Guide to Growing a Simple Herb Garden

• Basil – grow this versatile herb either inside or out from seed. Basil likes a sunny location with relatively dry soil. When plants are established, pinch off the centers to promote fuller growth. Basil leaves can be added to sauces, soups, salads, salsas, and dressings. Use sparingly as basil has a hardy flavor.
• Chamomile – a low-growing annual that is easy to grow from seed. Chamomile has long been used for medicinal purposes and the flower can be dried and used to make a soothing tea, mouthwash, or facial wash. Chamomile has a pretty flower with a gentle fragrance and grows very well in a sunny space, indoors or out. Allow some flowers to go to seed and chamomile will come up year after year.
• Dill – This hardy annual has very thin blue-green leaves with dark yellow flowers. Both the leaf and the dill flower can be used in cooking to add a sweet, strong flavor. Dill is believed to have a calming effect and can be used for upset stomach or indigestion. Sow dill seedlings in good soil in a sunny area about 12 inches apart. When flowers turn brown, cut down the whole plant and dry seeds indoors. Add dill to sauces to flavor fish or mix with mayonnaise or a soft cheese to create a delicious condiment. Chew dill for fresh breath or steep seeds to create a relaxing tea.
• Garlic is an essential element in both the kitchen and the herb garden. A perennial bulb, garlic likes a sunny location and rich soil. Plant individual cloves of garlic in the early spring 2 inches deep and 14 inches apart. Garlic thrives both indoors and out. Water garlic frequently. Garlic, aside from being a strong pungent seasoning, is believed to have great medicinal value. Use sparingly in just about any dish to enhance flavor.
• Lemon Thyme – This low-growing herb is easy to maintain and gives off a sweet, lemony fragrance. Grow lemon thyme in full sun and well-draining soil. This herb grows well indoors propagate cuttings in the spring and keep moist. Add leaves of lemon thyme to stews, soups, and salads. Mix the dried pink flowers with other fragrant herbs to create a lovely pot-pourri.
• Peppermint – this hardy herb adds color and texture to any herb garden. The plant has dark green leaves, red stems, and pinkish-purple, spiky flowers. Peppermint does well in open space in rich soil. Because peppermint has a tendency to spread, plant it in a pot and then place the pot under the soil outside. Water well and pinch or clip back to promote growth. Peppermint can be used to make a refreshing tea or to flavor candy and baked goods. Add a few sprigs to salad greens or mix with melted butter to flavor fish.
• Tarragon – Fresh-picked tarragon is one of the most distinctly flavorful additions to any meal. Tarragon leaves can be used to enhance the flavor of poultry, vegetables, dressings and sauces. Make a flavorful butter by mixing it with fresh tarragon to spread on fresh bread or drizzle over vegetables. Tarragon prefers a sunny spot and well-drained soil. It is a tall plant with small flowers. Grow propagated cuttings of rooted shoots set 12 inches apart in spring or autumn.