I’ve written before on why I love gardening (even if I’m not very good at it!). One thing I love to grow is herbs! They are perfect for beginner gardeners & can add a real touch of beauty & gorgeous aromas to your garden. If you are new to herb gardening, then you may be wondering which herbs are the best ones to start with. In this blog post, we will take a look at 10 of the best herbs to grow in your garden! These herbs are easy to grow, and they have a variety of uses. Whether you want to cook with them, use them for medicinal purposes, or just enjoy their beauty, these herbs are a great choice for any herb gardener. They can be grown into pots or containers or direct into the ground, so don’t let a lack of space put you off. Get growing! You won’t regret it!
Things to remember when growing herbs
Basil
A key ingredient in many recipes, especially summer salads and Mediterranean classics, basil is Britain’s most widely sold herb. Although originally from India, where it is considered sacred, it thrives in British soil, and thus is perfect for your kitchen garden.
How to grow
- A tender annual, unable to withstand cold weather and frost, basil can only be grown outdoors in the summer, and so must be moved inside during the winter months.
- The herb must be planted in fertile soil, and receive as much warmth and light as possible.
- Greenhouses are ideal, as are kitchen windowsills, for helping basil to survive for long periods.
- With so many varieties of basil available to grow, why not experiment with a few this summer and enjoy the different tastes of your homemade salads and pasta dishes.
Chives
Chives are a member of the onion family and have a mild, onion-like flavor. They can be added to many dishes as a flavoring agent or garnish.
How to grow
- Chives are the most straightforward to produce from seed, and they should be started indoors in early spring. The plants can be transplanted outside once the danger of frost has passed.
- Chives thrive in a sunny position with well-drained soil. They may also be grown indoors in containers.
- Chives are quite easy to grow and take care of, so you should have no trouble keeping them in good condition for many years. Simply snip the leaves as needed, and they will regenerate.
Mint
Mint is a highly adaptable herb with a flavor that may be used in desserts or savories. It’s also wonderful for refreshing beverages and mixed drinks.
How to grow
- Mint may be grown from seed, which should be put inside in the early spring. The plants can then be transplanted outside as soon as all danger of frost has passed.
- It prefers bright, sunny locations and well-drained soil. It may also be grown in containers.
- Mint is highly resilient and will endure for many years with little upkeep. Simply snip the leaves as needed, and they will re-grow.
Coriander (Cilantro)
Coriander, a common spice in many cuisines, has an earthy and citrusy flavor. It’s frequently used as a garnish or to enhance the taste of meals.
How to grow
- Coriander is easiest to grow from seed, and it should be planted indoors in the early spring. Plants may be transplanted outdoors once the threat of frost has passed.
- Coriander is a great plant for containers and gardens with full sun. It should be positioned in a sunny area and have well-drained soil. It will also thrive in pots.
- Coriander may take several years to grow and establish, but once it is there, it requires very little upkeep. Simply snip the leaves as needed, and they will regrow.
Dill
Dill is a popular herb for seasoning fish dishes, but it may also be utilized in other savory items or as a garnish.
How to grow
- Dill is another herb that grows best from seed. It, too, should be started indoors in early spring and transplanted outdoors when the danger of frost has passed.
- Dill is a summer annual that prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil. It will also thrive in containers.
- Dill is an easy-to-grow annual that thrives in a variety of climate conditions. It can survive the winter if planted soon after flowering time, although it may lose its flavor and develop mildew if not properly maintained.
Fennel
Fennel is a pleasant and fragrant herb with a licorice flavor. It may be used in both savory and sweet dishes.
How to grow
- Fennel is another herb that grows best from seed and should be started indoors in early spring. When the plants are fully dormant, they can be transplanted outdoors.
- Fennel grows best in a sunny position, on well-drained earth. It may also be grown in a container.
- Fennel may be grown from seed or transplanted. It takes about three to five years for fennel to reach full maturity, depending on its variety and climate conditions. Once it’s been established, fennel will keep growing back for many years with minimal care. Simply snip the leaves as needed, and they’ll regenerate naturally.
French Tarragon
Tarragon is a popular herb for flavoring chicken and fish dishes, although it has a somewhat aniseed flavor.
How to grow
- Tarragon is one of the three primary herbs used in French cuisine, and it’s best propagated from seed in the early spring. The plants may now be transplanted outside with confidence after all danger of frost has passed.
- French tarragon should be grown in a sunny, warm region with well-drained soil. It may also be maintained in pots.
- French Tarragon is one of the most easy-care herbaceous perennials, requiring little upkeep once established. Simply snip the leaves as needed, and they’ll grow back in no time.
Parsley
Parsley is a useful herb that may be utilized in both savory and dessert menus. It has a slightly harsh flavor that can be lightened by blanching it.
How to grow
- Parsley and coriander are similar in that they’re best cultivated from seed. Parsley should be grown indoors as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring and transplanted outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.
- Parsley prefers a sunny position in well-drained soil. It also thrives in pots.
- Parsley requires very little care once it has grown. The leaves may be cut as needed, and they will regenerate.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a common herb used to enhance lamb dishes. It has a lemony aftertaste with a touch of mint.
How to grow
- Rosemary may be grown from seed, but it is not one of the easiest herbs to clone. It should be planted inside early in the spring to avoid frost damage.
- Rosemary is happiest in full sunlight and requires a well-drained location. It may also be cultivated in containers.
- Rosemary may be cultivated in pots or in the ground, and it thrives if given enough water. It takes very little attention once planted; simply snip the leaves as needed, and they will grow back.
Sage
Sage is a common seasoning for meats and poultry. It has a robust, pungent flavor.
How to grow
- Sage is another one of those herbs that nobody can grow from seed. It’s best cultivated from seed, which should be started indoors in the early spring. When the danger of frost has passed, the plants may be transplanted outdoors.
- Sage prefers bright, sunny conditions and well-drained soil. It may also be grown in pots.
- Sage is a hardy plant that requires virtually no care once established. The leaves may be cut as needed, and they will regenerate.
Do you grow any herbs already? If so, what ones are your favourites? I must admit, rosemary is mine!
Thank you