Low-maintenance plants you can grow at home and you use in your food

There's an undeniable joy in filling your home with lush greenery.

Whether it's sprucing up a kitchen windowsill or breathing life into a drab corner, plants have a knack for instantly transforming a space.

But for many of us, the prospect of keeping them alive can seem somewhat intimidating. Over-watering, under-watering, too much sun, not enough sun - the potential pitfalls are seemingly endless and could easily put you off for good.

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However, the reality is, plant care doesn't have to be complex, with some shrubs being far easier to maintain than others.

Even better, often the most resilient plants can emit wonderful scents and be utilised in the kitchen. Picture clipping a fresh sprig straight from your windowsill to toss into a salad, stir through a bolognese or infuse into a hearty stew, reports the Express.

Not only does this save a trip to the supermarket and a few pennies along the way, but it also adds a freshness that dried or packaged ingredients simply can't compete with.

For beginners, the trick is to opt for plants that aren't fazed by a bit of neglect. These are the ones that bounce back if you go away or simply forget to water them for a day or two.

With the right choices, you'll be surprised at how quickly your confidence blooms - and how much pleasure you'll derive from incorporating your own home-grown flavours into everyday cooking. Before you know it, your kitchen might boast its very own herb garden, and from there, it's a slippery slope.

Gardening gurus at Homes and Gardens have recommended some plants that not only taste divine, but are also easy to grow without a lot of fuss.

Basil is one of the simplest herbs to cultivate at home. A pot of basil in the corner is a must-have for any home chef, and nothing quite compares to the fresh variety.

Even better, a plant can cost as little as £1 and with just a bit of occasional pruning, it can flourish, and you'll be whipping up pesto in no time.

For something with a more earthy flavour, sage is a fantastic option. It's much tougher than many other herbs, and with regular sunshine and a splash of water, it can thrive and be perfect for adding into sauces or mixing into meatballs.

Another herb that's nearly impossible to kill is rosemary. This plant can be grown both indoors and outdoors and will thrive all year round.

However, when it comes to harvesting, it's crucial to use sharp scissors or snips to keep it in shape.

Lastly, for anyone wanting to complete their herb garden, a mint plant is essential. There are numerous varieties of mint, but they tend to be quite robust.

Just a couple of months after planting, mint can be ready to harvest and can be tossed into salads, dressings and even some sauces.