With a bright, sweet flavor, pretty flower spires, and fast growth, mint is a favorite herb used as a ground cover, potted kitchen herb, or as an ornamental. And with a wide range of scented, flavorful varieties, there are several suitable for most settings. Learn about 15 mint of the best mint varieties in this guide.
Uniquely beautiful, edible, and medicinal, bee balm makes a spectacular addition to any perennial garden. Just ask the butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds when they come flocking to your garden en masse. Learn how to grow, harvest, and use this herbaceous perennial now.
Get your sage advice here! Learn why white sage is the perfect addition to your garden. This aromatic native plant is easy to care for and drought tolerant. You’ll be delighted by the various pollinator visitors. Plus, cultivating this threatened sage shrub in your yard helps ensure its existence for generations!
Learn easy and effective strategies for keeping lemon balm under control in your garden or landscape. Our guide will help you easily manage the herb’s overgrowth and create a beautiful, thriving garden. Enjoy an abundance of lemon balm in areas you desire rather than where it chooses to sprout. Read more now.
Calamint is a fragrant perennial plant that makes an attractive member of an herb garden or flower bed. These bushy plants, covered with small white, blue, pink, or purple flowers, attract beneficial bees and butterflies, and are a delight to behold. Read more now to learn how to grow and care for calamint.
Many gardeners would agree that you can never have too much bee balm, a classic mid-border garden favorite. Luckily, it’s easy to propagate this long-blooming flowering herb via division, seeds, or cuttings. With proper care, you’ll have tons to sprinkle throughout the garden beds or give away to friends and family.
Few plants are as versatile as rosemary. Highly fragrant, this evergreen is covered with pretty flowers in spring, is beloved in foods, and well-suited for growth in containers, as ground covers, specimens, or sculpted into topiaries. Here’s what you need to know about rosemary and how to grow this classic garden herb.
Looking for a durable plant that isn’t very thirsty or hungry and thrives in almost any soil? Try growing salvia. With many different varieties available, whether tall, short, annual, or perennial, you’ll get a tough plant softened by beautiful and profuse blooms in white, pink, red, coral, purple, blue, or yellow.
Basil is a tender perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 to 11 and an annual elsewhere. The plants require full sun and moist, well-draining soil, and sometimes they get leggy or run to seed. Read more now to learn how and when periodic pruning can help to keep this aromatic herb compact and long-lived.
If you’re in love with your salvia but it’s looking a little tired and overgrown, we can help. Learn how to divide salvia plants and the best time of year to do it. Discover helpful steps for successful transplanting and a few bonus tips for caring for your salvia, including pruning and overwintering. Read more now.
Growing coleus plants in containers shows off their beautifully colorful foliage while making them more accessible and easy to move or reposition throughout the landscape. To learn how to grow these plants in pots, give our guide a read. It covers everything a container coleus grower needs to know – and more!
Transform your basil into a tasty ingredient that can be enjoyed all year long with our guide to drying basil. We’ll walk you through simple harvesting, drying, and storage steps and we’ll share some ideas for using it in the kitchen. Unlock the full potential of your fresh basil and start drying your herbs today!
Lavender is a versatile and beautiful herb that’s used extensively in the garden, in the kitchen, and for its fragrant dried flowers. Beloved by gardeners, propagation by seed is slow and unreliable – but stem cuttings give great results. Here’s all the info you need on how to grow lavender from cuttings.
Looking for a fragrant herb that smells heavenly, attracts beneficial pollinators, is a cinch to grow, and can tame upset tummies? How about one that’s tasty in cocktails, candies, and savory dishes too? It’s time to try spearmint! Ready to learn how to grow this aromatic, hardy perennial herb? Read more now.
Marjoram is oregano’s more refined cousin, with a subtle woodsy, sweet flavor that is equally delicious raw in a salad or as a seasoning on chicken. This sun-loving herb isn’t too fussy and it works well in containers. If you’re looking for something a little less common to round out your herb garden, read more now.
Looking to add some life to your herb garden this year? Try growing lemon balm. This lovely perennial member of the mint family is a vigorous grower with a pleasant lemon-like flavor and a long list of medicinal, culinary, and other uses. Read more to learn how to grow and utilize this spirited herb.
