Home improvements: Growing your own aloe vera

Known for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial qualities, aloe vera is a useful thing to have lying around.

Even better is to have your own aloe vera plant, which will allow you to harvest gel fresh from the source, whenever you want.

You can use it to treat everything from sunburn and insect bites to pimples and athlete’s foot. It’s also a great to use as an ingredient in homemade hair conditioners and skin scrubs.

The good news is that aloe vera plants are tough, low maintenance and easy to grow, both indoors and out. All they really need is plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil.

Only attempt to harvest the gel if your plant is healthy and mature, with long, fleshy leaves. They have serrated edges, so you’ll have to proceed with caution – we’d recommend wearing a pair of rubber gloves.

It’s best to use the outermost leaves, as these are the oldest and most mature.

Cut the leaf at its base, using a sharp knife. Rinse the leaf thoroughly and, using your knife, gradually remove the outer layers of skin until you come to the aloe gel.

Transfer the gel to a storage container and keep it in the fridge – it should last for about a week.

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