Goals: food

A clump of scented grass that mosquitoes avoid and tea drinkers cannot do without.

Needs space, sun and a lot of feeding, and gives back a bunch plus leaves for cooking.

A heavy feeder in a big pot. Watch for shoot borers and remove affected tips by hand early.

The most satisfying pot crop there is. Stake it early, feed every fortnight, and pinch side shoots so the plant puts its…

Sow thickly in a wide shallow tray and snip with scissors. Rub the seed between your palms before sowing to improve germination.

Slow to start, then generous for decades. Feed with curd whey or diluted buttermilk once a month for glossy leaves.