My Herb & Fruit Garden

Last year, I started a herb garden - something I have been meaning to do for a while. I managed to source quite a lot of herbs in KL. Most of these herbs require little direct sunlight (needs to be quite shaded in fact). Most of them survived and are still thriving, and have made an appearance in many of my homecooked dishes. I have also planted some fruit plants, always excited when the plant bears some fruits for us to enjoy. I have also recently added a few edible flowers to my collection. 

You can also read this post about how to make your own compost at home.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis):

Rosemary is a useful herb to have in the garden. I use it a lot when I'm roasting potatoes and meat. It is said that eating rosemary can improve memory. 

Rosemary requires watering once everyday, if it is a very hot day, you may want to water in the evenings as well. Avoid watering on the plant leaves. This herb requires direct sunlight, and is one of the easier ones to grow in Malaysia. 
Rosemary
Lemon thyme




Peppermint (Mentha piperata):

I bought this peppermint plant for fun, cos it was available. So far I've only used it to make peppermint tea (add the peppermint leaves to some black tea). I do love the smell a lot, the aroma is said to be able to enhance memory and alertness. It can soothe and treat nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, indigestion, irritable bowel, and bloating.

You can grow it easily by cutting off a stem and placing it in water to grow roots. This herb needs to be kept out of the hot sun and water moderately once daily.

Peppermint
Dill (Anethum graveolens):

Dill is also known as Lao Coriander. Dill can grow up to 40-60cm, you will need to support it with a stick to help it grow straight. The leaves are delicate (thread-like) and have a lovely fresh smell. It is said that dill have calming properties as well as being able to reduce pains and aches, prevent bad breath, helps digestions and relieve bloating, burping and insomnia. One evening, while we were in the garden, my kids started picking off the leaves and eating them... telling me that it was very nice!

My dill plant has recently been flowering a lot (the flowers are yellow), I waited til they are quite dry, then just cut them off and sprinkle the seeds over soil in a new pot. After 2-3 days, the"babies" emerged. So happy! Dill requires direct sunlight exposure and good drainage. Water 2 times a day to avoid dryness. 

I like to use dill with eggs as well as with cucumber

Dill


Baby dill - about 5-6 days old

Can you see the seed? It's beginning to have leaves!

Yellow dill flower
Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum):

If you ask me what is my favorite herb from the garden, my answer will be this sweet basil plant. It is very useful and versatile, I love adding it to pasta and when I make a big harvest, I will make homemade pesto. It pairs really well with tomatoes  or even strawberries and my kids love to eat it raw/fresh- just pluck and eat!

I have 5 basil plants now (started off with 2), they grow quite easily. When the basil plant grows quite tall, you can trim it and any trimmings can be placed in water for a few days for it to grow roots. Once the plant has new roots, you can plant it in a new pot. They are quite prone to insects though, so keep an eye on them - I usually use an organic insecticide to keep the insects away. Water sparingly two times daily but avoid the leaves. In Malaysian climate, I would say it needs moderate sunlight so keep semi-shaded but within reach to sunlight. 







Holy basil:

Holy basil is great in Thai dishes such as pad krapow moo. It is easy to grow, requiring full sun and good drainage. The leaves are serrated and is retains its fragrance better than Thai basil when cooked. 


Sage (Salvia officinalis):

Sage is commonly used for its culinary and medicinal properties; its name comes from the Latin word salvere (to save).  It is a strong flavoured herb and the leaves are slightly bitter. You can use it with pork (such as to make meatballs) as well as pair it with pumpkin. It can also be used to make this natural cough-control tea. Sometimes sage is used to reduce the greasy taste of meat ("sou mei").  It has calming effects and can aid digestion.

Sage trimmings can be placed in water for new roots to grow. Sage plant requires plenty of water but prevent excessive watering at foliage. It requires partial sunlight.



Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis):

Lemon balm's leaves have a soft lemon scent. The plant requires partial sunlight and watered when necessary to avoid dryness. It is often used in making tea, flavouring ice cream or cakes or can also be added into salads, soup, stew, pesto (lemon balm pesto), and also as a repellent to mosquitoes when rubbed against skin.

Lemon balm is believed to be an anti-depressant agent, as well as being able to relax the mind, aids digestion and relieves headache.


Lavender (Lavandula intermedia):

This lavender herb is also known as silver edge lavender and looks very similar to rosemary, but the leaves are a much duller green (gray-green). It requires full sunlight with moderate moisture, so water when necessary.

