The 11 Best Herbs to Grow for Year-Round Harvesting

Basil is a fragrant herb commonly used in Italian cuisine. It's perfect for adding fresh flavor to pasta, salads, and pesto.

Growing Basil

• Conditions: Basil thrives in warm, sunny conditions with well-drained soil.
• Care: Regular watering and pruning encourage bushy growth.

Preserving Basil

• Drying Basil: Air dry basil by hanging it in small bunches in a well-ventilated area.
• Freezing Basil: Chop the leaves and freeze them in ice cube trays with water or olive oil.

2. Parsley

Parsley is a versatile herb used as a garnish and flavoring in a variety of dishes, from soups to salads and sauces.

Growing Parsley

• Conditions: Parsley prefers partial shade and moist, rich soil.
• Care: Regular harvesting helps prevent the plant from bolting.

Preserving Parsley

• Drying Parsley: Spread leaves on a baking sheet and dry them in a low-temperature oven.
• Freezing Parsley: Freeze chopped parsley in ice cube trays with water.

3. Mint

Mint is a refreshing herb commonly used in teas, cocktails, salads, and desserts. It also has digestive and soothing properties.

Growing Mint

• Conditions: Mint grows well in moist, shaded areas.
• Care: Plant mint in a container to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably.

Preserving Mint

• Drying Mint: Hang mint sprigs upside down in a dark, airy place.
• Freezing Mint: Freeze whole or chopped leaves in ice cube trays with water.

4. Thyme

Thyme is a robust herb used in a variety of dishes, including roasted meats, stews, and soups. It's known for its earthy, minty flavor.

Growing Thyme

• Conditions: Thyme needs full sun and well-drained soil.
• Care: Minimal watering and occasional pruning are sufficient.

Preserving Thyme

• Drying Thyme: Air dry by hanging small bundles or using a dehydrator.
• Freezing Thyme: Freeze the sprigs on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant herb used to flavor meats, potatoes, and bread. It's also known for its medicinal properties, including improving memory and concentration.

Growing Rosemary

• Conditions: Rosemary prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
• Care: Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages growth.

Preserving Rosemary

• Drying Rosemary: Hang rosemary sprigs in a warm, dry place.
• Freezing Rosemary: Freeze the sprigs whole or chopped in ice cube trays with olive oil.

6. Cilantro

Cilantro, also known as coriander leaves, is commonly used in Mexican, Indian, and Thai cuisines. It adds a fresh, citrusy flavor to dishes.

Growing Cilantro

• Conditions: Cilantro grows best in cooler weather with full sun or partial shade.
• Care: Succession planting ensures a continuous harvest.

Preserving Cilantro

• Drying Cilantro: Cilantro doesn’t dry well, so freezing is preferred.
• Freezing Cilantro: Blend with water or oil and freeze in ice cube trays.

7. Chives

Chives are a mild herb related to onions and garlic. They are often used as a garnish and in salads, soups, and egg dishes.

Growing Chives

• Conditions: Chives thrive in full sun with well-drained soil.
• Care: Regular trimming encourages new growth.

Preserving Chives

• Drying Chives: Air drying is difficult due to the high moisture content, so freezing is better.
• Freezing Chives: Chop and freeze in ice cube trays with water.

8. Oregano

Oregano is a staple in Italian and Greek cuisine, known for its robust, slightly bitter flavor. It's often used in sauces, marinades, and grilled meats.

Growing Oregano

• Conditions: Oregano requires full sun and well-drained soil.
• Care: Prune regularly to encourage dense growth.

Preserving Oregano

• Drying Oregano: Hang in small bunches or use a dehydrator.
• Freezing Oregano: Freeze leaves on a baking sheet and transfer to a freezer bag.

9. Sage

Sage has a strong, earthy flavor that pairs well with fatty meats, such as pork and lamb, as well as in stuffing and savory dishes.

Growing Sage

• Conditions: Sage grows best in full sun and well-drained soil.
• Care: Prune back in early spring to encourage new growth.

Preserving Sage

• Drying Sage: Hang sage leaves in a dark, well-ventilated area.
• Freezing Sage: Freeze whole or chopped leaves in ice cube trays with olive oil.

10. Tarragon

Tarragon has a distinctive anise-like flavor and is commonly used in French cuisine, particularly in sauces, dressings, and poultry dishes.

Growing Tarragon

• Conditions: Tarragon needs full sun and well-drained soil.
• Care: Regular trimming helps maintain its shape.

Preserving Tarragon

• Drying Tarragon: Air dry or use a dehydrator for best results.
• Freezing Tarragon: Freeze leaves on a baking sheet and transfer to a freezer bag.

11. Bay Laurel

Bay laurel leaves are used to add depth to soups, stews, and sauces. They have a slightly floral, herbal flavor that enhances slow-cooked dishes.

Growing Bay Laurel

• Conditions: Bay laurel prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
• Care: Prune regularly to keep it manageable.

Preserving Bay Laurel

• Drying Bay Laurel: Air dry by hanging branches in a warm, dry place.
• Freezing Bay Laurel: Freeze whole leaves in a freezer bag.

Grow and Preserve 11 Fresh Flavors for Your Kitchen

Growing herbs year-round is a rewarding endeavor that ensures a constant supply of fresh flavors for your kitchen and health benefits for your household. With the proper growing conditions and preservation techniques, you can enjoy these 11 herbs at any time of the year. Whether you prefer drying or freezing, each method retains the herbs' essential oils and flavors, allowing you to savor the taste of summer even in the depths of winter.