Growing spaces: ground

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.

A climber that will take over a boundary wall given a chance. Grow from a stem cutting pushed into moist soil.

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…

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

A pest guard as much as a flower — plant it at the edge of vegetable beds. Deadhead often and it flowers…