Description

1. Catnip: Highly adored by cats, catnip also offers calming properties beneficial for humans and is a frequent ingredient in herbal teas.
   • Growing Season: Spring and autumn in South Africa.
   • Best Growing Medium: A mix of well-drained soil and coir, with a pH of 6.1 to 7.8, ensuring moisture retention.
2. Basil: A staple in many kitchens, basil’s fragrant leaves are especially loved in Italian dishes like pesto.
   • Growing Season: South African summer.
   • Best Growing Medium: Coir with vermiculite to maintain consistent moisture levels, and a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
3. Chamomile: Recognized by its daisy-like flowers, chamomile is popular for its soothing effects in herbal teas.
   • Growing Season: Spring.
   • Best Growing Medium: Well-drained soil combined with perlite to encourage root aeration.
4. Chives: With their mild onion flavour, chives bring freshness to dishes and are popular as garnishes.
   • Growing Season: Spring and autumn.
   • Best Growing Medium: A blend of soil, coir, and perlite, ensuring good drainage and moisture retention.
5. Coriander (Cilantro): Both its leaves and seeds have culinary importance, particularly in Asian and Mexican dishes.
   • Growing Season: Late winter to early spring.
   • Best Growing Medium: Well-drained soil enriched with vermiculite for moisture regulation.
6. Dill: Recognized by its feathery leaves, dill is essential for pickling and is great with fish.
   • Growing Season: Spring.
   • Best Growing Medium: A mix of coir and soil, ensuring good drainage.
7. Fennel: With a licorice flavour, both the bulb and seeds of fennel are savoured in dishes.
   • Growing Season: Late summer to early autumn.
   • Best Growing Medium: Soil with added vermiculite for moisture retention and perlite for drainage.
8. Garden Rocket (Arugula): A peppery green leaf, it adds a sharp taste to salads.
   • Growing Season: Winter and early spring.
   • Best Growing Medium: A blend of soil and coir, providing good aeration and moisture.
9. Wild Rocket: Spicier than garden rocket, it adds intensity to salads.
   • Growing Season: Winter and early spring.
   • Best Growing Medium: Similar to garden rocket; soil and coir mixture.
10. Lavender: Beyond its aromatic scent, lavender finds its way into culinary and therapeutic applications.

• • Growing Season: Spring.
  • Best Growing Medium: Light soil with added perlite to ensure good drainage.

11. Lemon Basil: Offering a citrusy twist, lemon basil is great in soups and with poultry.

• • Growing Season: South African summer.
  • Best Growing Medium: Coir and vermiculite mixture to maintain moisture levels.

12. Lemon Grass: Known for its tangy flavor, lemongrass is central in many Asian dishes.

• • Growing Season: Spring to early summer.
  • Best Growing Medium: Soil combined with coir to retain moisture.

13. Oregano: Pungent and earthy, oregano is essential in many Italian and Mediterranean dishes.

• • Growing Season: Spring and summer.
  • Best Growing Medium: Well-draining soil enriched with perlite.

14. Parsley Moss: Curly-leaved parsley, often used as a garnish, also adds flavour to dishes.

• • Growing Season: Winter to spring.
  • Best Growing Medium: A combination of soil, coir, and vermiculite for balanced growth.

15. Parsley Plain: Flat-leaved parsley is a versatile culinary herb.

• • Growing Season: Winter to spring, similar to parsley moss.
  • Best Growing Medium: Soil and coir mixture to ensure good moisture retention.

16. Rosemary: With its fragrant needles, rosemary is especially loved with roasts.

• • Growing Season: Spring.
  • Best Growing Medium: Light, sandy soil with perlite for optimal drainage.

17. Thyme: Offering a potent flavor, thyme is a favourite in many dishes, from stews to meats.

• • Growing Season: Late winter to spring.
  • Best Growing Medium: Well-drained soil combined with perlite for aeration.