Starting a garden in Malaysia doesn’t need a green thumb — just a bit of curiosity, sunlight, and maybe a love for sambal. If you’re new to gardening, this list is your best friend. These 10 plants are low-maintenance, fast-growing, and perfect for our local climate — whether you’ve got a backyard, balcony, or just a few pots near the window.
Let’s dig in (pun intended).
🪴 1. Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius)
Why it’s easy: Grows in pots, smells amazing, and survives neglect
Best for: Condos, balconies, small gardens
Pro tip: Loves moisture — water it consistently and trim often to encourage new shoots
🪴 2. Chili (Cili Padi / Cili Besar)
Why it’s easy: Grows fast, doesn’t need much space
Best for: Daily cooking, sambal addicts
Pro tip: Needs full sun (6–8 hours) and regular pruning for bushier growth
🪴 3. Lemongrass (Serai)
Why it’s easy: Hardy, pest-resistant, and smells great
Best for: Soups, curries, pest repellent
Pro tip: Can regrow from grocery-bought stalks. Plant in a big pot or direct in-ground.
🪴 4. Ulam Raja (Cosmos caudatus)
Why it’s easy: Grows like a weed (but a delicious one)
Best for: Ulam, nasi kerabu, detox drinks
Pro tip: Let it self-seed — it spreads easily and thrives with little effort
🪴 5. Mint (Pudina)
Why it’s easy: Grows aggressively in moist soil
Best for: Teh pudina, sauces, breath freshening
Pro tip: Keep in a separate pot — it spreads like gossip
🪴 6. Kangkong (Water Spinach)
Why it’s easy: Fastest-growing leafy green you’ll meet
Best for: Stir-fries, soups, ulam
Pro tip: Soak stems in water to regrow or plant directly in moist soil. Harvest weekly!
🪴 7. Sweet Basil (Selasih)
Why it’s easy: Grows well in sun, smells divine
Best for: Pasta, Thai dishes, cocktails
Pro tip: Pinch flower buds early to keep leaves tender
🪴 8. Turmeric (Kunyit)
Why it’s easy: Grows underground and needs little care
Best for: Curry base, herbal drinks, skincare
Pro tip: Plant a fresh kunyit rhizome with a visible “eye” in loose soil
🪴 9. Curry Leaf (Daun Kari)
Why it’s easy: Drought-tolerant, grows in pots or ground
Best for: Kari ayam, rasam, sambar
Pro tip: Slow-growing at first — add chicken manure for leafy boosts
🪴 10. Papaya (Betik)
Why it’s easy: Fast-growing fruit tree with minimal fuss
Best for: Fruits, juice, papaya salad
Pro tip: Needs full sun and open space. Keep male + female trees nearby for fruiting
🧠 Bonus: How to Choose What to Plant First
| If You Have… | Start With… |
|---|---|
| Small balcony | Pandan, Mint, Ulam Raja |
| Big backyard | Papaya, Lemongrass, Curry Leaf |
| Apartment window | Kangkong, Mint, Basil |
| Minimal time | Turmeric, Lemongrass, Ulam Raja |
🌿 Tools You’ll Need (Starter Kit)
- Medium-sized pots with drainage
- Potting mix or compost
- Watering can
- Gloves (optional, but stylish)
- Organic fertilizer (compost, chicken manure, banana peel tea)
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You don’t need a big plot or big budget to start growing your own food. These 10 plants are the perfect entry point for Malaysians who want to green their lives, spice up their kitchens, and maybe flex a bit on Instagram.
Tried any of these? Tag us at @projectharvest.my — we want to see your first pokok babies! 🌱🇲🇾