How to create a handy herb garden

Research disproving the benefits of daily multivitamin pills is growing. Experts agree that— while, at times, a specific supplement is needed for an individual—a generic multivitamin does not prevent disease and, according to the NHS, could actually cause serious harm.

The best way to consume your essential daily dose of micronutrients is through natural ingredients, and what could be more gratifying than growing them yourself?

Herbs love to bask in the springtime sun, but they will still thrive indoors with the right care. Make sure you put them in a place that gets plenty of light such as—close to, but not touching—a south-facing window, house them in separate pots with drainage holes (lay saucers underneath) and be sure to use quality soil with the correct pH for each herb. When watering, allow the soil to dry out a little before quenching their thirst again. Herbs tend to enjoy the same temperatures as us, but basil is slightly fussier: ensure it has constant warmth and adjust its environment appropriately to prevent the leaves wilting.

Once your herbs are flourishing and the weather is sunnier, feel free to move them into a cosy herb patch outdoors should you prefer. In the meantime, enjoy your home-grown flavours bursting with goodness.

Which herbs to choose:

Basil full of vitamin K, A, iron and calcium

Dill rich in copper, zinc, iron and calcium

Oregano provides potassium, folate and is also an antioxidant

Parsley an antioxidant with folic acid

Peppermint plentiful in vitamin A, C, iron and zinc

Thyme high in magnesium, iron and vitamin B6