At this time of the year, you might find that some of your annuals are starting to look a little tired. But instead of replacing, how about planting a couple of herbs and vegetables amongst your flowering plants that you would be able to use in your salads and cooking throughout the late summer and into autumn?

It really isn't too late to plant a selection of leafy herbs like chives, sorrel, rocket, nasturtium, watercress, sweet basil, dill, parsley or chicory.

Most of your herbs should be planted in full sun in a well drained composted soil with a small amount of superphosphate.

Always check when selecting your herbs which position they prefer. It is best to feed with an organic food such as Nitrosol or Seagro, as this will maintain a healthy strong plant.

Tasty tomotoes

If you'd like to try your hand at growing a vegetable, tomatoes are certainly an easy option.

Choose a sunny spot, plant them in composted soil with a little 2:3:2. and you'll be amazed at how quickly you'll be harvesting delicious fruits.

Plant the tomato seedlings in rows 30-40cm apart. This will ensure that they get enough water but are not drowned; tomatoes don't like having too much moisture around their roots.

Once they start growing, use a trellis to train them up. Tomatoes can be a bit overwhelming for a garden bed, so if you haven't got a vegetable garden, you can alternatively plant them in pots and train them up a trellis or pyramid.

Some varieties, like the small cherry tomatoes, are more suited to pots.

Once the fruit starts to form, a regular feeding programme is recommended. To control insects which are likely to attack your tomatoes, spray regularly with an organic insecticide. This is especially important when you start to harvest them.

Children also enjoy growing tomatoes. So why not buy a window box for them to enjoy watching them grow and fruit. Hopefully they'll also love eating them!