Use essential oils to nourish plants and banish pests

Essential oils are a concentrated form of the aromatic properties of herbs. You can use them, diluted, to give your plants a boost and to deter pests. For an all-round plant nourisher, add 2 drops of chamomile essential oil in 1 litre of water, shake to mix, then water the soil around your plants.

Put 2-3 drops of basil oil in your watering can when watering tomatoes to boost growth. Cedarwood, hyssop and pine are said to deter slugs and snails. Add a drop of each to a litre of water, shake well, pour a ring of liquid around susceptible plants. Reapply regularly. For a pest spray, mix 4 drops each of marigold, rosemary and peppermint oils, and 2 drops dish soap in 4 litres of water. Spray plants. Test a small patch first.