Decorating tip: bamboo steamer herb garden

Savour the flavour: nurture a flourishing windowsill nursery, with Asian herbs in bamboo steamers.

You will need
Coriander, garlic chives, holy basil, Debco Herb Sensation potting mix and coconut fibre (from garden centres); 2 bamboo steamer baskets for each herb (from Asian grocery shops); hot glue gun (from craft shops).

Step 1.
Adequate room to grow is an important element in the lifespan of a plant. Stacking two bamboo steamers on top of each other will give the roots the space to spread. Using secateurs, remove the base of the upper steamer.

Step 2.
Using a hot glue gun, adhere the steamers together. Allow to dry.

Step 3.
Line the steamer with a mulch that doesn’t break down – we used coconut fibre. This will trap the moisture in the soil and prevent the steamer from rotting.

Step 4.
Half-fill the steamer with Debco Herb Sensation potting mix, which includes a controlled-release fertiliser. Gently remove your herb from its container. Tease out the roots, place the plant in the steamer and add more potting mix until the roots are covered but the stalks are free of dirt. Gently pat the soil so that it is firm but not hard-packed. Water your herb and leave to grow in a sunny spot.

 

Photography: Sam McAdam. Styling: Jada Bennett. Herbs & debco herb sensation potting mix from Eden Gardens.