HERBAL remedies

Grow your own herbs and give your wellbeing, as well as your food, a boost

Planted in the garden, herbs will not only look and smell wonderful, but will attract bees and other useful insects. Varieties such as basil, borage and thyme will help keep companion plants healthy, improve their flavour and protect them from the rigours of disease. Chives and garlic will also nurse neighbouring plants through sickness.

Herbs grow best in sunshine – about five hours of full sun is enough to draw out the aromas and strong flavours of most herbs. In a south-facing bed where other plants might shrivel, the drought-busting curry plant or Helichrysum italicum, sage, rosemary and scented geraniums will all enjoy the sunshine, especially if they have gritty soil and good drainage.

Designing a bed

Traditional herb gardens are arranged as a series of square or rectangular beds in a lawn or paved area. Round beds are especially good for making the most of a small space.

Each bed can be designed according to their use, such as culinary, herbal remedies or for making household cleaners. Creeping thymes, lavender or flowering chives make good edging plants. Parsley is a good option for shady areas.

You can treat herbs like other herbaceous perennials and incorporate them into a bed. Planted here, they will keep their neighbours fit and healthy. Chives planted next to rose bushes will deter blackspot and fix nitrogen in the soil.