Some herbs are annuals, some are perennials, and some can be grown indoors-but all of those highlighted here can be grown either in pots or directly in the soil. Each individual plant profile includes detailed growing advice.

Home and garden expert Linda Gray tells how to prepare the soil, when to sow and plant out, and when to harvest and gather. Linda also examines the culinary uses of each herb and spice, and explores other uses from medicinal remedies to insect repellents and sleep remedies.

Tips on container growing and hints on how to store the harvest make Self Sufficiency: Herbs and Spices an indispensable guide.