Mint, thyme and oergano will flourish in summer if you do 2-minute task once a week

Most potted herbs, such as oregano, don't need much maintenance and can thrive on your windowsill for weeks with little care. However, in the summer they need a little more attention.

Hot weather causes herbs to develop thick, woody stems to allow them to better conserve water. This consumes a lot of energy, and as a result herb plants won't produce leaves, and any remaining leaves will become extremely bitter. But there's a solution: pruning.

Nell Foster, a gardener and founder of Joyus Garden, says houseplant owners should dedicate a few minutes each week to pruning them. She said: "Oregano, like mint or sweet marjoram, has softer woody stems.

"These old stems will eventually get woody over time, particularly in warmer climates. The plant becomes quite dense, making it difficult for new growth to appear in spring and summer.

"This is why pruning is crucial. The fresh oregano leaves are much tastier than the tougher, older ones. I prune my mint, thyme, and marjoram in the same way - out with the old and in with the new."

Pruning encourages herbs to continue producing fresher, tender, and consequently more flavourful leaves instead of concentrating on stem growth. It also keeps the herbs healthy by preventing them from becoming overgrown, which not only appears untidy but also increases the likelihood of fungal diseases infecting the plants.

The key is to check and prune them regularly in the summer.

It's simple: all you need to do is lightly prune your herbs, removing any old or woody-looking stems. This should take no more than a couple of minutes.

Use a pair of clean, sharp scissors and trim approximately three inches back. Make sure your herbs are in a sunny spot such as a windowsill or balcony if available.

They also thrive well in your garden. You'll be able to tell if plants need watering by checking the soil - if it feels dry, then watering is needed.

But be careful not to overwater them, as woody herbs originating in the Mediterranean can't tolerate waterlogged soil. With weekly care, your oregano, thyme, and mint plants should flourish spectacularly this summer, providing you with an abundance of fresh, aromatic herbs.