Alison's Homegrown: Sowing biltong seeds

Coriander is a delicious and very easy annual herb to grow; it has been cultivated for thousands of years and originated in southern Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

The seeds have long been used to help preserve meat with vinegar and crushed cumin seeds, and they are an essential ingredient in making biltong.

Seeds can be sown directly into the soil and successive sowings can be done two to three weeks apart. One seed will produce two seedlings; seeds should be sown at a depth of 1cm and 20cm apart. Sow in a well-composted bed that has good drainage and has been dug over and raked flat and levelled.

It will take one to two weeks for the seeds to sprout; watering must be gentle and soaking during this period. Cover the bed with mulch to protect the seeds during germination, and don't let it dry out. The first young leaves are known as dhania and are a favourite in Indian cooking. The small white delicate flowers attract butterflies and bees; all parts of the plant are edible, including the root. Seeds will form after the flowers have finished blooming and can be harvested and dried. These can be used in cooking or saved to plant again in the garden.

Coriander can be planted all year round in full sun with a little afternoon shade; it does tend to bolt in very hot weather. Growth will slow during the winter months. It makes a great companion plant with sweet corn and tomatoes because the smell deters aphids, and it is also beneficial planted next to summer squash and spinach. Don't plant near fennel because they don't like each other.

A refreshing tea can be made from coriander leaves and flowers to help with anxiety and irritability, and a few seeds can be chewed after a meal to aid digestion. Coriander grows happily in a pot and can be planted together with mint, chives and nasturtiums. Place in a sunny spot near your kitchen for easy access.

• Alison's on the Green, 33 Troupant Avenue, Magaliessig, Joburg, 0114670561, alisonsorganicdeli.com. E-mail queries to food@sundaytimes.co.za with ALISON as the subject.