Herbs Every Garden Should Have

Herbs are among the easiest groups of plants to cultivate, being naturally inclined to thrive under cool temperatures, partial-to-full sunlight exposure and well-draining soil conditions.

Herbs can do everything from flavoring a dish to soothing sore throats – learn about each herb family to understand their individual growing requirements and develop your knowledge base!

1. Rosemary

Rosemary is an evergreen that can be harvested all year, though the soft new growth in late spring and summer yields the best flavor. It makes an ideal topiary plant, yet is very adaptable to conditions, although full sunlight must be provided during its growth, or it could suffer cold temperatures.

Harvest sprigs regularly (which signals to the plant to increase leaf production), but avoid picking before it has flowered, which gives it its signature aroma. If it becomes colder, containers containing rosemary should be protected using biodegradable fleece or hessian.

2. Basil

Basil is an indispensable kitchen ingredient, offering vibrant flavor and aromatic depth (bruising releases volatile oils), along with visual appeal and versatility. Basil pairs well with tomato-based dishes, Italian pasta sauces, fish and chicken dishes as well as soups/stews/salads/cheeses/fresh fruit dishes.

Different varieties offer differing flavor profiles. Try lemon basil, with citrus notes, or Thai basil with its distinct licorice taste. Basil can also be preserved by freezing.

3. Thyme

Thyme grows well in dry, chalky soil and can tolerate drought once established. Once harvested, its flowers, leaves and oil can be used to flavor food while its tea may help ease coughs.

Thyme is an integral component of Herbes de Provence and an indispensable addition to braised meats, poultry dishes, garden salads, soup, stews and marinades. Additionally, thyme has long been used as an antibacterial and antifungal treatment in herbal remedies – pairing thyme with other low maintenance lawn alternatives that support pollinators while fixing nitrogen is another great idea!

4. Oregano

Oregano is an herb that adds Mediterranean flair to any dish and makes an ideal beginner-friendly plant, as it grows well in containers.

Plant oregano in areas where leafy greens such as kale and arugula grow to deter pests from damaging these vegetables. When watering oregano, make sure it receives sufficient but infrequent hydration; overwatering could encourage fungal infections while under-watering could result in its roots becoming waterlogged and thus weaker over time.

Oregano can be propagated through seeds, nursery purchases or rooting cuttings. Some individuals may be allergic to this plant due to it belonging to Lamiaceae family such as basil, thyme or mint which belongs to this family.

5. Marjoram

Marjoram adds sweet, herbaceous, piney notes to richer dishes like meats, stews and soups, making a satisfying counterpoint. Easy to grow both indoors and in your garden – both fresh and dried varieties provide fantastic flavors!

Herbal Health: Marjoram can offer soothing benefits and support cardiovascular wellbeing. It contains compounds like rosmarinic acid and terpenes which contain anxiolytic and sedative properties for increased relaxation and stress management.

If you don’t have marjoram on hand, thyme and basil can serve as good replacements. Both belong to the mint family and offer similar flavors; though thyme may be slightly stronger.

6. Sage

Sage is an easy addition to gardens of any style; from cottage gardens and mixed beds to cottage gardens.

Sage is an exceptionally hardy plant, adaptable to extreme heat and drought conditions; however, its best performance can be found in zones 5 to 8. To keep established sage plants from becoming woody or going to seed (which doesn’t produce the same flavorful leaves), prune regularly. Lightly fertilize it each spring using general purpose plant food pellets.

7. Cilantro

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is one of the most beloved herbs found in gardens worldwide, boasting immense versatility in bean dishes, salsas, guacamoles, ceviches, green chutneys, salads and many other recipes. Its leaves are especially appreciated for their versatility – delicious in bean dishes, salsas, guacamoles ceviche green chutneys salads etc.

Cilantro is an excellent source of Vitamin C and offers plenty of other vital nutrients, including fiber, potassium, calcium, iron magnesium and phosphorus. Furthermore, cilantro provides essential B-vitamin precursors including thiamine zinc folate.

Cilantro thrives best when grown in cool weather. If exposed to hotter climates or temperatures above 35o F, it can bolt (seed) and will not survive a hard frost.

8. Parsley

Parsley is an exceptionally hardy biennial belonging to the carrot family (Umbelliferae/Apiaceae), making it an excellent choice for colder climates. A rich source of vitamins A, K and folate, parsley offers numerous health benefits as it grows!

Parsley will bloom naturally during its second season and create beautiful umbels, providing bees with shelter in your garden and making tasty snacks! Parsley seeds also make delicious snacks!

Leafy greens like kale, spinach and rutabaga may serve as an adequate replacement for parsley but will lack its distinct fresh herb aroma and flavor.

9. Mint

Mint is an easy-to-grow herb that adds vibrant flavors to food and beverages, as well as providing many potential health benefits, such as aiding digestion and decreasing bloating.

Harvest your mint either fresh or dry it to use later on. Dried leaves provide stronger and more concentrated flavors and blend well with other dried herbs in teas.

Mint varieties are perennial plants, meaning that with proper care they should continue blooming year after year. Although they work well in containers or garden beds, be mindful that they may become invasive over time.