From my 12 years of gardening experience, these are the herbs I found very easy to grow and maintain,

• Tulasi (holy basil)

The most commonly grown tulasi varieties are Rama Tulasi(also known as white tulasi), Krishna Tulasi(dark/black tulasi) and Vana tulasi . All three varieties are easy to grow and maintain. Collect tulasi seeds and sprinkle them over the soil. In two to three days you can observe the sprouts.

• Aloe vera

Aloe vera is best known in cosmetics industry. I've seen my skin glow whenever I regularly use aloe vera. It doesn't require much water or care. Quite easy to grow and produces young ones quickly (it's always fun to watch the baby aloe veras). You can take little aloe veras and transplant in new pots.

• Ajwain (Omam in Tamil, Bishop's weed or Carom in English)

The lush green leaves of Ajwain always gives me new rays of hope. They're simple and easy to grow. You can eat the raw leaves after washing. All you need to do is to pluck a stem from the bark and plant in soil.

• Mint

I've given mint the fourth position, because mint grows easily for many gardeners and doesn't grow well for others (which includes me). A good mouth refreshener. The glowing green leaves are lovely to watch. Before planting mint leaves directly in soil, have them in water for a day or two. It'll give the new roots which makes it easy for them to get accustomed with soil.

These four herbs don't require much space and can be grown in apartment balconies in small pots. Happy gardening!!