Grow Your Own Edible Garden: Herbs and Plants That Keep on Giving

Discover the Joy of Growing Your Own Herbs: Tips from Urban Gardener Connie Cao

There's nothing quite like the flavor of fresh herbs, especially when you can pluck them right from your own garden. Many of us have experienced the frustration of buying a large bunch only to use a few sprigs, leaving the rest to wilt away in the fridge. The good news? Some herbs and edible plants can thrive for years, allowing you to have fresh ingredients on hand without constant replanting.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, knowing which plants will flourish in your climate can make all the difference. Passionate urban gardener Connie Cao, based in Naarm/Melbourne, has mastered the art of growing veggies and herbs almost exclusively from her own backyard garden. According to her, spring is the perfect time to begin cultivating your herb collection, and spring onions are an ideal choice for beginner gardeners.

“Once you buy spring onions once, you pretty much never have to buy them again,” says Connie, highlighting their low-maintenance nature. Growing spring onions is as simple as cutting off the green tops from a supermarket bunch and planting the roots in a small pot, spaced about three to five centimeters apart. You’ll have fresh spring onions at your fingertips with minimal effort!

Connie also shares her experience with mint, a flavorful herb that can easily take over your garden if not contained correctly. “Mint can become invasive if you don’t confine it to a pot,” she warns, but notes that it’s easy to grow and maintain. If you know anyone who has mint plants, they will likely be more than happy to share a cutting—making this a delightful addition to your herb collection.

During summer, Connie’s mint may die back a bit, but it always springs back to life. Regularly trimming and repotting will keep it healthy and thriving.

“Homegrown lemongrass smells so fresh and fragrant,” Connie shares, noting that this tropical plant is another impressive addition to any herb garden.