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10 Best Herbs to Grow & Why

Want to know the 10 Best Herbs to Grow and Why! Herbs are easy to grow and are such a money saver. You’ll learn which herbs to plant as annuals, which are perennial, and how to preserve herbs for off-season enjoyment.

In addition, which herbs are a beautiful addition to your landscape, why these are my favorite, and how to use them?

I’ve shared that I’m a wannabe gardener; however, I have had success growing herbs. They are super easy to plant and take care of. You’ll want to plant herbs for a great addition to any garden.

Many herbs look beautiful in your landscape.

Sage is a beautiful addition to the landscape year round.


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Best Herbs To Grow.

Why Should You Grow Herbs?

If you are interested in growing herbs, there are many different ways to do it. You can grow herbs in your garden, in containers on your patio, or even indoors on a windowsill. No matter how you choose to grow them, you will save money.

I found these pieces of green enamelware at a thrift store and used them to start an indoor herb garden. Once spring arrived, I transplanted them into the landscape.

Start an herb garden inside the house and transplant into the garden once Spring arrives.

6 Best Reasons to Plant Herbs

  1. Cost: Fresh herbs are expensive to buy at the store. Growing your own herbs can save you money in the long run.
  2. Freshness: Fresh herbs have a much more intense flavor than dried herbs. Most herbs grow all spring – fall so you have an abundance to cook with. Plus.. you can fresh and dry herbs to use out of season and I’m sharing all the details today.
  3. Variety: There are many different types of herbs, each with its own unique flavor. Growing your own herbs allows you to experiment.
  4. Health benefits: Many herbs have medicinal properties. Growing your own herbs gives you access to fresh, healthy herbs that you can use to improve your health.
  5. Easy To Grow: Unlike many vegetables, herbs are very easy to grow. They are mostly disease free and require minimal care.
  6. Beautiful plants: Herbs look stunning in your gardens and landscape. Plus… adding herbs to your floral arrangements look lovely and provides a fresh, clean fragrance to your home.

My absolute favorite herbs to grow are Basil, Rosemary & Sage.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Let’s get the list started first.

Top Ten Herbs to Grow

The best herbs to grow depend on your personal preferences and climate. However, some of the most popular and versatile herbs include:

  • Basil is a classic herb that is used in many different cuisines. It has a sweet flavor that pairs well with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil.
  • Cilantro is a flat-leaf herb with a fragrant, citrusy flavor. It grows best in cooler weather so plant in Spring and Fall.
  • Dill is a flavorful herb that is often used in pickling and sauerkraut. It pairs well with fish, chicken, and vegetables.
  • Mint is a refreshing herb that is perfect for adding a touch of flavor to tea, lemonade, and desserts.
  • Oregano is a flavorful herb that is often used in Italian cuisine. It has a slightly bitter, peppery flavor that pairs well with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil.
  • Parsley is a versatile herb that can be used in savory and sweet dishes. It has a slightly bitter flavor that adds a nice touch to soups, stews, salads, and sauces.
  • Rosemary is a hardy herb with a robust and piney flavor that pairs well with chicken, lamb, and fish. Due to its strong flavor, it is best used sparingly.
  • Sage is a flavorful herb that is often used in poultry and stuffing dishes. It has a strong, savory flavor that can be overpowering, so it is best used in moderation.
  • Chives are a mild, onion-flavored herb that is perfect for adding a touch of flavor to salads, soups, and sauces.
  • Lavender is an aromatic blooming plant that may help relieve stress, chronic pain, high blood pressure, and asthma.

Notable Favorites

  • Thyme is a flavorful herb that is often used in Mediterranean cuisine. It has a warm, earthy flavor that pairs well with chicken, lamb, and vegetables.
  • Tarragon is a flavorful herb that is often used in French cuisine. It has a licorice-like flavor that pairs well with chicken, fish, and eggs.


Annual Herbs to Plant

When you plant an annual herb, this means you have to replant it every year. So let’s take a look at which of the favorite herbs to grow will need replanting seasonally.

Basil – My favorite herb and I’ll be sharing why is a moment.

Cilantro is a warm-weather herb that is only harvested once. It is best for Spring and Fall gardens. Once Summer arrives, the cilantro season is over.

You may get some new growth from seeds that drop but not much.

I love fresh cilantro, but it’s less cost-efficient to grow than most other herbs. Fortunately, it’s also the least expensive herb to purchase.

Cilantro is a great spring and fall herb to plant

Perennial Herbs to Grow

The majority of herbs are perennial and therefore once established, you will have fresh herbs at your fingertips year after year. Obviously, perennial herbs are the most cost effective.

Dill is favorite herbs to grow because it is a tasty addition to many recipes. I love having fresh dill for fish and dill dips and sauces.

It is a warm season herb and even a light frost will be too much for this delicate plant. Therefore, be sure to preserve some for winter.

Dill will come back next spring but can quickly turn to seed if the seed buds aren’t pinch off. You may want your plant to turn to seed to be used for pickles, etc.

