Sage in flower
Herbs & spices

Savoury sage

Sage advice: used in medicine and cooking, it's well worth growing in your garden, writes Penny Woodward.

Cretan thyme
Herbs & spices

It’s time for thyme

Ground-cover thymes can be tough and versatile in the garden, says PENNY WOODWARD.

Basil
What to plant

The best of basil

There's more than one basil for your kitchen garden. Why not branch out and try a few different kinds?

Yellow primose flowers
Herbs & spices

Shady herbs

PENNY WOODWARD suggests some shade-loving herbs for those difficult positions.

Freshly harvested turmeric roots
Herbs & spices

Turmeric is just the tonic

Turmeric is a cure-all plant that is easy to grow in all but the coldest regions, says PENNY WOODWARD.

Bunches of herbs
Herbs & spices

Make a bouquet garni

Add a bunch of flavour to your winter soups and stews with PENNY WOODWARD'S tips for beautiful bouquet garni.

Coriander leaves
Herbs & spices

Crazy for coriander

PENNY WOODWARD says versatile coriander deserves a place in every garden.

Mixed spices
Herbs & spices

Mixed spices

Home gardeners might consider spices too unusual and tricky to grow, but PENNY WOODWARD says there are good choices for warm and cool climates.

Herbs in a herb garden
Herbs & spices

Herb garden basics

Autumn is a good time to plant herbs, so PENNY WOODWARD tells us how to start.

Bright green leaves of French tarragon
Herbs & spices

French tarragon

With a delicious, mellow aniseed flavour, PENNY WOODWARD says French tarragon should be in everyone's garden.

Edible fishy leaves
Herbs & spices

A strange fish

Lizard tail, heartleaf and swamp pepper are other names for this intriguing edible plant, writes PENNY WOODWARD.

Sweet Basil
What to plant

What’s summer without basil?

There's a good case for growing a big patch of basil in the summer garden, especially if you love this herb.