I am not sure if this is the same lavender which will bear purple flowers later on, but hope so! Lavender has soothing, calming properties

English parsley (Petroselinum crispum):

This curly leaf parsley is usually use as a garnish. The soil needs to be moist, so water twice a day especially when weather is hot.



Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix / limau purut)

It has distintive double leaves which are aromatic, and is highly prized in many cuisines such as Thai, Lao, Cambodian and Vietnamese cuisine. The kaffir lime is rough and bumpy, and is quite bitter tasting.



Indian borage (Plectranthus amboinicus)

Good for cough and nasal congestion.



Stevia

Also known as sugar leaf or sweet leaf, it is used as a natural sweetener and sugar substitute.



Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Fennel's leaves and flowers look very similar to dill, one of the easiest way to tell them apart is the bulb-like stem base that fennel has. The leaves are threadlike and has an aniseed flavour. Fennel seeds are often dried and used as a spice (in Malay its called jintan manis). 



Acerola cherry

Flowers are pink. Fruits will be bright red when ripe, taste slightly tart. Should always prune to promote growth of new flowers/shoots.Water regularly and also spray insecticide. 

Acerola cherry

Mulberry

Mulberries (in Chinese "song yip") turn from green and furry to red to black when ripe. The leaves can also be eaten, it is said to be good for the eyesight and health in general. For more photos, click here.



Mulberry - ready for consumption


Edible Flowers:

Dianthus barbatus - Sweet william (white base and dark pink centre)

Dianthus barbatus - sweet william (white base and light pink centre)




Note:
1. If possible avoid buying the herbs from the supermarkets as the sudden temperature change once you bring them home may mean that they will not survive. If you do buy them from supermarkets, you need to ensure the temperature change is gradual (ie leave indoors for a couple of days in a cool place before you replant them outside).

2. I repot all my herbs when I bring them home. The herbs are placed at a shaded area at the back of the house. Most herbs receive morning sunlight.

3. For herbs, use coffee fertilizer. For fruit or flower plants, use chicken manure fertilizer. 

4. I have been getting lots of emails asking where to buy seeds for edibles in KL. You can try major supermarkets such as Giant/Tesco/Carrefour, or Ace Hardware. 


*Will be updating with more herbs when I have time.

93 comments:

  1. lovely... bet yr garden smells awesome with these... and its so useful to have them on hand cos those bought doesn't last and are quite pricey. :)

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    1. Yeah it is one of the greatest projects I did last year. They're very handy cos everytime I need herbs I just go pluck however much I need in the garden. :)

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  2. I think Basils are really good to grow in KL as well! I have pots of really fertile and healthy Italian and Thai Basils in my garden and they really add that extra oomph to simple dishes :)
    ( Pastas, Stir-fries, Salads..etc )

    Just to share:
    Home-grown Arugula Rocket in my herb garden :D
    LINK: http://www.chiqess.com/2013/02/home-grown-salad-rocket-arugula.html

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for sharing! I have both sweet basil and Thai basil too, they're great!

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    2. Hi, I wish to plant basils too, do you plant it from seed or plant itself? if so, where do you buy them?

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  3. Replies
    1. Haha yes, I have sage, basil and many more. Just no time to update all yet. :P

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  4. you're missy green fingers! :D

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  6. I am so jealous of your herbs. I have basil, oregano, cilantro and chives. I bought them at a supermarket. Thinking if adding some more herbs. Where do you suggest I buy good herbs? I am really eyeing on buying a mint plant.

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    1. Hi Samantha, usually I get it from an aunty near the Cheras wet market. She will source it from Sg Buloh nursery for me. Mint is a good herb to have, and you can also try English parsley and thyme.

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  7. i have a limau purut plant for 22 years. In the beginning it flowered and fruit beautifully. After i started to use the lime/fruit for cooking, the fruiting seems to slow down and completely ceased.
    The plant till today is still growing very well , but still no flowering/fruiting. I use good organic fertilizer . Maybe you might assist me on how to get my plant to fruit again.

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    1. Hi Emmanuel, perhaps you can try pruning/trimming the branches. I have been told that pruning will encourage growth of the plant and it may start flowering/fruiting again. Hope this helps.

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  8. Hi may i know where did you buy all those herbs? I've been looking around but not able to locate them, please share with me if you're ok with it

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    1. Hi there, you will be able to find most of these herbs in Sg Buloh nurseries or Genting Highlands or Cameron Highlands. Supermarkets will also have them but they may not survive in the hot climate (unless you're keeping them indoors near the window, then shd be ok). You can also plant from seeds, I found them in the pharmacy opposite Cold Storage in The Gardens Mall. Hope this helps!

