South Africa’s January climate (summer) is warm, making it ideal for planting many medicinal herbs. Here’s a list of plants that can be planted now:

1. Anxiety and Stress Relief

– Chamomile (*Matricaria chamomilla*) – Grows well in partial shade with moderate moisture. Sow seeds directly in well-drained soil.

– Lemon Balm (*Melissa officinalis*) – Prefers full sun to partial shade; keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

– Lavender (*Lavandula spp.*) – Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established.

2. Sleep Disorders

– Valerian (*Valeriana officinalis*) – Plant in moist, well-drained soil with partial shade. Start with seeds or root divisions.

– Chamomile – Suitable for mild, sunny climates.

3. Digestive Issues

– Coriander (*Coriandrum sativum*) – Ideal for January planting, prefers partial shade in hot areas and well-drained soil.

– Fennel (*Foeniculum vulgare*) – Plant in full sun with rich, well-drained soil.

– Parsley (*Petroselinum crispum*) – Prefers moist, rich soil and partial shade in hot weather.

4. Respiratory Problems

– African Wormwood (*Artemisia afra*) – Indigenous to South Africa, thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.

– Thyme (*Thymus vulgaris*) – Prefers dry, sandy soil with full sun; drought-tolerant once established.

5. Skin Conditions

– Aloe Vera (*Aloe barbadensis miller*) – Ideal for South Africa’s dry, sunny climate; prefers sandy, well-drained soil.

– Calendula (*Calendula officinalis*) – Grows in full sun with well-drained soil; tolerates heat.

6. Infections and Wounds

– Garlic (*Allium sativum*) – Plant cloves directly in rich, well-drained soil with full sun exposure.

– Buchu (*Agathosma betulina*) – Indigenous to South Africa; prefers sandy, well-drained soil and full sun.

7. Joint Pain and Arthritis

– Turmeric (*Curcuma longa*) – Requires warm temperatures, moist soil, and partial shade. Suitable for tropical or subtropical regions.

– Ginger (*Zingiber officinale*) – Prefers warm, moist soil with partial shade; can be grown from rhizomes.

8. High Blood Pressure

– Rooibos (*Aspalathus linearis*) – Indigenous to South Africa; grows in sandy, acidic soil with full sun.

– Hibiscus (*Hibiscus sabdariffa*) – Prefers warm, sunny climates and well-drained soil.

9. Immune Support

– Echinacea (*Echinacea purpurea*) – Requires full sun and well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established.

– Garlic – Thrives in South Africa’s warm climate during January planting.

– Turmeric – Suitable for planting now in warm, moist soil.

Companion Planting Suggestions:

– Group moisture-loving plants like Chamomile, Coriander, and Parsley together.

– Plant drought-tolerant herbs like Lavender, African Wormwood, and Rooibos in sunny areas with sandy soil.

– Keep space-demanding plants like Ginger and Turmeric separate to avoid overcrowding.