Top 6 Culinary Herbs To Plant In Your Herb Garden

Herb plants are a must-have in any dream kitchen. If you want to start a kitchen herb garden as a hobby, save money, or eat healthier, there are many herbs you can grow in your yard, on your patio, or even on your windowsill. Herbs provide living decor as well as a helping hand in the kitchen. Fresh herbs enhance the flavor of recipes and are ideal for soups, stews, and salads. Here’s a list of great herbs that will spice up your meals all year.

Parsley

Parsley is a mildly bitter herb that can add flavor to various dishes. Many people think of parsley as a curly green garnish for food, but it helps stews achieve a more balanced flavor. The added benefit of parsley is that it aids digestion. Parsley is typically grown in milder climates; it can remain evergreen all winter. Vitamins A and C are plentiful in parsley.

Apple mint

Apple mint is one of the most simple herbs to grow, and it’s perfect for containers and other small spaces. While the mint flavor is delightful, the unexpected fruity tones are also enjoyable. Keep an eye on this herb’s wandering ways and pick leaves frequently. Tucking stray mint back into the pot will help control growth in container plants. Crush the leaves and add them to ice water for a refreshing summer drink, or steep them in hot water for tea.

Cilantro

Cilantro is most commonly found in Mexican and Asian cuisine. Because the flavor is strong, use sparingly and adjust to taste. To harvest, use sharp, unsoiled scissors to cut about a third of the way down your plant. New leaves will resume growing on the plant. Harvest every week to ensure continued growth.

Thyme

All types of meat, including beef, pork, and chicken, pair well with this savory herb. Its classic flavor adds a nice touch to soups and stews. Because of the way it grows, thyme is frequently used as a ground cover. Some varieties are less likely to wander and are ideal for growing in containers. If you grow thyme from seed, be patient because it takes a long time to germinate and can take up to a month. Plant thyme in sandy soil and avoid planting in areas that remain damp and retain water. Thyme thrives in hot, dry weather with plenty of sunlight.

Basil

Basil’s spicy-sweet flavor and aroma have made it one of the most popular herbs to grow. To get a new set of leaves, pinch off the tips of the stems. Make it a habit to do this regularly for the best results. Basil, a favorite in Asian and Italian cooking, grows beautifully in containers. While basil goes well with almost any Italian dish, don’t be afraid to try new things with it.

Dill

Dill goes well with fish, lamb, potatoes, and peas. It also aids digestion, fights bad breath, and has the added benefit of reducing swelling and cramping. Dill is a simple plant to grow. It will also attract beneficial insects such as wasps and other predatory insects to your garden.