Herbs have been our most faithful plant companions since ancient times. For centuries gardeners have grown culinary varieties to cook dinner, medicinal herbs to cure ailments, and aromatic herbs to soothe souls.
What are the easiest edible herbs to grow? It depends on your climate, of course, but generally speaking mint, parsley, chives, and thyme are good choices for beginners who want to experiment outdoors or in (a window box or planter on a sunny window sill qualifies as an herb garden, in our opinion).
Is it your first time growing herbs? If you live in an apartment, see our primer on Urban Gardening: Shade-Tolerant Herbs to Grow in Your Apartment. To grow herbs outdoors, Everything You Need to Know About Herb Gardens.
How do you choose the right herbs to grow? Consider your goal. For herbal tea, see Tisanes: Easy Teas You Can Grow. For an all-purpose culinary (and cocktail-worth) mint, see our list at Mints: 9 Favorites for a Cook’s Garden. And for planning a garden of medicinal herbs, for inspiration see Healing Herbs: A Modern Apothecary Garden.
