Top Ten List of Recommended Herbs for the Garden

Why Herbs? 

If you are new to gardening and feel intimidated, growing herbs can help put any fledgling gardener at ease: Most herbs are easy to grow and do not demand rich soil--in fact, using soil that is not nutrient-rich will yield more flavorful herbs. Of course, many veteran gardeners appreciate growing herbs as well for the colors, scents,and textures the herbs provide in a garden scheme.

Below I present my top ten list of herbs to grow in the garden, in no particular order.

My Top Ten List

1. Mint: this water-loving plant, once established, is difficult to kill. Mint--spearmint, peppermint--chocolate mint, what-have-you--is notorious for spreading and trying to take over the rest of the garden, so plant this herb within a barrier, such as a sunken pot.

2. Basil: this fragrant herb is a must for pesto and marinara sauce, and comes in many varieties. Purple-ruffled basil, anyone?

3. Greek oregano: plant this aromatic herb from cuttings rather than seed to take full advantage of the incomparable flavor.

4. Chives: this herb prefers cool weather but can be planted in a semi-shaded area to prolong production. Chives are great mixed with cream cheese or snipped over baked potatoes.

5. Parsley: another herb that prefers cool weather, parsley blends well and enhances other herbs in cooking.

6. Cilantro: while this herb tends to bolt in hot weather, this herb is a must for salsa and guacamole.

7. Sage: this easygoing herb enlivens many a poultry dish.

8. Dill: this beautiful, feathery herb tends to bolt in hot weather; however, dill is mandatory for many pickled dishes; it also boosts plain-Jane cottage cheese.

9. Rosemary: this has to be my favorite herb of all. It is especially difficult to kill, aromatic--reminiscent of pine--and versatile in the kitchen.

10. Thyme: this diminutive herb enhances meat dishes but also works well with zucchini and other squashes.

Do you have any favorite herbs that did not make the top ten list? Please feel free to share in the comments section.

An Assortment of Herbs from the Garden