6 of the Easiest Herbs to Grow

Professional chefs demand fresh herbs for their dishes, as all cooks should, but fresh herbs are expensive. Growing herbs at home can solve that problem. There are dozens of herbs in all shapes and sizes, and some are easier to grow than others. Luckily, some of the most popular and widely used herbs are the easiest to grow.

These 6 easy herbs grow readily from seed or cuttings, tolerate a variety of soils, require no special care and have few if any pest or disease problems. All of these herbs also thrive in containers indoors and outside.

Annual and Bienniel Herbs

Basil grows easily from seed. Seed should be planted after the last frost. Pinching is required to make a bushy plant. Globe basil has a more compact growth habit and is good for a windowsill herb garden. Purple basil can be grown as an ornamental and used in cooking. Basil does not like heat and humidity, so is best grown in the cooler months of the year or indoors in hot, wet climates. Basil is used in tomato-based dishes and is popular with Italian cooks.

Parsley is a bienniel herb, but is usually grown as an annual. The leaves can be flat or curly. Parsley is a vigorous grower that can easily take over a mixed herb planter. Parsley is used to flavor a variety of foods and is often used as a garnish intended to freshen breath after a meal.

Cilantro has a unique flavor that is often found in Latin dishes. The seeds are used in confectionery cooking and are called coriander. Cilantro is easily grown from seed and is adaptable to most soils.

Perennial Herbs

Thyme is a low-growing plant with wiry stems that can reach 10 inches in height. It likes well-drained, light soil. Thyme is easily grown from cuttings or from seeds. After a few years, thyme plants become woody and should be replaced with new plants. Thyme is often used in seafood, poultry and beef dishes.

Sage, a member of the Salvia family, is started from seed or cuttings. It is a slow starter that likes full sun and is adaptable to a variety of soils. Like thyme, plants eventually become woody and should be replaced every three to four years. Sage is often used to flavor poultry.

Rosemary prefers sunny locations with well-drained soil and grows well in sandy soils. It is a perennial in temperate climates, often growing to several feet in height and width, but must be kept inside in colder climates during the winter. Rosemary rarely produces seed, so it must be grown from plants or rooted cuttings. Rosemary is a popular seasoning for meats and dressings.

With these six herbs in the garden, there wil be no lack of flavor in the family meals. Once growiing these herbs has been mastered, moving on to more challenging herbs will be next on the list.