Regions: North India

Drought-tolerant root herb for a hot sunny corner; needs almost nothing once established.

A climbing vine of the monsoon, long used in home remedies and generous with shade.

A creeping marsh herb happy in a wide bowl of wet soil — the one plant you cannot overwater.

A fine-leaved climber with tuberous roots, happiest scrambling up a partly shaded wall.

The household holy basil — thrives in a pot, keeps pests down and brings pollinators to a balcony.

The dark-leaved tulsi, sharper in scent and a little slower to grow than the green.

A hardy monsoon spreader with long traditional use, easy to grow and valuable for small insects.