Tulsi
The household holy basil — thrives in a pot, keeps pests down and brings pollinators to a balcony.
Grihvatika Journal
Goals: biodiversity
Neem
A whole pharmacy in a tree, and the source of the safest home pest spray. Needs ground space — not a balcony…
Giloy
A climber that will take over a boundary wall given a chance. Grow from a stem cutting pushed into moist soil.
Marigold
A pest guard as much as a flower — plant it at the edge of vegetable beds. Deadhead often and it flowers…
Hibiscus
Flowers on new growth, so prune hard after the monsoon. Loves a monthly dose of potash.