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Jekka McVicar's 10 companion plantsJekka McVicar's organic herb garden achieved a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show 2009. We caught up with her at the show to discover her top 10 herbs for growing as companion plants.Companion planting

Unlocking the power of plants A herb garden is not only a place of beauty, it's also a medicine chest, holding remedies to many ailments. Discover the healing properties of the herbs in your garden.Find out how to... grow garlicUntil the 17th

after flowering to promote new growth, which you can use over winter.May-OctoberMay-October30 minutesBay, Laurus nobilis x1Flat-leaf parsley, Petroselinum crispum x1French tarragon, Artemisia dracunculus x1Greek sage, Salvia officinalis 'Greek' x2Lemon

will suffer if the compost dries out in hot weather.May-OctoberMay-October30 minutesCelery leaf, Apium graveolens x2Chives, Allium schoenoprasum x3Mint, Mentha spicata x1Purple shiso, Oerilla frutescens var. purpurascens x3Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis x1

June - August20 minutesRue, Ruta graveolens 'Jackman's Blue'Miniature patio roses x2Pale green thyme, Thymus pulegioides 'Foxley'Garlic chives x3Small lavender, such as 'Munstead' x3Window boxCrocksPeat-free multi-purpose compostPlace the crocks

it whenever necessary to prevent it swamping the other plants.Be careful when handling the lantana if you have sensitive skin, as the aromatic foliage can cause irritation.If frost is forecast after planting up, protect these plants by bringing the pot under

and looks wonderful planted with woolly thyme, golden-leafed sage and low-growing rosemary.MayJune - September20 minutesSerrated-leafed lavender, Lavandula x christianaWoolly thyme, Thymus pseudolanuginosusGolden-leafed sage, e.g. Salvia officinalis