Fresh herbs are one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to add beauty, fragrance, and flavor to your home and garden. Whether tucked into containers on a sunny patio or planted directly in the garden, herbs provide continuous harvests throughout the season and can elevate everything from summer meals to homemade teas. Many herbs are also loved for their aromatic foliage, pollinator-friendly blooms, and easy-care nature. With the right sunlight, drainage, and a little regular harvesting, your herb garden can thrive all season long.
Learn about this selection of popular herbs and give them a try this summer!
Parsley
This herb is known for its fresh, clean flavor that enhances soups, sauces, vegetables, and countless savory dishes. Rich green foliage makes it both a useful garnish and a productive garden staple.
It thrives in full sun to partial shade with evenly moist, well-drained soil. Regular harvesting encourages fresh new growth throughout the season.
Pairs well with tomatoes, corn, and asparagus.
Rosemary
This herb is known for its bold pine-like flavor that complements roasted vegetables, meats, breads, and infused oils. Its evergreen foliage also adds wonderful fragrance and texture to containers and gardens.
It thrives in sunny, warm locations with excellent drainage. Avoid overly wet soil, especially during cooler weather.
Pairs well with Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and sage.
Lavender
This herb is known for its soothing fragrance and delicate floral flavor used in teas, baked goods, and herbal blends. Its calming properties and purple blooms make it a favorite in gardens and bouquets.
It thrives in hot, sunny, well-drained areas with good air circulation. Avoid heavy soils and excess moisture, especially in winter.
Pairs well with rosemary and thyme.
Dill
This herb is known for its fresh, tangy flavor that brightens dips, pickles, seafood dishes, and salads. Its feathery foliage adds soft texture to the garden and attracts beneficial pollinators.
It thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Avoid overcrowding and overly wet conditions to keep plants healthy and productive.
Pairs well with cabbage, kale, and broccoli.
Lemon Verbena
This herb is known for adding an intense lemon flavor to teas, desserts, and savory dishes. It has calming medicinal properties and also provides an aromatic scent.
It thrives in hot, sunny, well-drained areas. Avoid wet and shady areas to prevent powdery mildew.
Pairs well with dill and cilantro.
Cilantro
This herb is a cool-weather annual that adds flavor to many dishes. keep in cool, yet sunny areas, to prevent bolting (flowering).
It grows well with legumes for nitrogen and benefits from neighboring herbs like basil, which attract beneficial insects.
Fun Fact: roughly 15% of the population carries the receptor gene OR6A2, which causes cilantro to taste soapy instead of fresh.
Basil
Basil is a flavorful herb used in many summer dishes, and makes delicious pesto!
Basil requires 6-8 hours of sun, well-draining soil, and consistent watering.
Pairs well with tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant as it acts as a pest repellent for aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworm.
Growing and Harvesting Herbs
Most herbs are easy to grow and thrive with just a few basic conditions. The majority prefer full sun, well-drained soil, and consistent airflow. Herbs can be planted directly in garden beds, mixed into vegetable gardens, or grown in containers on patios, decks, and windowsills. Container gardening is especially helpful for herbs like mint, which can spread aggressively in the landscape.
When planting herbs, avoid overly wet areas, as too much moisture can lead to root rot or mildew issues. Water regularly while plants become established, then allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings for many varieties. Frequent harvesting also helps encourage fuller, healthier growth throughout the season.
To harvest herbs, snip stems in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day. Use clean scissors or pruners and avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time. Regular harvesting keeps plants productive and prevents many herbs from becoming woody or flowering too quickly. Fresh herbs can be used immediately, or preserved by drying or freezing to enjoy long after the growing season ends.
Keeping it Simple
Herbs bring simple aromas and flavors to the garden. Their versatility, fragrance, and ease of care make them a wonderful addition to any outdoor space. Start with a few favorites, experiment with new flavors, and enjoy the rewards of growing fresh herbs all season long.
Looking for advice on your herb garden? Stop into Sargent’s for all the care tips and companion planting pointers to have a successful growing year.
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