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  9. Looks good!!
    I'm from singapore and stay in high rise apt.. So mainly herbs in containers. Have been trying dill from seeds as I think the pot I bought from nursery is fennel... Tho the card read dill :(
    Unfor the only seedling blew over n died.

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  10. Looks good!!
    I'm from singapore and stay in high rise apt.. So mainly herbs in containers. Have been trying dill from seeds as I think the pot I bought from nursery is fennel... Tho the card read dill :(
    Unfor the only seedling blew over n died.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Elaine, I can send you some dill seeds if you like. Get in touch via email: goodyfoodies@live.com

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  11. Hi! :) Love the variety of herbs in your garden! I literally went omg at the acerola cherry.. I never knew we could grow cherries here! May I know where to get this plant? Thanks. :)

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    1. Hi there, acerola cherry is different from the cherries u get at the supermarket. It is quite sour in taste. You may be able to find it in nurseries in Sg Buloh.

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  12. Hi! Where can I buy the seeds to grow herbs? It would be great cos I want to plant it for my mum. And I need it to improve my health . Please help me,!!👌😁😄

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    Replies
    1. Hi there, u can get herb seeds from various locations - some pharmacies (eg. the one opposite Cold Storage The Gardens), or Ace Hardware or even at Giant/Carrefour supermarket. Hope this helps!

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  13. Hi, May i know where you buy the lavender? Am I able to get the lavender from JB?

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    Replies
    1. They will have it in Cameron Highlands or Genting Highlands.

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  14. Hi, im pretty impressed with your herb collection. And i do appreciate the tips and guidance you gave inside your blog. I have three pots of basil, one dead rosemary (possibly due to overpruning and overwatering despite having excellent drainage), one sage plant, two snake leaf plants, and a spearmint.

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  15. Hi, Happy New Year!! Love your herbs garden. Can I check with you how do you use dill with egg and cucumber? Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Hi there, you can mix the dill in with scrambled eggs (add towards the end) or use in devilled eggs or on omelette.
      http://goodyfoodies.blogspot.com/2013/08/recipe-easy-king-prawn-and-asparagus.html
      http://goodyfoodies.blogspot.com/2013/03/recipe-devilled-eggs-creamy-boiled-eggs.html

      These are just a few examples, you can search more under label: eggs/herbs.

      I will post a recipe for pickled cucumber with dill soon, so check back again soon :)

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    2. Hi! I can't find dill seeds in supermarket. Do you know where to buy? I only find fennel n cumin seeds

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  16. Hi Happy New Year!
    Deeply impressed and I must say you sure are missy green fingers!

    I'm kind new to all this. May i know is this hobby expensive? I mean you need to buy fertilizers, soil, seeds, gardening tools etc and does it require high maintenance? oh one more thing, do you encounter any pest problem?

    Please shed some light. Thanks!

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    1. Hi there. You will definitely need to get soil, seeds and at least 1 small garden spade to start off with. Then, you will need to fertilize once every 2 weeks. For fruit plants, you will also need to prune it often to encourage growth, and if there are insects, you will also need to spray insecticide. But all the hard work is worth it when you see your plants thriving/fruiting. :)

      Good luck to you!

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  18. Hi there,

    Really lovely plants you've got growing here. May I know where you purchased them potted or as seeds?

    Thanks!

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    1. Hi Sephora, some are purchased as potted plants (rosemary, dill) and most of them I planted from seeds (parsley, thyme, basil). For potted plants, u can probably try Sg Buloh, for seeds, usually the larger supermarkets will stock them (Tesco/Carrefour/Giant) or Ace Hardware.

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  19. Hi,

    I love the information you share in the blog. I am new to this hobby. I have an apartment with small balcony that is direct exposed to the sun after noon for 6 hours. Do you think this may affect the plant quality? What type of soil should I be using? Small pot... or can I mix two different type of herb in a long pot i.e. Rosemary with Kaffir Lime ?

    Chyrina

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    1. I'm not too sure, my herbs get morning sun and I water them 2x a day. You can probably try growing from seeds. I usually just use organic black soil and then fertilize it 2-3 times a month with coffee fertilizer.

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  20. Hi
    I love your blog.
    It is wonderful to see the herbs.
    If it is possible to ask you to help me gather as many herbs as possible?
    My name is CK

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry, if you are interested in getting herbs, you can pay a visit to the nurseries at Sg Buloh.

      Delete
  21. Stumbled upon your blog today. So inspiring! I'd love to have my own lil herb garden. I'm very inexperienced when it comes to gardening, so can I get your thoughts on this?

