For Mathew Howe, a classic pesto recipe is not complete without pine nuts, garlic, extra-virgin olive oil and, most importantly, a healthy measure of fresh basil.
While the herb is readily available in local supermarkets, he found that growing his own is more cost-effective, and he could also produce varieties that are tastier and more fragrant.
His success in growing basil then inspired him to cultivate more types of herbs, vegetables and fruit, but Singapore's tropical climate meant that most of these crops had to be grown indoors in a compact and well-equipped space.
"Growing plants is my passion, and I wanted to combine that with my desire to provide the freshest produce for my family," said the 41-year-old Singapore permanent resident.
Read more at The Star.