Simple 5-minute trick to make supermarket basil, mint and parsley last longer

When you buy a pot of basil, coriander or parsley from the supermarket, they often don't last long - but a gardening expert has shared a trick to make them last longer

When you're whipping up a delicious meal at home, adding some freshly chopped herbs can really take the flavour to the next level.

It's a routine for many to grab a pot of basil, coriander or parsley on their weekly shop. However, it's frustrating when these fresh herbs go limp too soon, often spoiling within days and ending up in the trash. But a gardening expert on social media claims there's a simple reason why this happens, and even better, there's a straightforward solution to make your herbs last much longer.

This useful tip comes from Michael, who goes by @themediterraneangardener on TikTok and has gained an impressive 264,300 followers for his easy-to-follow gardening advice. He says that taking one extra step with your store-bought herb pots when you get home can significantly extend their freshness, allowing you to enjoy them before they go bad.

In a TikTok video, he revealed: "Did you know when you buy herbs from the supermarket, you're often buying loads of individual plants that are often packed together?" As he demonstrated with a bunch of potted chives, it was clear that many roots were squashed into the tiny pot, all vying for room. He added: "So, to make them healthier, last longer and give you more plants, get them home, pull them apart and plant them into smaller clumps."

Taking a leaf out of his own book, Michael split his chive plant into smaller clumps, putting them into pots equal in size to the original, reports the Manchester Evening News. This tactic gives the roots plenty of room to spread and breathe. He showcased the adaptability of this strategy, adding: "You can do this with basil, parsley, coriander, mint, chives, to name a few."