Basil is a common name for the culinary herb Ocimum basilicum. 

It is prominently featured in Mediterranean cuisine, and also plays a major role in Southeast Asian cuisines. Depnding on the species and cultivar, the leaves may taste somewhat like anise, with a strong, pungent and sweet smell.

Basil is one of the main ingredients in pesto (a hearthy Italian green sauce).

Basil has always been used as a garnish or top up to pizza and pasta dishes.

In Asia, basil is used in a lot of stir fry dishes.

Basil is also a condiment in the Vietnamese pho.

There has been much research into the health benefits. It has been established that compounds in basil oil have potent antioxidant, antiviral, andantimicrobial properties, and potential for use in treating cancer. Basil is traditionally used for supplermentary treatment of stress, asthma and diabetes mellitus in India.

Basil is a great starter herb for beginner growers. It is easy to grow, as long as it is kept warm, moist (not soaked!) and sheltered.

Mint, or mentha is a genus of plants in the family Lamiaceae.

Mints have a warm, fresh, aromatic, sweet flavour with a cool aftertaste, and very often used in teas, beverages, jellies, syrups, candies and ice creams. Mint essential oil and menthol are also extensively used as flavourings in breath fresheners, drinks, antiseptic mouth rinse, toothpaste and chewing gum.

Mint sauce is popular in the UK.

Mints complemented beverages extremely well. They are used in mocktail, cocktail and refreshing sumnmer drinks.

Mint is also a great addition to your kitchen and garden, with the refreshing minty fragrant.

Mint was originally used as a medicinal herb to treat stomach ache and chest pains. There are several uses in traditional medicine and preliminary research for possible use in treating irritable bowel syndrome.

Mints are easy to grow with moist (not soaked) soil and in warm temperature. They are also very fast growing.

Chilli pepper (chilli) is a fruit of plants from the genus capsicum, members of the nightshade family, solanaceae.

Chilli peppers were domesticated more than 6,000 years ago in Mexico. It was then introduced and spreaded to the rest of the world. Chillies are used in both food and medicine, and they are the key ingredient for a lot of cuisines around the world.

Chilli is one of the most renowned spices. It enhances flavour of dishes.

Chilli can also be used for dip, sauce and dressing making.

Chilli is also a great garnish to curry-based and hot & spicy dishes.

Capsaicin in chilli is considered a safe and effective topical analgesic agent in the management of arthritis pain, herpes zoster-related pain, diabetic neuropathy, mastectomy pain and headaches. Chillies also contain large amounts of Vitamin C and small amount of carotene.

Chillies grow well with warm and sunny environment. Remember to keep the compost evenly moist but take care not to let it gets soaking wet.

The Michael's Farm family is growing! We love exploring new and exciting variety so we are really excited to introduce you to our newest discovery: the bright and beautiful Sunflower. This is also the first flower being introduced to the range.

We have carefully selected the dwarf variety which will grow perfectly in the given container. In terms of growing, keep them somewhere sunny, and water little and often. Remember, don't over water.

Take good care and see it grows!