Top 10 Herbs to Grow in your Garden

Herbs from the garden make all the difference in a home cooked meal, and are easy to grow. Many dry well, allowing them to be available either fresh or dried, year round. Herbs in the garden attract pollinators, and for the most part, are deer resistant. Many have a great fragrance to them, and make a great addition to a farm plot or garden. Most are full sun, and can tolerate moderate drought conditions. These are 10 varieties of herbs that you cannot go wrong with, and all provide uniquely different flavors to dishes or drinks.

  1. Rosemary

Growing up to 2-3 feet, this herb is known for its strong Italian fragrance and beautiful blue blooms in early summer. Can be used as a fresh herb, or can be dried nicely and used in the winter months. Rosemary is great as a seasoning with meats and breads.

  1. Cilantro

With a zesty kick, Cilantro is often paired with Spanish or Mexican dishes, and is great with meats and salsas or salads. It is a lower growing herb with tender green leaves. It grows to a height of 10-12 inches, and has thin stems, which can also be eaten, but are often discarded.

  1. Lavender

One of the best-known herbs, Lavender is often grown for its fragrance, but can also be used in baking as a flavoring agent. Growing roughly 3 feet tall with purple flowers, lavender is a great herb for landscaping and is a great dried flower.

  1. Basil

One of the most versatile herbs, Basil, is known for its large broad green leaves and its amazing smell. Great as a fresh herb with cheese and crackers, or baked with pasta or pizza, this herb is well known for its ability to lightly flavor and shape dishes without overpowering.

  1. Oregano

A Greek herb, Oregano is known for its use in pastas and sauces and offers a warm flavor that does not overpower. It is often used with eggs, meats, breads, and poultry. It grows up to 2 feet, and has pink flowers.

  1. Parsley

A great herb for garnish or eating, Parsley has a mild flavor and is often used in sauces of dressings. It looks similar to Cilantro, but lacks the distinct smell. It is a tender herb that is one of the few herbs that can tolerate being placed in shadier locations.

  1. Lemon Balm

As the name suggests, this herb has a beautiful lemon fragrance, and is commonly used in teas and with certain meats. Reaching around 2 feet in height with chartreuse green leaves and pink flowers.

  1. Peppermint

Another popular herb, Peppermint is often used in teas and desserts and is known for its famous peppermint taste and smell. It is easy to dry, and spreads quickly in the garden if not controlled.

  1. Thyme

There are many types of Thyme, but it is mostly used with meats, pastas, and breads. An Italian herb, Thyme is known for its strong fragrance when bruised, and dries very well. Plant thyme in full sun for best results, and it can even be planted in areas of the garden that receive higher traffic.

  1. Chives

Known for their distinct onion fragrance, Chives are great additions to salads, pastas, dressings, and just about anything else you would use onions in. They add a great freshness to dishes, and need full sun. It is important not to over water them because they are very sensitive herbs.