Herb Garden Guide

Fresh herbs transform cooking and provide natural remedies. Whether you have a sprawling garden or just a sunny windowsill, there's an herb garden that fits your space.

Essential Culinary Herbs

Mediterranean Herbs (Full Sun, Dry)

• Basil: Annual, loves heat, pinch flowers for bushier growth
• Rosemary: Perennial (zone 7+), drought-tolerant, evergreen
• Thyme: Perennial, groundcover or upright, many varieties
• Oregano: Perennial, spreads readily, excellent dried
• Sage: Perennial, beautiful purple flowers, drought-tolerant
• Lavender: Perennial, fragrant, needs excellent drainage

Moist-Loving Herbs

• Parsley: Biennial, flat or curly leaf, high in vitamins
• Cilantro: Annual, bolts in heat, grow in spring/fall
• Chives: Perennial, onion or garlic varieties, edible flowers
• Mint: Perennial, SPREADS AGGRESSIVELY—grow in containers!
• Dill: Annual, self-seeds, great for pickles

Getting Started

From Seed

• Easy from seed: basil, cilantro, dill, parsley
• Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost
• Direct sow after frost danger passes

From Transplants

• Better for perennials: rosemary, thyme, lavender
• Faster harvest
• Check for healthy roots, no pests

From Cuttings

Many herbs root easily from cuttings: rosemary, sage, mint, lemon balm, oregano. Just snip 4-6" stems, remove lower leaves, and root in water or moist potting mix.

Container Herb Gardening

Container Requirements

• Drainage holes essential
• Use quality potting mix (not garden soil)
• Most herbs need at least 6" pot depth
• Terra cotta is ideal for Mediterranean herbs

Indoor Growing Tips

• South-facing window with 6+ hours sun
• Supplement with grow lights if needed
• Good air circulation prevents disease
• Don't overwater—feel soil first

Harvesting Herbs

General Rules

• Harvest in morning after dew dries
• Cut no more than 1/3 of plant at once
• Regular harvesting promotes bushy growth
• Harvest before flowering for best flavor

Specific Techniques

• Basil: Pinch from tops, above leaf pairs
• Rosemary/Thyme: Cut sprigs as needed
• Parsley/Cilantro: Cut outer stems first
• Chives: Snip 2" above soil

Preserving Your Harvest

Drying

• Best for: oregano, thyme, rosemary, sage, bay
• Hang bundles in warm, dry location
• Or use dehydrator at 95-100°F
• Store in airtight containers away from light

Freezing

• Best for: basil, parsley, cilantro, chives, dill
• Freeze in ice cube trays with water or oil
• Or flash-freeze on sheet, then bag

Medicinal Herbs

• Chamomile: Calming tea, easy annual
• Echinacea: Immune support, beautiful perennial
• Lemon balm: Relaxing, spreads in shade
• Calendula: Skin healing, cheerful annual
• Peppermint: Digestive aid, very vigorous