Herbs

Assorted herbs Hanging in front of a blue wooden wall with identification tags

Growing Herbs at Home

Growing herbs adds beauty to your garden and flavor to your kitchen. There is nothing better than using herb plants from your own garden when cooking. It’s convenient and you get the freshest flavors. When planning your kitchen herb garden, there are many different types of herbs to choose from. Some of the best herbs to grow are listed below.

In general, you’ll want to plant your kitchen herb garden in a well-draining, nutrient rich soil. Herb plants also like sunny locations to partial shade. There are some combinations of herb plants that do well when planted together. These are Rosemary, Sage and Thyme; Basil, Oregano and Marjoram; and Sage, Lavender and Rosemary. When picking your herbs, choose what you like to eat and will use in the kitchen.

Plant Facts:

Basil

Fresh sprayed sweet basil uncut in a bowl with the word "basil" on the image
  • Varieties: Holy Basil, Thai Basil, Sweet Basil, Genovese Basil, Purple Basil, Lime Basil, Green Ruffles
  • Height: 8 in. – 4 ft.
  • Planting Time: After last frost - Summer
  • Sun-Shade: 6-8 hours of morning sun, afternoon shade
  • Soil Condition: Moist, rich, well-draining
  • Fertilize: Every few weeks
  • Uses: Salads, Pesto, Soups, Meats

Chives

Bundle of chives with the ends chopped off with the word "chives" on the image
  • Varieties: Garlic Chives, Chinese Chives
  • Height: 12 in.
  • Planting Time: Early Spring
  • Sun-Shade: Full sun
  • Soil Condition: any soil with high organic matter
  • Fertilize: Every 3-4 weeks
  • Uses: Fish, Meat, Baked Potatoes

Cilantro

A bunch of cilantro tied in twine with a brown tag on it that reads "Cilantro"
  • Varieties: Chinese Cilantro, Cilantro Confetti, Coriander
  • Height: 2 ft.
  • Planting Time: Fall or Spring
  • Sun-Shade: Partial Sun – Partial Shade
  • Soil Condition: Moist, well-draining
  • Fertilize: When they reach a height of 2 in.
  • Uses: Soups, Salsa, Salads

Garlic

Whole garlic bulbs in a bowl to the right and some in the background with a half of one sitting out of the bowl in the front and a garlic bulb split off with the word "garlic" on the image
  • Varieties: Elephant Garlic, Creole garlic, Hard-Neck Garlic
  • Height: Up to 4 ft.
  • Planting Time: Feb - March
  • Sun-Shade: Full Sun
  • Soil Condition: Loamy, Slightly Acidic
  • Fertilize: As needed
  • Uses: General Cooking, Salads

Lavender

Bundle of fresh lavender tied at the stem and lying on table with the word "lavender" on the image
  • Varieties: Pinnata, Stoechs Spanish, Dentata, English, French, Goodwin Creek
  • Height: 1 – 5 ft.
  • Sun-Shade: Full Sun
  • Soil Condition: Slightly Alkaline, well-draining
  • Fertilize: In the Fall
  • Uses: Garden Accents, Decoration, Cooking

Mint

Bunch of fresh mint sitting on bamboo dish with the word "mint" on the image
  • Varieties: Spearmint, Mint, Apple Mint, Chocolate Mint, Pineapple Mint
  • Height: 1 – 2 ft.
  • Sun-Shade: Full Sun or Partial Shade
  • Planting Time: Spring or Fall (in warmer climates)
  • Soil Condition: Moist, well-draining
  • Fertilize: Every few weeks
  • Uses: Add to drinks, salads, desserts, garnish

Oregano

Dried oregano next to fresh oregano on a wooden table with the word "oregano" on the image
  • Varieties: Greek, Mexican, Italian
  • Height: Up to 2 ft.
  • Sun-Shade: Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Soil Condition: well-draining, slightly alkaline
  • Fertilize: In Spring, continue through growing season
  • Uses: Add to drinks, salads, desserts, garnish

Parsley

A bunch of fresh parsley sitting on a burlap cloth with the word "parsley" on the image
  • Varieties: Crispum, Neapolitanum, Tuberosum
  • Height: Up to 1 ft.
  • Planting Time: Spring (Fall in Zones 7 and up)
  • Sun-Shade: Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Soil Condition: Rich, moist soil
  • Fertilize: As needed to encourage new growth
  • Uses: Garnish, add to mixture when you juice fruits or vegetables

Rosemary

A close up image of rosemary herb blooming with purple flowers with the word "Rosemary" on the image
  • Height: Up to 5 ft.
  • Planting Time: Spring (Fall in zones 8 and up)
  • Sun-Shade: Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Soil Condition: Well-draining
  • Fertilize: When planted and again in spring
  • Uses: Meats, soups, vegetables, sauces, breads

Sage

A bundle of fresh sage sitting on a piece of bark with the word "Sage" on the image
  • Planting Time: Spring or Fall
  • Sun-Shade: Partial to full sun
  • Soil Condition: Well-draining, sandy, loamy
  • Uses: Poultry, pork, cheese, wine, medicinal

Thyme

A close up image of thyme with the word "thyme" on the image
  • Varieties: Common thyme (T. vulgaris), lemon thyme (T. citriodorus), Spanish thyme (T. zygis), Creeping thyme (T. serpyllum)
  • Planting Time: Spring (After last frost)
  • Sun-Shade: Full sun
  • Soil Condition: Well-draining, slightly alkaline
  • Uses: Use in spreads, vegetables, stews, soups, sauces

Visit your local SummerWinds Nursery today to learn more about growing herbs. Our Trusted Garden Advisors are ready to help you select the best herbs to grow in your kitchen herb garden.

At SummerWinds Nursery, We Guarantee Success!