Dill will turn to seed if buds are not pinched off.  The seeds are excellent for pickling.

If the original plant drops seeds, you will see little plants popping up all around your original plant. Therefore, you can enjoy dill all summer.

Mint is a great herb to plant and we have it growing in several areas of our landscape. It spreads rapidly and therefore can be very hard to control.

It is great for making Peach Mojitos and garnishes your other dishes all summer long.

It’s a natural mosquito repellant and an excellent herb to plant next to outdoor entertaining areas.

Oregano is a perennial that comes back year after year. In milder climates, it can produce even during winter months.

Parsley is a biennial, which means it will come back a second year before going to seed.

Rosemary is a beautiful herb to plant in your garden because it survives most winters and can be used all winter. See why it’s in my top 3.

Sage is beautiful in the garden. Read more below.

Chives will also survive milder winters and are an excellent substitute for shallots in a pinch. They also have a beautiful bloom in the Spring.

See this refreshing Fresh Herb and Cucumber Dip Recipe.

Lavender is so beautiful and, once established, will produce every year, according to the experts. I’ve personally not had great luck with lavender, but I’ll give you a secret tip if I ever figure it out.

It is a great ornamental herb with fantastic health benefits.

I’m leaving it in my top 10 because I really want a garden full and have faith that I’ll figure it out. Thanks in advance for any tips.



Tools and Supplies for Herbs


My Three Favorite Herbs To Plant

Basil, Sage, and Rosemary are all herbs that I have great success with. These are my three favorite herbs to plant and each one for different reasons.

Basil

Although you have to re-plant Basil each spring, it’s still a wonderful herb to have in your garden.

Basil is easy to grow and doesn’t require much attention.

The main thing you want to do with basil is harvest it often. Don’t let it flower.

If you see a flower starting, pinch it off immediately. The more you harvest your basil plant, the better it will grow. What’s not to love about that?

Budget Friendly herb  for money-saving gardening.

Basil will produce all summer long. It is the main ingredient in my favorite Basil Pesto Recipe. In addition, basil is wonderful for Caprese Salads, especially when fresh tomatoes are in season.

Recipe for basil pesto is easy to make and delicous.

Sage

I rarely use sage for seasoning; however, I love it in my garden. It is a great ornamental herb with the most beautiful blooms in the spring.

In addition, it smells great when added to floral arrangements and my Christmas Garland.

It shows up big time in the Spring with these beautiful purple blooms and once they are gone, the leaves are a soft silvery green.

I gather Sage and Rosemary each November for a holiday Dried Fruit and Herb Garland.

use rosemary and sage to make holiday fresh herb and dried fruit garland.

Rosemary

Just like sage, Rosemary isn’t my favorite herb to cook with. However, it is a favorite herb to plant because it is beautiful, smells delicious, and is available all year in my garden.

Rosemary is easy to grow and looks good mixed with landscape

I personally love using rosemary to mix with fresh florals.

Sprigs of Rosemary fill in around the hydrangea arrangement & both Rosemary and Sage add a green touch to the Black Eyed Susan arrangement.

When guests arrive, I always cut several sprigs and add them to bud vases throughout the house. Rosemary and Sage add a wonderful fresh scent to the kitchen.

Use herbs to keep the house smelling fresh. Herbs that are fragrant and refreshing.

Rosemary, Parsley, and Dill as well as many other herbs, are great for garnishing your dishes.

Best herbs to plant to garnish your dishes.

Dry or Freeze Herbs For Winter Use

Most herbs can be preserved for use during the off-season. Add preserved herbs to soups, salads, etc., during the winter. Read tips for Drying Herbs with a section on freezing as well.

Some perennials will survive a mild winter and therefore, you may not need to preserve them.

However, I’m in zone 7b and some herb survive the winter but there’s no guarantee.

Basil will not survive the winter and must be replanted each Spring. Dill will die during the winter; however, you’ll see new volunteer growth next Spring.

Frozen basil is excellent added to soups or chili recipes during the winter. See more details on preserving herbs for off-season enjoyment.

In addition, to floral arrangements, delicious recipes and yummy spices, you can see how to use your fresh herbs to make Botanical Art and Free Herb Centerpiece ideas.

Best herbs to plant to create botanical art.  Press herbs to preserve them and frame for art.

I hope you enjoyed learning more about the 10 Best Herbs to Grow and Why!

Thanks for stopping by and I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you.

Pin It To Remember It

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10 Best Herbs to Plant in your landscape to save money and enjoy all summer long.
Best Herbs to Grow in your garden.  Herb recipes and how to use herbs to decorate your home.

Mary from Life at Bella Terra

Sunday 3rd of July 2022

Rachel, I always forget to freeze fresh herbs for the rest of the year. Such a great idea and I love the herb botanicals too. You are just one of the most creative people I know! Thanks for sharing all your great tips.

Rachel

Monday 4th of July 2022

Mary, You are so kind and I appreciate the encouragement and support.

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