As the days grow longer and the temperatures begin to rise, it’s the perfect time to start planning your summer garden. Herbs are a fantastic addition to any garden, offering not only culinary delights but also a range of health benefits and aromatic pleasures. Planting herbs now will ensure that your garden thrives throughout the summer, providing you with fresh ingredients and beautiful greenery.
In this article, we’ll explore seven essential herbs that you should consider planting now to enjoy a flourishing garden come summer. From the robust flavors of basil to the refreshing scent of mint, these herbs are easy to grow and will enhance your garden and your kitchen.
1. Basil: The King of Herbs
Basil is a must-have in any summer garden, known for its vibrant green leaves and aromatic scent. It’s a staple in many cuisines, particularly Italian, where it’s used in dishes like pesto and caprese salad. Basil thrives in warm weather, so it’s best to plant it after the last frost when the soil has warmed up. Space the plants about 12 inches apart in a sunny location with well-drained soil.
To ensure a continuous supply of fresh basil, pinch off the flower buds as they appear. This encourages the plant to produce more leaves. Regular harvesting will also promote bushier growth. Basil can be grown in pots or directly in the ground, making it a versatile choice for any garden.
2. Mint: Refreshing and Resilient
Mint is a hardy herb that can quickly take over your garden if not contained, so it’s best grown in pots or containers. Its refreshing flavor is perfect for summer beverages, desserts, and savory dishes. Mint prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Plant mint about 18 inches apart to allow for its spreading nature.
Regular pruning will help keep mint under control and encourage new growth. Harvest the leaves as needed, and consider planting different varieties such as spearmint or peppermint for a range of flavors. Mint is also a natural pest deterrent, making it a beneficial addition to your garden.
3. Rosemary: A Fragrant Evergreen
Rosemary is a perennial herb with needle-like leaves and a woody aroma. It’s a great choice for a summer garden due to its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in hot, sunny conditions. Plant rosemary in well-drained soil, spacing the plants about 24 inches apart to accommodate their bushy growth.
Rosemary can be used fresh or dried in a variety of dishes, from roasted meats to breads. It’s also a beautiful ornamental plant, with small blue flowers that attract pollinators. Prune rosemary regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
4. Thyme: A Versatile Culinary Staple
Thyme is a low-growing herb with small, fragrant leaves that add a subtle flavor to many dishes. It’s a versatile herb that pairs well with meats, vegetables, and even baked goods. Thyme prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and should be planted about 12 inches apart.
Thyme is drought-tolerant once established, making it an ideal choice for a low-maintenance garden. Regular harvesting will keep the plant healthy and productive. Thyme can also be used in herbal teas and as a natural remedy for coughs and colds.
5. Oregano: The Mediterranean Marvel
Oregano is a robust herb with a strong, earthy flavor that’s essential in Mediterranean cooking. It’s a perennial that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant oregano about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for its spreading habit.
Oregano is easy to care for and requires minimal watering once established. Harvest the leaves regularly to encourage new growth and to prevent the plant from becoming woody. Oregano is not only a culinary delight but also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
6. Chives: A Mild Onion Flavor
Chives are a member of the onion family, known for their mild flavor and attractive purple flowers. They’re a great addition to salads, soups, and omelets. Chives prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and can be planted about 6 to 12 inches apart.
Chives are perennial and will return year after year with minimal care. Regular harvesting will keep the plants productive and prevent them from becoming too dense. The flowers are also edible and can be used as a garnish or in salads.
7. Cilantro: A Zesty Addition
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is an herb with a distinctive flavor that’s popular in Mexican and Asian cuisines. It prefers cooler weather, so it’s best to plant it in early spring or late summer. Cilantro grows well in full sun or partial shade and should be spaced about 6 inches apart.
Cilantro is a fast-growing herb that can be harvested within a few weeks of planting. Regular harvesting will prevent the plant from bolting, or going to seed, too quickly. Both the leaves and seeds (coriander) are used in cooking, making cilantro a versatile addition to your garden.
8. Sage: The Healer’s Herb
Sage is a perennial herb with soft, gray-green leaves and a strong, earthy flavor. It’s often used in poultry dishes and stuffing, as well as in herbal teas. Sage prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and should be planted about 24 inches apart to accommodate its bushy growth.
Sage is a hardy plant that requires little maintenance once established. Prune it regularly to encourage new growth and prevent it from becoming woody. Sage also has medicinal properties and has been used traditionally to aid digestion and soothe sore throats.
9. Parsley: More Than Just a Garnish
Parsley is a biennial herb that’s often used as a garnish, but it also adds a fresh, bright flavor to many dishes. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Plant parsley about 6 to 8 inches apart.
Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, making it a nutritious addition to your diet. Regular harvesting will keep the plant productive and prevent it from going to seed too quickly. Parsley can be used in salads, soups, and sauces, and is a key ingredient in dishes like tabbouleh.
10. Dill: The Pickling Powerhouse
Dill is an annual herb known for its feathery leaves and distinct flavor that’s perfect for pickling. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and should be planted about 12 inches apart. Dill is a fast-growing herb that can be harvested within a few weeks of planting.
In addition to pickling, dill can be used in salads, soups, and fish dishes. Regular harvesting will encourage the plant to produce more leaves. Dill also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and pollinators to your garden.
11. Lemon Balm: A Citrus-Scented Delight
Lemon balm is a perennial herb with a delightful lemon scent that’s often used in teas and desserts. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Plant lemon balm about 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for its spreading habit.
Lemon balm is easy to grow and can quickly take over your garden if not contained, so consider planting it in pots or containers. Regular pruning will keep the plant bushy and productive. Lemon balm has calming properties and is often used in herbal remedies to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
