create ‘herb menus’ for your customers. What is your particular favourite?