Your garden is a source of joy and inspiration, so you may want to expand it with new plants this year. Herbs are an excellent type of plant for new and experienced gardeners. Check out some of the best herbs for your garden, no matter what you like to cook or how long you’ve spent caring for plants.
1. Mint
Herbs can be tasty, but mint is also helpful. If you always have it ready in your kitchen, you can make a cup of mint tea to soothe your stomach while you’re sick or calm your mind when you’re anxious. It grows equally well in pots or in the ground, so you can add it to whatever type of garden you prefer to grow.
2. Basil
Many meals require basil as a standard ingredient. You can buy it dried at any grocery store, but it won’t taste the same as basil fresh from your garden. Fresh basil has a robust, almost minty taste with a hint of pepper. You’ll want to grow it year-round once you discover how it upgrades your favorite dishes.
3. Parsley
You might think of roasted potatoes or vegetables when you picture using parsley in a recipe, but it’s an incredibly flexible herb. People also use it to flavor their lobster dishes and add depth to the flavor profile of their soups.
4. Rosemary
Rosemary provides a hint of lemon and pine to any dish. You may already use it for chicken and potato recipes, so consider adding it to your garden. You’ll enjoy the fresh flavor of rosemary from your backyard and you can use it to begin farm-to-table sales that improve your community’s carbon footprint.
Sell your harvested rosemary to help your neighbors avoid purchasing groceries that hurt the environment by abusing natural resources. Minimizing gas burned to transport food and water needed to grow mass production fields will make the earth a healthier place by protecting the environment.
5. Chives
You’ll want fresh chives in your kitchen when you pull together a recipe that relies on onions or leeks. Chives enhance those flavor notes and are easy to grow if you ensure that they have well-drained soil and full sunlight wherever they grow in your yard.
6. Oregano
Any gardener who feels nervous about planting herbs for the first time should start with oregano. It’s a hardy little plant that can thrive in full or partial sun. Give it plenty of room too. It doubles as ground cover because it spreads so quickly between harvests.
7. Lavender
While lavender may not technically be an herb, it’s still a useful plant to have in your garden. It’s about the same size as herbs and boosts the flavor of foods like cakes and teas. Once it begins to bloom, you’ll have more bees pollinating your garden and helping your other plants thrive too.
8. Dill
The aromatic aroma of dill makes it the perfect addition to seafood recipes, soups and potatoes. Raise it from seeds in your yard or pots and you’ll have a trusty new annual to add to your gardening roster.
9. Coriander
If your garden isn’t keeping you as busy as you’d like, plant some coriander. This herb grows in short intervals, so you’ll replant it multiple times in a single season. It’s a popular addition to curries and Thai food, making it useful for anyone who loves Asian recipes.
10. Parsley
You can plant parsley anytime during the spring and summer months, so it’s not too late to get started. You’ll always have it ready for garnishes, stews and salads because it’s a trusty biennial plant.
Pick the Best Herbs for Your Garden
Now that you know more about the best herbs for your garden, consider adding these to your plant collection. You’ll restock your kitchen with all of your essential herbs and never find yourself without the ingredients you need for your favorite meals.
Bio:
Jane is an environmental writer and the founder and editor-in-chief of Environment.co where she covers sustainability and eco-friendly living.