Regions: south

The monsoon green that grows itself — heat-proof, rain-proof and ready in a month.

Grows from a cutting in a glass of water. Keep it in its own pot — it will take over any other.

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

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

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

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

A whole pharmacy in a tree, and the source of the safest home pest spray. Needs ground space — not a balcony…

Flowers best when slightly starved and thirsty — the classic mistake is watering it too well.

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

A dryland shrub grown for its root; it resents wet feet more than it resents heat.