What Should You Plant In Your First Herb Garden?

Someone asked me a good question the other day. What would you plant if you were planting your first herb garden? I had to think back to some of the first herbs I ever planted, and think about what my favorite herbs are now.

If you’re new to herb gardening, start small with about 5 or 6 herbs, you can always add more next year, but get to know the herbs you plant and the flavors they add to your dishes.

(c) L Gerlach

You should also start your new herb garden as close to the kitchen door as you can. You’re more likely to go out and snip a few herbs while your cooking if you don’t have to walk a mile to get there.

What herbs would I plant in my first herb garden? Hmmm..

• I would probably include some thyme since it’s a wonderful herb to add to marinades and meat rubs.
• I would also include sweet basil. It’s an annual, so you’ll have to plant new plants each year, but it’s wonderful for dishes like pizza and spaghetti. You can also make some delicious pesto.
• Rosemary is another one of my favorites. I love its citrus scent and flavor for baking and rubs.
• Chives are a staple at my house. I love to go out and snip a handful of chives to add to salads, stir fry, and potatoes.
• If you’re a serious foodie you should include some French tarragon, it’s the best all around culinary herb.
• If you have an herb that’s a personal favorite, you should incorporate it into your herb garden. My personal favorite is cilantro. I love to add it to salads, southwestern dishes, and salsas. It’s my favorite herb, but I know some who don’t really care for it.

These are some of my top picks for a beginners herb garden because most are very versatile, and easy to grow and care for.

What are your top herb garden picks?