Tasting like a mixture of mint and cloves it compliments courgettes and is legendary in tomato and pasta dishes. Use fresh or dried in salads, casseroles and vinegars. Insect repellent and companion plant for tomatoes. Companion Plant: Reputed to improve the growth and flavour of tomatoes, and keep most insects and bugs off most of your vegetables. Diluted crushed leaves make an effective organic insecticide.

Sow from late winter to spring 1.5mm (1/16in) deep in good seed compost. Germination usually takes 14-21 days at 21-24C (70-75F).

Transplant when large enough to handle into 8cm (3in) pots. Later harden off and plant out 38cm (15in) apart into ordinary well drained soil in full sun when all risk of frost is past.

Cooking: Warm spicy taste ideal for Provencal recipes. Use in salads, soups and stews, on liver, lamb, eggs and lobster.

Nature's Remedy: Often recommended to combat nervous tension or depression, as a headache cure, and also as a tonic and aid to digestion. Steep 1 teaspoonful of dried herb in ½ a cup of water. Take up to 1-1½ cups a day, a little at a time. Sweeten with honey if taken for a cough.