Choosing a Garden’s First Herbs

Growing herbs, whether in an indoor garden or an outside kitchen garden, is a highly rewarding pastime, both in and of itself, and also through the benefits that can be gained from the herbs once they are grown. But setting out to choose the herbs to put in a first garden can be a bit daunting.

The first thing to look at is which herbs the beginning gardener likes or is most likely to use. The most common choices are those that are useful both in the kitchen and as medicinal herb plants. Here are a few that many people pick:

Rosemary

In colder climates, Rosemary does best in a combination of indoor (in winter) and outdoor (in summer) growing. It tolerates clipping well, so once it becomes a decently sized bush, it can be used freely. Aside from a lovely, slightly woody taste that compliments many foods well (some favorites being potatoes or chicken), it is very useful medicinally. A tea of Rosemary can help calm stomach irritation and nervousness, or can be used as a rinse on wounds. It is also very nutritious for hair, especially darker shades. It is often grown as a companion plant for cabbage, beans, carrots, and sage. It helps to deter cabbage moths, bean beetles and carrot flies.

Parsley

Parsley can be grown either indoors or out, but when grown outdoors, Parsley is usually treated as an annual. With just a little attention, it can in fact be a perennial. While it is often seen by Americans as a useless decoration, parsley is a delightful and highly useful herb. Aside from complementing a huge range of foods, most notably mild-flavored vegetables, it can also help with a variety of things like bad breath, stomach upset, menstrual issues, and much more.

Basil

Commonly grown both inside and out, basil is much loved for its attractive scent while growing. It is highly useful, especially for cooking. No pot of spaghetti is complete without basil, and of course it is the main ingredient of pesto. While growing, be sure to clip the buds off before they bloom to encourage a bushier plant and to preserve the flavor by delaying flowering. Clipping and using the outer leaves actually encourage a healthier plant. It is also very healthy for the gums, and will help with sore gums and mouth ulcers. A few leaves burned in the coals of a barbeque will also help deter mosquitoes.

Thyme

Thyme is one of the easiest herbs to grow. Once it is established, it is difficult to kill. It can be grown either indoors or out, but inside is recommended in the deep south, as it is used to slightly cooler climates. It is a delightful seasoning for many things, most notably meats, including fish and poultry; the taste is strongest just before flowering, so many people nip the flower buds to delay the flowering. It is also extensively used for medicinal purposes, especially any sort of cough or cold, and as a wash for Athlete’s foot.

Chives

Chives are another very easy herb to grow. They are generally grown outside, as it is hard to get them enough sun inside. The flowers of this plant are large, lovely purple globes, which work beautifully as a garnish. Once the plant has flowered, however, the leaves lose much of their flavor, so commonly people only let a few of their plants actually flower. Chives lend a slightly onion-like, crisp taste that is wonderful on egg dishes, cheese soufflés, salads, soups, cream cheese sandwiches, and sour cream dressing for baked potatoes. Chive butter is wonderful for many meats, especially when grilled.

Mint

One of the more versatile herbs, mint is actually something of a pest if not cared for properly, because it is so hardy and spreads so easily. If you want mint in your garden, you should have a method to keep it separate, such as planting it in a pot placed in the ground; otherwise you will soon have nothing but mint in your garden. It does quite well in pots, however, including inside, and so this may be the better option for mint. Its crisp, slightly sweet taste is lovely with sweeter vegetables like peas and new potatoes; it makes a lovely drink, by itself as a tea or added to other drinks; it goes well with many deserts, like ice cream or chocolate; and so on. Its medicinal uses are even more varied. It is one of the best anti-nausea herbs, and also good for other stomach upsets. It is also a wonderful breath freshener, calms the nerves, relieves colds, sinus problems and congestion, and many more.

Sage

Sage is a fairly easy plant to grow, Sage prefers dry locations, and plenty of sun. Its heavy, woodsy flavor is most commonly used with fatty meats such as some cuts of pork, goose, duck, and sausage. It is also indispensable in stuffing. It also has many medicinal uses; it enhances dark shades of hair; a gargled tea is helpful for sore throat; it may even be helpful for those with diabetes.