6 LEMONGRASS Cymbopogon citratus

This lemon-flavoured grassy plant is easy to grow and a delight in the garden, releasing its beautiful scent as you brush past it. The stems contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and one study shows inhaling its aroma may help to reduce stress levels.

HOW TO GROW IT

Lemongrass can be divided in spring or summer. Remove 2-3 outer stems, including the roots, trim off the greenery, then plant into a well-manured soil in a frost-free, full sun, sheltered place.

You can also place stalks from the supermarket into a jar of water and let the roots grow.

In cooler regions, plant in containers and move into a greenhouse, glasshouse or inside over winter.

Plants do best when regularly watered over summer. They go dormant in winter, the outer leaves turning brown and withering. In spring, cut back old growth and trim leaves to 10cm above the stems.

THE HARVEST

Harvest in the second year after sowing – use stems that are at least 1cm wide.