Grow healthy, tasty herbs all year round

More herbs: Planting a herb window-box

Basil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is the perfect partner for tomatoes in salads, sandwiches, sauces and pasta. It’s also the base for pesto. Bees love its flowers too.Basil

Bay leaves

Bay (Laurus nobilis) leaves (usually dried) add depth to meaty dishes and aid digestion, especially of rich food. Clip the bush into an attractive topiary feature.bay-laurus-nobilis

Chives

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are delicious snipped over food as a light onion-flavoured garnish or infused in oils and vinegars. Plants repel pests, multiply easily and tolerate light shade.chives-allium-schoenoprasum

More about Chives: Growing onions all year round

Garden mint

Garden mint (Mentha spicata) is more than a sauce for lamb. Its fresh flavour enhances salads, dips and dressings and is delicious with brinjals. Grow in pots to prevent it spreading.garden-mint-mentha-spicata

Keep reading: Growing mint

Oregano

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) has a powerful flavour most associated with pizza and Italian cuisine. Use the strongly antiseptic leaves for treating respiratory infections.oregano-origanum-vulgare

Parsley

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) strengthens the immune system. Juice it up with fruit or veggies; use as a garnish or add at the end of cooking.

parsley-petroselinum-crispum

Rosemary

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) lifts the spirits with its fragrance and is delicious with roast chicken, lamb and baby potatoes. It’s a good pest repellent too.

rosemary-rosmarinus-officinalis

Sage

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is an excellent first aid herb for treating bites and stings, sore throats and mouth ulcers. The leaves have a strong flavour; use it sparingly.sage-salvia-officinalis

Thyme

Thyme (Thymus spp.) is both a culinary and medicinal herb. Use in savoury dishes and as an infusion to treat colds, flu, coughs and bronchitis.

thyme-thymus-spp

READ MORE: 3 herb containers for small gardens