Ask the Plant Doctor! How to start a herb garden

Shazli’s balcony garden on the 8th floor. Photo: Shazli Taib

You have a variety of options from which to choose for your herb and tree garden. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) and Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora) are two closely related herbs with distinct flavours, and both require pots approximately 20-30cm in diameter.

Mint (Mentha spp.) and Daun kesum (Persicaria odorata) are also good options for container gardening. They thrive in slightly larger pots around 20-30cm in diameter. Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) also make excellent choices, but because of their larger roots, they require pots with a diameter of 30-40cm.