No backyard buffet is going anywhere without some freshly grown herbs that are easy to pick and easy to grow. Having your own herb garden within a few steps of your kitchen makes adding flavor to any of your home cooked meals easy. If you live in an apartment or house, in the south or in the north you’re going to find that these plants don’t take up much time or space to grow and can produce beautiful garnishes and flavors all year round.

My winters are cold so I tend to plant my herbs in pots that are easily transferrable from outside in the summer to the safe side of a window in the winter. Basil, my favorite herb is fairly easy to grow but needs watering quite often so I keep it in the window by my kitchen sink so I don’t forget to water. I use my basil for everything including spaghetti sauces, and perogies to tuna sandwich’s.

Another favorite of mine is chives which are perennials so if you plant them in your garden they’ll show up again next spring. They don’t need any attention to flourish and are a great addition to a baked potato at supper.

I found a handy resource for all things herbs called the Herb Gardening Guru. The Guru will help if you need info on planting, where and when, and also what you can use your herbs for.

Here are a few more of my favorite herbs.

Cilantro and Coriander
This plant provides two herbs, Cilantro from the leaves and Coriander from the seeds. For anyone who loves fresh homemade salsa, Cilantro is a must.

Parsley
Great for garnishing any dish and when eaten at the end of a meal helps digestion and fights garlic breath.

Thyme
Another easy to grow herb with tons of uses especially seasoning baked veggies.

The list goes on and on. Check out the Herb Gardening Guru and get your own herb garden started.

» Herb Gardening Guru