The Best Herbs for Your Garden: Top 10 Picks

Gardening is a popular hobby that not only brings us closer to nature but also offers a range of benefits, such as providing fresh and healthy produce.

If you’re planning to start a herbs garden, you’re on the right path as growing herbs is a great way to enhance the taste of your meals while also adding a dash of greenery to your home. For one thing, herbs are quite easy to grow and maintain. And don’t they just add a wonderful aroma and flavour to your cooking? Want to know some of the best herbs for your garden?

With so many herbs to choose from, it can be overwhelming to pick the best herbs for your garden. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 10 herbs that are easy to grow and perfect for any garden. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and growing tips for each herb, so you can start growing your own herbs today.

What are Herbs?

Herbs are multi-purpose plants that have been used for centuries for their medicinal, culinary, and aromatic properties. These plants are primarily cultivated for their stems, flowers, and leaves, which offer a wide range of benefits across different industries.

In the culinary world, herbs are essential ingredients that add unique flavours and aromas to various dishes. Fresh or dried, herbs such as basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and oregano not only add a burst of flavour to meals but also contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote good health.

Herbs have also been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Many cultures have relied on herbs such as echinacea, ginger, chamomile, and peppermint for their healing properties, and these medicinal herbs continue to be popular today.

Apart from their culinary and medicinal uses, herbs are also valuable in the fragrance industry. They are used to create perfumes and other scented products due to their distinct and pleasant aromas.

According to Statistica, the estimated market size for herbs and spices in 2023 is 126 billion dollars.

Best Herbs for Your Garden – 10 Picks

Below you will find our list of 10 of the best herbs for your garden. We also searched for and listed the best and most positively reviewed planting seeds you can order online right now and have them delivered to your doorstep. Simply click on the blue link to read the reviews on Amazon.

1. Basil

Basil is one of the best herbs for your garden. It is a tender annual herb that is commonly used in many cuisines around the world, and that’s because it has a slightly spicy and sweet flavour that makes it pair well with such dishes as salads, pasta, and pizza. Apart from the wonderful taste it adds to your diet, this herb is a nutrient powerhouse and is also rich in antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties.

In planting basil, keep in mind that basil plants thrive best in moist soil that is neither too wet nor too dry. Basil also loves warm weather but not very high temperatures. The herbs can also be planted in pods. It is also important to water the plant consistently and regularly. However, take care not to overwater it as this might result in root rot.

Like many herbs, basil can become less tasty and coarse after it has flowered. So, ensure that you cut off any flower buds that appear. It is also a good practice to prune your basil regularly and harvest the leaves as they mature to encourage growth.

2. Mint

This is another great example of the best herbs for your garden. Mints are unique perennial herbs that come with a cool and refreshing flavour. This versatile herb can be added to a variety of dishes such as salads, cocktails, yoghurt, and teas. Mint also pairs well with fruit, chocolate, and lamb. Moreover, mint is well known for its digestive benefits as it can help to soothe an upset stomach.

It is best to plant mint either in a container or a well-contained area in your garden. This is because mint can be quite an invasive plant and may take over other plants.

Mint thrives in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Best practices that encourage the growth of your mint plant include watering it deeply whenever the top inch of soil is dry, pruning it, and harvesting the leaves as they mature.

3. Thyme

Thyme is one of the most popular aromatic herbs; it comes in a wide array of varieties and is commonly used in tasty cuisines and for medicinal purposes. We picked it as one of the best herbs for your garden. Its subtle, earthy flavour makes it a good pair with fish, chicken, sauces, pasta, and vegetable dishes.

Moreover, thyme may be one of the best herbs for your garden because of the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties that make it useful for certain respiratory and skin conditions.

In planting thyme, look for well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Bear in mind that the more sun the herb receives, the stronger its flavours will be.

Thyme is also one of the best herbs for your garden because it is fairly drought-tolerant. Keep watering to a minimum and do so when the top inch of the soil becomes dry. Pruning your thyme regularly and harvesting the leaves as needed will encourage the growth of this unique plant.

4. Parsley

Parsley is another example of the best herbs for your garden. They can be used in a variety of dishes such as salads, soups, and stews due to their fresh, bright flavour.

Moreover, parsley is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The vitamins and compounds in parsley may protect against chronic diseases, improve bone health, and provide antioxidant benefits. It is also a good source of folate and iron.

Also, parsley is one of the best herbs for your garden because it is easy to grow and maintain. The most common way to propagate the herb is by seed.

It is important to be aware that the germination rate of parsley seeds tends to be slow, but you can improve your chances of success by soaking the seeds overnight before sowing.

It is best to plant parsley in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. It is also important to space parsley plants about 6 to 8 inches apart in your garden. Ensure that you water the plant regularly as parsley thrives best in moist soil. Pruning your parsley regularly and harvesting the leaves as they mature will also encourage optimum growth of the herb.

5. Sage

Sage is one of the most popular fragrant culinary herbs – a good reason to add it as one of the best herbs for your garden. It is popular in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Its strong, sweet but savoury flavour makes it a wonderful pair with poultry, pasta, sausages, and potatoes. Sage also has anti-inflammatory properties and is a good source of antioxidants.

