10 easy-to-grow herbs

Growing herbs shouldn’t be a daunting exercise, and these 10 varieties are exceptionally easy to grow indoors or in the garden.

Basil

Basil is a great herb to have close by if you enjoy cooking, and can be planted outdoors or in a container. What’s more, its pretty white flowers attract bees. Remember that well-draining soil is essential. The more you pick the leaves, the more leaves your plant will produce.

Cooking tip: Sauces, salads, pastas and pesto.

Basil pesto. Picture: Supplied

Bay leaves

Bay leaves are usually dried, and this hardy shrub can be pruned to keep it in shape. It loves warm weather and can grow quite large, so a container on the patio is ideal.

Cooking tip: Curries and stews.

Chives

Chives, with their subtle onion flavour, are the perfect garnish and the plants are super easy to grow pretty much anywhere. As a bonus they repel pesky insects like aphids. When you pick the leaves, cut them at the base but leave at least two thirds of the plant intact.

Bonus: the flowers are very pretty and edible too, perfect for a fancy salad.

Cooking tip: Infuse oils and garnish omelettes, chicken and salads.

Dill

Dill is known for its use in pickling thanks to its tangy taste. Leaves can be harvested as needed, and even the flowers and seeds can be used in cooking. Dill grows in full sun and also self-seeds.

Cooking tip: Works well with seafood, soups and sauces.

Garden mint

Garden mint is a thirsty herb that’s best grown in a shady spot in containers. If left to its own devices, it’ll spread like wildfire. Pinch off the flowers to extend the harvesting season.

Cooking tip: Delicious with lamb.

Glass of water with ice, mint and lime. Picture: Supplied

Oregano

Oregano is one of the easiest herbs to grow. It also makes a great groundcover and is easy to propagate. Used fresh, it’s milder than the dried version. When propagating, simply root a cutting in water.

Cooking tip: Italian cuisine

Parsley

Parsley can be planted in beds to create pretty edging or indoors in containers. It likes moist soil and full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. When grown inside, ensure the container doesn’t sit in water.

Cooking tip: Juices, garnishes, stews, pastas.

Rosemary

Rosemary likes well-drained soil and full sun, and might seem slow growing at first but picks up once established. Plants should be watered deeply, especially those grown in containers.

Cooking tip: Roast lamb

Roast potato and rosemary soda bread. Picture: Supplied

Sage

Sage is a drought-tolerant herb that likes full sun. If grown indoors, place it on a sunny windowsill. Sage sprigs work beautifully used in flower arrangements.

Cooking tip: Delicious combined with browned butter and mixed into gnocchi. Use it with chicken, and veggies like butternut 

Thyme

Thyme is similar to rosemary, as it loves warm weather and full sun. It should only be watered if the soil is completely dry, and can be pruned to control growth. If planting in the garden, keep spacing in consideration as this herb grows quickly.

Cooking tip: Soups, stews and sauces.

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