Selected Herbs
After the frost danger passed, I removed the herbs I had bought at the farmer's market from their pots, loosened their roots a little and placed them in the soil. The plants had to be the right size for the box. They also had to be non-invasive species. I opted for plants with relatively short root systems due to the depth of the box. Here's what I planted.

1. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
    Height: 30cm-45cm

This hardy biennial extends long into the gardening season. My favorite is the robust-tasting flat-leaf Italian parsley, as opposed to the curly variety. It can be started from seed, in which case germination is slow, about two to five weeks. Ideally, it is best started indoors. To speed up germination, soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting. Parsley prefers full sun or light shade and lots of watering during dry spells.

	Basil's smell and sweet flavor combines particularly well with garlic and tomatoes.

2. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
    Height: 50cm-60cm

Along with the common variety, some other favorites include purple basil, such as 'Red Rubin', and Thai basil. Seeds can be sown in pots or directly in the soil once the risk of frost has passed. Germination will occur in five to eight days. As with other herbs, watering is dependent on rainfall. During dry spells, watering should occur about once a week. It's best to trim basil throughout the growing season and to remove flower buds to encourage growth. Basil is also a mosquito repellant, an added bonus.

3. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
    Height: 45cm

Try common, golden ('Icterina') or purple ('Purpurascens') sage. This perennial herb grows from seed or cuttings. For cuttings, rooting time is about four weeks. It should be renewed every three to four years