Moreover, sage is one of the best herbs for your garden because medical research indicates that this wonderful herb may improve brain function, strengthen immunity, improve oral health, and manage cholesterol. It also aids in menopausal care and skin care.

In planting sage, go for free-draining soil or compost and ensure that there is plenty of sunlight as this is more likely to bring out the flavour of the leaves. Do not overwater your sage as the plant can die from root rot due to waterlogged soils. Just keep the soil moist, not wet. Be sure to prune your sage regularly and harvest the leaves as needed to encourage new shoots with fresh leaves.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary is a perennial herb that is often used in cuisines, haircare and skincare. It is one of the best herbs for your garden; its unique pine-like flavour and aroma make it a perfect addition to stews, soups, salads, and casseroles. Rosemary is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. It is also used in aromatherapy for chronic pain treatment.

Also, rosemary is one of the best herbs for your garden because it is easy to grow and care for. Moreover, they can grow quite big under the right conditions. It is best to plant rosemary in well-draining soil that isn’t too acidic with plenty of sunlight.

As the plant is susceptible to root rot from overwatering, you may need to allow the top inch of the soil to dry out between waterings. Harvest the leaves as needed and prune off diseased or broken branches regularly to encourage healthy growth with lots of blooms.

7. Oregano

Oregano is a fragrant herb that is popularly used in Italian and Greek cuisine. It pairs well with fish, meat, and poultry dishes due to its pungent peppery flavour. Oregano is one of the best herbs for your garden as it offers tons of health benefits; they are rich in antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Oregano should be planted in well-draining soil and should be exposed to at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight for the best flavour.  Be sure to plant your oregano with a spacing of 8 to 10 inches apart.

Another fact that makes oregano one of the best herbs for your garden is that they require only about an inch of water per week as they are drought resistant. So, do not overwater them. Pruning your oregano and harvesting sprigs of young leaves regularly will significantly contribute to its growth.

8. Dill

The Best Herbs for Your Garden: Dill

Dill is a fragrant herb with a deliciously fresh, citrus-like taste and is sometimes used as a substitute for parsley. It is one of the best herbs for your garden; its fresh, tangy flavour makes it a good pair with potatoes, fish, and cucumber. Dill is a good source of magnesium, vitamins A and C, folate, and riboflavin.

In addition to the anti-inflammatory benefits common among herbs, dill is one of the best herbs for your garden because it offers great benefits for hair growth, and its antioxidant properties can help to promote skin elasticity and firmness. The herb has also been linked with such health benefits as improving digestion, relieving constipation, and promoting better sleep.

Dill should be planted with a spacing of about 12 inches in moist but well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Be sure to plant it in a sheltered, sunny location that is protected from strong winds, so its foliage isn’t easily blown off.

Keep the soil moist by watering it regularly, especially during dry periods in summer. However, be careful not to overwater the herbs. You can encourage a fresh flush of foliage for your dill plant by pruning and harvesting its leaves regularly.

9. Cilantro

Popular in Asian, Mexican, and Caribbean cuisine, cilantro (also known as coriander) is one of the best herbs for your garden. It is often added to spicy dishes, salsa, fish, and rice. Apart from its bright, citrusy flavour, cilantro has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is also a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as heart-healthy antioxidants.

In planting cilantro, go for loose, well-drained soil with full sun and light shade in hot temperatures. Ensure that you water the plant regularly as cilantro thrives best in moist soil.

Trimming off flower stalks (unless you intend to harvest the seeds), pruning your cilantro regularly, and harvesting the leaves as they mature will encourage the healthy growth of this wonderful herb.

10. Chives

Chives are a popular herb commonly used to garnish soups, dips, seafood dishes, salads, and omelettes due to their mild, onion-like flavour. They are one of the best herbs for your garden.

Chives are nutrient-dense, low in calories, and extremely rich in flavonoid antioxidants that help fight cancer and inflammation, as well as improve heart health. Their health benefits are also linked with boosting the immune system, promoting good digestion, detoxifying the body, and boosting skin health.

One of the easiest perennial herbs to grow and the best herbs for your garden, chives are best planted in fertile, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter with full sun to partial shade. Space chive plants about 8 to 10 inches apart.

Since chives prefer moist soil, it is a good thing to water them regularly, but be careful not to overwater them. Pruning the plant regularly and harvesting the leaves as they mature will also encourage the growth of its pretty blossoms.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, herbs are one of the best plants you can grow in your garden as they not only add flavour and aroma to your cooking but also offer enormous health benefits. This article has explored 10 of the best herbs for your garden. No matter which herb you choose to grow in your garden, it is important to keep in mind basic but important tips such as choosing the right soil type, location, and spacing for your herb plants.

Also, knowing how often to water your herbs and pruning them regularly will encourage healthy growth. Follow these basic tips and you can be sure to enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh herbs all season long!

You may also be interested in our previous article Exploring the Fascinating Facts About North American Pulse Crops.