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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

on the underside of leaves. Destroy plants if you find it.Advice on growing and harvesting herbsWatch Carol Klein planting herbs in a window box in her video guideGrowing peppermint and thyme in a container, with Monty Don at BerryfieldsTips on picking herbs

taste delicious and are much loved by Jekka's dog, and her extensive collection of myrtles. It is always fascinating to visit a proper growing nursery where you can see the plants at every stage, from little baby seedlings to the larger plants

. It may be cheating Nature but it extends the life of your plants and gives you handfuls of herbs to enjoy.HerbsSecateurs or scissorsIce-cube traysMarch - August (or whenever herbs have usable foliage)10 minutes Chives grow quickly in spring and summer

as soon as roots have formed.More on growing herbsSow basil seed, video advice from Joe SwiftGrowing peppermint and thyme, with Monty DonDeterring rosemary leaf beetleAdvice on picking herbs

The plants used in this hanging basket display are both colourful and fragrant. Heliotrope is one of the best scented plants for growing in a sunny spot, and works well in baskets. The lavender and nemesia are also richly fragrant, and all three

, coriander, mint, thyme and rosemary.Then there are nasturtiums - vibrant, colourful blooms produced in profusion by these easy-to-grow hardy annuals. They have a warming, peppery flavour, not unlike watercress. Which is hardly surprising when you realise

Nemesia plants produce a haze of flowers throughout the summer, and with the pale-gold felt leaves of the helichrysum, a soft cloud-like effect is created. Helichrysum grows happily in sun or part-shade and is ideal for brightening up a dull corner

on light levels. It's the constant temperature plus good light that encourages germination. The seedlings are growing in modular trays; this is a brilliant method that allows for easy transplanting into the garden as soon as the soil warms up. As the roots

Paving and gravel paths can quickly become colonised by garden weeds. Follow our tips on keeping your paths pristine and weed free, below. While some plants, such as thyme and alpines, look delightful growing in the gaps between patio slabs or path