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To soothe skin problems including cuts, rashes, bruises, burns, insect bites, itchiness, eczema and psoriasis, keep the following handy: aloe vera, chamomile, chickweed, pot marigold, plantain, St John’s wort, tea tree and witch hazel.

What to grow: chickweed and plantain grow prolifically in the wild (and the latter perhaps in your lawn too!). Aloe vera will grow in a pot; cut off a leaf whenever you need one. Chamomile and pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) like a sunny border (or pot), and St John’s wort will be happy in partial shade; harvest the flowering tops as they bloom in early summer. Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) flowers in winter, but you can use the twigs and leaves throughout the year. It will tolerate most conditions: sun, part shade or a deeper shady woodland setting.

What to buy: tea tree essential oil, dried chamomile, dried marigold flowers, dried St John’s wort and aloe vera gel from herbal suppliers and health food shops. Distilled witch hazel is handy for everyday use, from pharmacies.