One of the most revered and ancient of plants, herbs not only romance the taste buds but engage the senses in a way unparalleled by most of their botanical brethren. Whether through their taste, scent, feel or foliage, herbs conjure images of fragrant home cooking, country drives through fields of lavender, and cozy, old-world cottage gardens.
Best of all, in the gardening world, herbs are the great equalizer. Their easy-going nature and propensity to thrive in pots mean that whether you're a novice or a horti-cultural heavyweight, whether you have 10 acres, a petite porch, or nothing more than a lone, sunny windowsill, anyone can grow a palate-pleasing bounty of herbs.
Being container-comfy also means herbs flourish indoors even during winter, adding a fresh touch to your cuisine as well as to your living space. Come spring, herbs that have overwintered inside can be introduced to the outdoors for a few hours each day until acclimatized. When fall arrives, simply move them indoors, being sure to place them by a sunny window.
Whether outdoors or in, most varieties need little more than sunlight, a pot with drainage holes, and regular watering (though be sure not to overwater—the most common way to kill a plant with kindness). Following these simple steps virtually guarantees you a four-season-friendly herb garden. Further, an oft-overlooked, though valuable, consequence of relying on potted plants rather than on a traditional garden is that your work doesn't run the risk of being dug up by your four-legged friends.
Five faves:
Basil:
There are more than 100 varieties, including cinnamon-, clove- and anise-flavoured. With variegated, purple, green or wrinkled leaves, you might choose a specimen as much for its appearance as for its taste.
Rosemary:
No collection is complete without this pungent, fragrant herb. Place a few sprigs in the house as an air freshener.
Thyme:
Perfect for beginners, it thrives with little more than benign neglect. Great for blending, its subtle flavour never overpowers.
Lemon Balm:
A member of the mint family, it has a soothing lemon-honey fragrance—great in salads. Unlike most herbs, it's moderately shade tolerant.
Lavender:
Nothing can beat its addictive fragrance, and its fresh or dried flowers add a citrus tang to dishes. For a culinary twist, use delicate lavender as a substitute for rosemary in savoury dishes.
Read more in Recipes and In Season
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