How do you know which herbs will work well in an herb garden? Start by looking at the herb plants you currently use in your kitchen. Chances are, most of these herbs will do well in an herb garden. If you're not sure where to start, we've put together a list of 12 essential culinary herbs that should be part of every herb garden.
Basil
One of the most popular herbs used in Italian cuisine, basil is a must-have for any herb garden. It's easy to grow, and it can be used in a wide variety of herb recipes. Basil herb plants thrive in full sun, making them perfect for herb gardening on your windowsill. You can also grow basil outdoors as long as you keep herb plants away from cold drafts or strong winds.
Bay Leaf
The bay leaf is an evergreen herb that is used to add depth of flavor to stews and soups. It also makes a great herb garden plant because it's easy-to-grow and doesn't need much maintenance once planted. They are slow growing and best grown from a live plant.
Chives
Another must for any herb garden, chives have a mild onion flavor that is delicious on top of salads or eggs. Chives are a perennial herb, meaning they will come back year after year once you've planted them in your herb garden and will produce beautiful purple flowers when they bloom in late spring/early summer.
Cilantro
This herb has a fresh, citrusy flavor that's perfect for Mexican and Asian dishes. Cilantro can be grown from herb starts or seed (I recommend direct planting) but it's a bit of a fussy herb and can be prone to bolting (going to seed) if the conditions aren't just right.
Dill
With its bright green leaves and anise flavor, dill is perfect for adding flavor to pickles, salmon, and chicken. Dill is a hardy herb that can be grown from seed, and it does well in both sun and shade.
Mint
If you're a fan of minty herb drinks like mojitos and mint juleps, then herb gardening with this herb is a must (though it can be invasive so make sure to plant it in its own container). Mint comes in all sorts of varieties from spearmint to chocolate mint.
Mint herb plants can be grown from herb starts or seed, but it's best to start herb plants early because mint takes a few months to mature.
Oregano
Due to its warm, pungent flavor and delicious aroma, oregano is one of the most popular herbs used in Italian herb gardening and herb cooking. Oregano herb plants are perennials that can be grown from herb starts or seed, and they require very little maintenance once planted in the herb garden.
Parsley
A good source of vitamins A and C, parsley is a popular herb used to add flavor to pasta sauces, soups, and herb salads. There are two main types of parsley: flat leaf (also called Italian) and curly. Parsley herb plants can be grown from herb starts or seed but take a few months to mature so it's best to start herb plants early if you want fresh parsley for your herb garden in the springtime.
Thyme
This herb has a strong, pungent flavor that is perfect for adding to roasted meats and vegetables. Thyme herb plants are perennials that can be grown from herb starts or seed, and thyme does well in both sun and shade.
Rosemary
With its rich aroma and sharp flavor, rosemary is one of the most popular herbs used in herb cooking. Rosemary herb plants are perennials that can be grown from herb starts or seed, and they prefer full sun.
Sage
This herb has a strong, earthy flavor that is often used to flavor roasted meats like chicken, turkey, and pork. Sage herb plants are perennials that can be grown from herb starts or seed, and they prefer full sun.
Tarragon
With its sweet, anise-like flavor, tarragon is a popular herb used in French herb gardening. Tarragon herb plants are perennials that can be grown from herb starts or seed, and they prefer full sun.