Newsletter: 13th September 2026
September in Jekka’s Herb Garden
September is a month of change in Jekka's herb garden. The days are getting shorter, mornings are cooler and, after a particularly hot and dry summer, the garden is beginning to take on a different character.
This week, we are taking a moment to say thank you, reflect on the summer in Jekka’s Herb Garden and share a simple job for keeping herbs in pots healthy as we head into autumn.
Thank You for Visiting Jekka’s
As our September Open Days come to a close, we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has visited Jekka’s this year.
Whether you joined us for an Open Day, came to one of our events, explored Jekka’s Herb Garden and Jekka’s Herbetum, or simply spent time talking herbs with us, it has been wonderful to welcome so many of you.
Gardens are made to be shared, and sharing Jekka’s knowledge and our passion for herbs is at the heart of what we do. We hope everyone who has visited has gone home with a little more knowledge, inspiration and enthusiasm for growing and using herbs.
Thank you for continuing to support Jekka’s.
What a Summer It Has Been
Every year the Herb Garden teaches us something new, and this hot, dry summer has been no exception.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) has been amazing. Wherever we grow it, it seems to have taken the drought in its stride. Our Sages (Salvia) have also loved the conditions and have been another highlight of the summer.
Our Thymes (Thymus) have taught us something too. Those growing in gravel coped well with the dry weather, while some in Jekka’s Herbetum looked as though we had lost them completely. Then the rain arrived and, to our surprise, they came back.
Perhaps the biggest surprise has been Creeping Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium). It has self seeded along the side of one of our paths and thrived through the dry weather. We had always thought of Pennyroyal as a plant that loved wetter conditions, but this year it has shown us just how well it can cope with drought.
For Jekka, the lesson from this extraordinary summer has been simple: be patient. Plants can survive without us. What may look lost during a long period of drought can recover when the conditions change, as our Thymes have shown us this year. Sometimes the best thing we can do as gardeners is simply give plants time.
Give Your Herbs an Autumn Boost
After a long, hot summer, your herbs may be looking a little tired. Plants growing in pots have needed frequent watering, while those in the garden have had to cope with long periods of hot, dry weather.
For plants in containers, repeated watering can wash nutrients from the compost over time. You do not necessarily need to completely repot them. Remove a little of the old compost from the top of the pot and replace it with fresh compost to give established herbs a welcome boost.
And do not forget the watering can just because the weather is cooler. Containers can still dry out surprisingly quickly, particularly on warmer or windy days.
Jekka’s Tip
Jekka recommends giving tired herbs a boost with Epsom Salts. They contain magnesium, which is essential for the production of chlorophyll and healthy green foliage. One of the early signs of magnesium deficiency is yellowing between the veins of older leaves.
Epsom Salts can be used for herbs growing in pots as well as those planted in the garden. Simply follow the instructions on the packet for the correct amount and application.
It is a simple way to give your herbs a little extra attention after a demanding summer and help them as we move into autumn.
Cultivating flavour, creating experiences.