    I live in a condo with a balcony, so space is limited. Do you think it will work if I had a long pot and planted a few herb plants in a row?

    - Lydia

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    Replies
    1. Actually I have many friends living in apartments who have great success in growing herbs in long planters. You can probably start with basil, rosemary and mint first. Good luck!

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  22. And btw, I live in KL so we're of the same climate. :)

    - Lydia

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  23. Hi, anyone knows where to get kaffir lime seeds in Singapore?

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  24. Wow! Nice herb garden! How you manage to keep them alive in this HOT weather? Mine always dries up when I go away for few days :(

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    1. Yes, in this hot weather, you will need to water them 2x a day. You cant really leave them unattended.

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  25. Hi,

    Would like to ask you when you say coffee fertilizer for herbs, may I know which one are you referring to? Coffee sludge which is a low in nutrient fertilizer or NPK 888, a type of humus fertilizer?

    Do you have any idea how to grow thyme? my thyme is dying :(

    Thanks in advance for your guidance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there, I buy mine from a nursery, Im not sure what type is it... it's like small balls and they just call it coffee fertilizer, to be used on herbs.

      I grew my thyme from seeds, they're doing OK for the time being. You can get thyme seeds from Ace Hardware, it's definitely more weather resistant.

      Delete
  26. Hi, may i know what's the different between Peppermint and the Lemon Balm? They look same to me =\

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    Replies
    1. To tell the difference rub your fingers over the leaves. Lemon balm smells like fresh lemons and peppermint smells like your toothpaste (minty smell).

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  27. 犀利喔!!!硬山地发cherry。 :P

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  28. Wah. Herb garden. It is something I always wanted to do.

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  29. Hi there, I'm very interested to grow herb plants.... may I know where can I get these seeds (e.g., rosemary or pepper mint)?
    Thank you!!!

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  30. Hello! i can imagine you are living in such a wonderful environment, have some fresh herb whenever you need. haha I like that.

    Btw, i'm planting drill plant for 2 years however i found that my drill plant (all) just "died" with no reason especially when it come to year end, and i have to replant from seed every years, kinda frustrated on that, do you have the same experience too? any idea for that?
    and you mention the Pharmacy that opposite of Cold storage The garden, do you mean a real health pharmacy that selling plants seed? cos i'm planning to plant rosemary and thyme , so do lavender.

    Thank you. Once again, Awesome Blog

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    Replies
    1. Hi Kent,

      Yea I find that my dill plant will die after a period of time, and I will need to replant from seeds too.

      Yea, the pharmacy opposite Cold Storage occasionally sells herb seeds. Alternatively you can try Ace Hardware in MV or others around KL.

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  31. Hi..I'm glad I found your blog. Finally I can seek opinions from someone who is living in same climate as me. I've been trying to plant rosemary. I kept it shaded (car porch) and it receive morning sun. I watered once a day sometimes twice if the weather is too hot. I din water the leaves. However, the leaves always curled up and it seems dry. My mom told me to cut off the branches that curled up to avoid it infect to other branches. Of course I roasted some yummy rosemary potatoes with it. And the balance that I din use, I soaked it in a glass of water and Suprisingly, not only the leaves back to normal plump look, it survive and it rooted 2 weeks later. After it rooted,I replant it in a new pot. However, I want to keep my main plant healthy too. it's leaves keep curled up from branches to branches. May I know what is the reason for this and what did I do wrong? How and what to do to save my plant? Also, I found some whitish stuff on the soil of my rosemary pot, what is this whitish stuff? Appreciate your reply. Thank you in advance

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    Replies
    1. Hi there,

      The white stuff is known as powdery mildew, which I think is a type of fungus. It is best to remove the infected leaves (trim), it will grow back dont worry!

      Delete
  32. Hi, just wondering has your lavender bush bloomed so far? Cheers.

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  33. Hi,

    I want to grow Herbs, Chilly, Lemon at home. Could you please advise me from where I can buy seeds and soil and what exactly I should be looking for as I am new to KL and Home Gardening.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Do check out http://www.wellgrowhorti.com/shop/ for ideas planting media which you can opt for your planting needs. There are also seeds (flowers / herbs / vegetable) available.

      Delete
  34. Hi there BabySumo!
    This is fantastic! i'm surprised and glad to see a post by a Malaysian on Herbs growing without being on a hilltop :P
    I was wondering if you know whether i could get Mint Seeds anywhere or are they only available via cuttings?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, I hv a garden of mint. Will be glad to gv you fresh cuttings but I'm based in Melaka. If you're down in Melaka, go to Big Nyonya Restaurant(google pls, ya?) & ask for Ms. Fern's contact for mint plant. I'll bring some over for you then.

