It's time to get tasty

Ruth starts sowing herbs for winter's windowsills

OUR kitchen is never without fresh herbs growing on the windowsill, especially in winter when tender varieties growing in the garden have finished, prompting me to sow some indoors.

I usually start sowing herbs that will see us through winter in late summer, concentrating on the three main staples of parsley, basil and coriander.

Sow your first batch now, then sow more every three weeks through the coldest months to keep a fresh supply on tap. Later sowings can be planted out in spring, or moved to the greenhouse.

Another handy money-saving trick is to buy potted supermarket herbs and divide them, potting each section individually and letting them grow.

I also bring chilli plants into the kitchen from the greenhouse and keep them growing for as long as possible before hanging their fruits to dry.