One of the best herbs for growing outside is basil. This aromatic, flavorful plant is easy to maintain and is a great choice for your garden. It’s not hard to find and you will often see it in Italian restaurants, being added to dishes as an appetizer. Growing basil in a pot is simple too. All you need is regular old potting soil and topsoil for planting. The best herbs for growing outside can be grown in any type of soil, so don’t be too concerned about whether your soil is ideal or not.
Some other common herbs for growing in outdoor containers are chives and tarragon. These are both commonly found in Italian dishes, although you can use them in a variety of recipes as well. Most herbs like a sunny location though, because they don’t do well in water-logged soil. Keep in mind though that herbs do best with an average amount of sunlight, but if that’s not possible, don’t fret because some varieties will grow just fine in partial shade as well. Just make sure you have something firm to place them on so they don’t rot.
Another one of the best herbs for growing outside is oregano. Like basil, oregano has a delightful flavor and is often added to tomato sauces. You can grow oregano in your herb garden, although it requires a bit more attention than most herbs. Make sure you have a structure that provides ample light, and you should be able to harvest most of the oregano plants.
Sage also belongs in the category of herbs you might want to consider for your herb garden. If you live in a cold climate, sage is a great choice as it will tolerate very low temperatures. Another bonus to growing sage is that it will add a bit of color and flavor to your vegetables. Sage goes well with eggs and potatoes, and if you plant the rootstock, it will keep growing year after year.
Another idea is growing parsley. It has a wonderful flavor and is often added to sandwiches. Parsley is very easy to grow, and is a perennial herb that stays small. Parsley is best planted from seed indoors. You can harvest it anytime it’s blooming.
Rosemary is the third best herb to plant outdoors. Rosemary will keep your herb plants healthy and green, and it is also very aromatic. The best time to plant Rosemary is spring, but you should be careful not to over-water the plants. Allow the soil to drain when watering. In the fall, you can mulch the Rosemary to help protect it during the winter.
Finally, for best growing outside herbs, there are the mints. They are very tough and hardy, so they need little care. Moth balls are the best way to fertilize your herbs but remember that mint does not like heavy fertilizer. Mint should be harvested often, and its foliage should be trimmed frequently to help prevent it from spreading. The flowers are very attractive, and this hardy herb will fill your garden with beautiful color.
Best of all, herbs are easy to take care of. Most of them only need a light wash to get the best flavor, and you rarely have to water them. You’ll find that you’ll save money by growing your own herbs rather than buying commercial seeds. There are many different kinds of herbs available, and your local garden center should have a lot of information about which ones are best for your garden.