      Delete
  35. Hi there!

    You can try Ace Hardware, they usually have herb seeds for sale. Believe I've seen mint before. If you have friends who have mint plant, you can ask for some cuttings, as they grow very easily.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hi BabySumo! Nice flowers and herb you have :)

    (1) Where do you get the seeds for edible flowers and mulberries within Malaysia?
    (2) Have you planted western spinach ? I have difficulties in germinating, wonder you have come across that ?

    Good day ahead!
    Thanks
    Best regards.
    Nelson

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  37. Hi Thanks for the info .. The plants look great.
    I have been trying to propagate sage from cuttings however the stems always get black and dies off.I usually I hae tried using rooting hormone but not successfull.
    Do you have any suggestion on how to grow sage in our weather..

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  38. Hi there! i just want to ask do u by chance know any shops in Ipoh that sells herbs or its seeds?

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  39. Hihi, im newbie here! Your blog is very useful for me! Thanks alot! I just started to plant english parsley. is that easy to take care of them? :)

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  41. hi there... may i know which nursery in sg buloh that you go to? Looking for one with a lot of herb plants and also sell the coffee fertilizer.

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  42. Hello! I'm jelous of your garden the plants are beautiful!

    May i know where did you find the Indian borage plant? Did u grow them from seeds?

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  43. Hello! I'm jelous of your garden the plants are beautiful!

    May i know where did you find the Indian borage plant? Did u grow them from seeds?

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hello! I'm jelous of your garden the plants are beautiful!

    May i know where did you find the Indian borage plant? Did u grow them from seeds?

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  45. Anyone knows where can I get rosemary seeds?

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  46. How to maintain the coriander plant which is already planted from its cuttings ?

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  47. Hi Baby Sumo....I like your blogspot. Very neat. Can you advise me where to get holy basil? ...locally in Malaysia, what does it called?

    Thanks

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  48. Hai sumo
    How did u grow indian borage ??

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  49. Hi i need thai basil in a big quantity
    Any advise on where to get it ?

    yugentherenmuralee12@gmail.com

    0173212766 whatsapp
    Yugen

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  50. Any place to sell lemon thyme seed?

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  51. Hi, how many time should we water the lemon thyme? It should be partially shade or full sun light? I just newly bought my lemon thyme from supermarket but after just a few days it seems like turn black and dried up even I water the plant everyday and put it indoor. What should I do?

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  52. HI, anyone know where to buy local buah delima in Malaysia?

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  53. All these herbs can be planted here in Malaysia - THANK YOU for telling all this. Great info for me.


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  54. Hi Is there anywhere near Cheras that I can buy mint plant?

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  55. Hi, I have started herbs planting last year too. However sage seems like not growing well. T.T may I know you started them from seeds or matured plant?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Deb, for the sage, I bought a matured plant from the nursery. From seeds, I've planted dill, sweet basil, Thai basil.

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  56. Hi. I would like set up herb garden at my house roof top. Somebody can guide me how to do ?

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  57. I love lemon thyme, but hard to find at east malaysia...

    Can you cut some and poslaju to me..haha

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  58. It seems like you put your lavender plant outdoors under sun and rain. Am I right? What is the soil composition for lavender? Do you grow them from seeds?

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  59. Wow, can you share where I can get the peppermint plant?

    Been looking for this because I read where the peppermint has numbing properties that can soothe a toothache. Menthol, which gives peppermint its minty flavor and smell, is also known to be antibacterial. I shared you the article that I found online how to apply the peppermint for toothache.

    One teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves can be put in a cup of boiling water and steeped for 20 minutes. After allowing to cool, it can be swished around in the mouth then spat out or swallowed.

    A slightly warm, wet tea bag can also be used and held against the tooth for several minutes until the pain lessens.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Mimi! You can try in one of the nurseries in Sg Buloh or Floristika in Bangsar.

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  60. I love your herbs garden...it looks lovely..Thanks for your advice and knowledge on herbs gardening.

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  61. I want to plant fennel for it's bulb. Where can I get the seeds or where can I buy fresh fennel bulb in KL. How long it takes to be able to harvest the fennel bulb if I plant from seeds? Need your advise. Thank you.

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  62. Great Blog! The information article was very helpful, Thanks a lot for sharing this, I really appreciate it

    ReplyDelete

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