These herbs are easy to grow

Q. I am new to gardening. I would like to start with an herb garden. Do you have any suggestions to get started?

– Lisa from Canfield

A. As an herbal enthusiast, Lisa, you have made a wise choice! Herbs are easy to grow, the fragrance is wonderful, pollinators love them, and you can use them fresh or dried.

Herbs are low maintenance, not fussy about soil conditions, easy to good in small spaces and are container friendly. I would suggest planting as close to the kitchen door as possible. You need a spot that gets plenty of sunshine for 8 hours a day.

Here’s my list for easy to grow and use.

Basil

A warm season annual (meaning it will not return next season). I would suggest purchasing small plants after the last frost. You might consider tossing some seeds down for a later crop. Basil is best when fresh, small leaves are more flavorful. Always toss it in last when using in cooking; heat damages the flavor. Genovese is good for cooking.

Chives

Mild onion flavored. Flowers are edible too. Start with plants, trim on a regular basis to prolong production of tender leaves.

Cilantro

Easy to grow. Best to start from seeds. The ripe seeds are the spice coriander. Tends to bolt (flower and go to seed prematurely) early in the season.

Mint

I suggest starting with plants. Mint is aggressive; grow in its own container. Clip tips monthly to encourage new growth.

Oregano

Fast-growing perennial (returns year after year). Easy to grow. Greek oregano seems to have the best flavor. Flavor is strongest in the summer.

Parsley

An easy to grow annual. I suggest getting plants; seeds take a long time to sprout.

Rosemary

Annual in our planting zone (5). Start with plants. The Arp variety tolerates cold best; compact Blue Boy does well in containers.

Sage

Woody perennial. Variegated varieties are less cold-tolerant.

Tarragon

Start with plants. If a stem rests on the soil, cover it with soil, it will often start a new plant. French tarragon is recommended.

Thyme

Hardy (comes back); easy to grow. Seeds or plants. French and English varieties provide the best flavor. Variegated types are best for a container.

These herbs should create a wonderful culinary and nicely scented garden to get you started. It has been said that the difference between a regular and a gourmet meal is the use of fresh herbs! For more on selecting, storing and using herbs, visit http://go.osu.edu/herbs

Good luck Lisa, impress family and friends with the use of fresh herbs from your own garden.

Today’s answer is from by Marilyn McKinley, OSU Extension master gardener volunteer. Call 330-533-5538 to submit your questions. Regular clinic hours are 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Thursdays.