Herb

I’ll never forget how I “caught the gardening bug” – my first herb garden. I love to cook, and at the time I was on a big Italian food kick. I noticed how much I was spending on herbs at the store (especially the fresh ones!), and wanted to try my hand at growing a home herb garden. There was just one catch: The only plants that had ever survived under my care were made of silk.

Fear not, fellow houseplant assassins! As it turns out, starting with an herb garden is the perfect idea for any greenhorn. Most require little to no fuss at all. They often naturally resist disease, and some even repel insects with their natural oils. Below is a list I compiled of the perfect herbs for novice gardeners to get their hands dirty with. These herbs are the most essential and hearty – your best bets for a successful first herb garden. Even the blackest of thumbs can begin their road to recovery with just a little basil!

Mint – Talk about easy to grow…this stuff will take over your whole garden! Planting in a pot or container will keep it in check. Feeling bold? Try Spearmint, Peppermint or even Chocolate Mint. Who’s got the best warm, minty hot chocolate in town? YOU do.

Dill – It’s a very hardy annual, and actually attracts beneficial insects to your outdoor garden. Give it some sun and watch it go. Just pinch off the outer leaves at the stem and you’ve got fresh, homegrown dill for all kinds of ‘non-pickle’ things: Salmon (or any fish), soups, potato dishes and more.

Chives – They are the smallest, mildest variety of onion. You can eat every part of the plant, from bulb to tip. Their flowers are a beautiful pinky-purple color and often used in flower arrangements. You’ll spend more time garnishing baked potatoes with your chives than you will tending to them.

Oregano & Basil – Planting an herb garden without oregano or basil is like baking a lasagna without marinara sauce…Fuggedabowdit. Both of these guys love sun and don’t do well in freezing temperatures, so consider your climate before planting outdoors.

Thyme – Though native to Southern Europe, Thyme can now be found growing anywhere from Africa to Russia. It handles cold weather better than most herbs, and it’s one of the few that retains much of its flavor post-drying. Try placing it near areas with light foot traffic; if it fills in cracks between stepping stones, walking on it releases even more of its aroma!

If you really want to foolproof your plan, stick to growing your new herb garden indoors or try an herb garden kit. Give your new herbs lots of sunshine and be careful to avoid over watering. Soon you’ll be gardening like a pro, and your plant-slaying days will be but a distant memory! Good luck!

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