by Linda Gray

The most versatile plants seem to fall into the ‘herb’ category. Many will grow in pots as well as on site. Some will even grow on a window ledge. And all of them will stimulate your senses! Here is a snapshot view of ten everyday herbs you can grow at home.

Coriander: Coriandrum sativum

For fresh spicy flavours all year round, plant coriander at regular intervals from spring to autumn in a sunny position. It will overwinter in all but the coldest climates. Can also be grown indoors.

Coriander aids circulation and is well worth adding to our diets, especially during the winter months.

Use the lower leaves to spice up any meal and the fresh root as a vegetable. Collect the dry seeds to use in pickling vinegar - and to plant!

Basil: Ocimum basilicum

Basil needs warm humid conditions to grow, but in colder climates it can be successfully grown indoors.

Basil can be used as a compress for slow healing wounds. A few leaves in a muslin bag under the tap, will produce an invigorating bath!

Chop fresh lower leaves and add to any tomato dish. Basil also enhances the flavour of soups, fish, meat, oils and vinegars, and even breads.

Thyme: Thymus

Thyme should be planted in spring in a sunny position. Protect in cold weather. Can be grown indoors in a very

sunny place.

 

Thyme tea is good for digestive disorders (and hangovers!) and is especially good with a little honey for treating colds and coughs.

Add to stocks, soups, poultry and shellfish dishes. Lemon thyme can be added to jams and fruit salads.

 

Chives: Allium schoenoprasum

Chives should be grown in a sunny position and kept watered. Grow in a pot in the house for continous use during the winter months.

All Alliums can help aid digestion, cleanse the blood, clear catarrh and protect against colds and flu.

Edible chive flowers can be used to garnish salad. Fresh leaves should be chopped (or cut with scissors) and added to salads, sandwiches etc;

Marigolds: Calendula officinalis

Plant marigolds 30 cm apart in a sunny position. They tolerate most conditions but don’t like to be waterlogged. Dead head plants regularly and marigolds will continue to flower.

Marigold petals taken as an infusion aid digestion. Also used as a healing mouthwash.

Add petals to salads, soft cheeses, rice dishes. Marigolds add a mild tangy flavour and lots of colour to many dishes.

Parsley: Petroselinum crispum

Parsley likes a rich moist soil and a sunny position. Plant seed from spring to autumn. (Biennial)

Chew parsley to freshen breath. High in vitamins and minerals, parsley helps to promote healthy skin.

Collect root when plant has seeded, and use in bouquet garni. Chop fresh leaves and add to all types of fish, egg, rice and salad dishes.

Mint: Mentha species

Mint likes partial shade or a sunny site and well drained soil. Can be grown indoors. There are many varieties of mint from spearmint and peppermint through to eau de cologne and lemon scented.

Peppermint leaves infused as a tea aid digestion, colds and flu.

Infuse blended mint leaves for a refreshing tea. Make mint sauce for meat dishes or add to rich chocolate desserts.

Sage: Salvia officinalis

Sage likes a light dry well drained soil in full sun. Replace woody plants every four or five years. Cut back after flowering.

Antiseptic, anti-fungal and containing oestrogen, Sage is said to combat many disorders including menopausal problems. Although a respected remedy, sage should never be taken for long periods in large doses.

Add to onion and make stuffing for poultry. Cook with fatty meats, make sage butters and vinegars and add to soft cheese.

Lavender: Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender likes a sunny open spot with a light well drained soil. Prune well when last flowers have faded.

Infused as a tea, lavender helps cure headaches and soothe nerves. Make lavender ‘teabags’ to freshen up clothes cupboards by sewing dried lavender flowers into small squares of muslin.

Use to flavour jams and jellies. Crystallised flowers can be used for cake decorations.

Borage: Borago officinalis or Echium amoenum

Borage likes a sunny position with a well drained soil. Said to overwhelm the heart with gladness, Borage will self seed freely once established, and will overwhelm your garden if not controlled. Position wisely!

Rich in mineral salts, Borage is useful to add to a salt-free diet. Research suggests that Borage works on the adrenal gland, where courage begins!

Use the unusual and beautifully coloured flowers to garnish salads, or freeze in ice cubes to float in summer drinks! Finely chop young leaves and add to sandwiches etc.