Herb Gardening: Easy, Rewarding, and Delicious

Herbs are among the easiest, most satisfying plants—many annual/perennial varieties, naturally decorative.

Build Your Culinary Herb Garden

Start with what you actually use. Skip cilantro if you dislike it. Choose dried-form staples plus 1-2 new experiments.

Essentials: parsley (give it room—it explodes), basil (pinch to prevent flowering/bitterness), oregano, thyme. Rosemary, sage common too (fried sage in butter on pasta—yum!). Exotics: lemon verbena, chamomile, coriander, fennel, borage.

Designs range from kitchen-door patches to formal "knotted" gardens. Shrub-like rosemary/lavender anchor backs/centers. Contrast fleshy sage with lacy oregano. Jardinières (urn-shaped clay pots with pockets) offer attractive container options.