Easy-grow herbs for the home gardener

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Basil
Plant six basil plants now for an abundance of leaves all summer long. Make pesto with extra leaves.

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Bay leaves
These aromatic leaves add that special something to your soups, stews and tagines. Bay trees grow quite large but are happy clipped into a neat bun or pyramid shape.

Chives
This mini member of the onion family will provide year-round tasty leaves. Just snip with scissors when needed – they’ll regrow quickly.

Continental parsley
Also known as flat-leafed, it’s stronger-flavoured than regular parsley.

Coriander
Shoots up quickly, producing flowers and seeds, but allow some seeds to turn brown and fall on the soil. They’ll germinate and be strong, long-lasting coriander plants, perfectly adapted to the growing conditions in your garden.

Curry leaves
Pick a couple of leaves and fry them with onions, garlic and spices before adding meat or vegies to your curry.

Lemongrass
This tall-growing grass produces heaps of leaves and stem bases all year in warmer climates. Infuse leaves in boiling water for a refreshing drink.

Thyme
Low-growing with bushy or mat-forming types, grow this herb where it can bask in the sun in well-drained soil. Great in a window box or between pavers. Add sprigs to roasts and casseroles.

Mint
Keep it contained in a large pot, as mint loves to run all over the garden. Loves moist soils and semi-shaded garden beds.

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Oregano
A sunny spot is best for this low-growing Mediterranean herb. Pick the tips regularly and scatter on pizza, or try with a tomato salad.

Rosemary
Use in roasts and with potatoes. The long woody stems make perfect kebab skewers. Strip off the leaves and impale your meat and veg, then toss on the barbecue.

Sage
Sage is usually grey-green, but look out for purple, tricolour and golden-leaved cultivars.