An ornamental and culinary basil, ‘Red Rubin’ is easy to grow as an annual in containers or in the herb garden. It requires warm weather, full sun, and consistent moisture to produce coppery-purple foliage for tea, marinades, salad, baking, garnishes, and bouquets. Our guide explains how to sow and grow ‘Red Rubin.’
With its characteristic aromatic, spicy, earthy flavor, oregano is used extensively in a variety of cuisines and is a staple in many American spice racks. But why not grow your own? Learn how to add this flavorful, easy-to-grow herb to your backyard garden, plus tips on harvesting and bonus recipe ideas. Read more now.
To learn how to grow and care for a cultivar of peppermint that smells suspiciously of thin chocolate mints, read our guide. Easy to grow and propagate, chocolate mint is a fragrant plant that can add extra layers of flavor to drinks like tea and mojitos, sweet desserts, and even salads and savory dishes.
Colorful coleus is a tropical foliage plant that is easy to grow and thrives in shady locations. With vibrant, variegated leaves in a range of color combinations and patterns, coleus is ideal for massed plantings, or as specimens in beds and borders. Learn how to plant and grow coleus now with this guide.
Do you love adding fresh basil to everything from pasta to pho to cocktails? If you’ve never tried growing this flavorful, versatile herb yourself, now is the time to start. Discover three easy ways to propagate basil and add this fragrant plant to your own indoor or outdoor garden. Get the tips and tricks now.
Common sage is a versatile, savory herb often found in the company of parsley, rosemary, and thyme. Do you enjoy the flavor of sage in recipes like meat rubs and stuffing? It’s time you started your own supply. Learn how easy it is to grow this essential Mediterranean herb in the garden or a container. Read more now.
Ready to discover 7 terrific thyme varieties you can grow at home? Drought-tolerant and easy to care for, this small shrub-like perennial brings flavor to your cooking and character to your landscape. An edible and ornamental plant, thyme features an exquisite fragrance and colorful blooms. Read more now.
If you like your mint with an extra bite that pairs perfectly with chocolate and candies, look no further than peppermint. This fragrant herb is easy to grow and makes a tasty tea that can soothe digestive issues and relieve mild headaches. Learn how to add this aromatic, flavorful herb to your garden. Read more now.
Which type of oregano should you grow? We have narrowed the choices, presenting 11 of the best oregano varieties for home gardeners. Each species or cultivar highlighted is fragrant and beautiful, but some enhance foods and others brighten the landscape. Find a new favorite for your herb garden now. Read more.
Nepeta species are aromatic flowering perennials in the mint family including catnip, catmint, and others. These hardy and easy to grow plants attract bees and butterflies while also repelling unwanted pests. And don’t forget their long history of medicinal use! Read on to learn all about growing Nepeta plants.
Lemon thyme is a compact, aromatic herb that’s easy to grow and even easier to love. It attracts pollinators, repels pests, and is a delicious culinary herb. Drought tolerant and low maintenance, it’s ideal for growing in beds, borders, rock walls, or as edging for walkways. Learn how to plant and grow lemon thyme now.
‘Spicy Globe’ basil has a pungent flavor and an adorable round shape, perfect for indoor or small outdoor herb gardens. The plant looks like an itty-bitty topiary that you can eat as well as admire, and the flavor is marvelous. Learn more about planting, raising, and using this adorable dwarf cultivar now. Read more.
Mint is a prolific, perennial herb that’s easy to grow and propagate, so you can always enjoy a fresh supply of leaves. With a tingling flavor and bright scent, it’s ideal for beverages, savory dishes, and sweets. And it can repel pests in the home and garden as well. Get all the details on how to grow mint right here.
Some of the best basils to grow at home have a citrus scent and flavor. We’ve evaluated the options to save you some legwork, and the result is our list of seven top lime or lemon basils for home gardeners. All are easy to grow and have aromatic blossoms for a summer’s worth of citrus basil delight. Read more now.
Catnip is an easy-to-grow herbaceous perennial in the mint family that is useful for humans and kittens alike. This plant is famous both for use as a soothing medicinal tea as well as an intoxicating herb to entice our feline friends. Continue reading for a detailed guide to growing and using catnip
What is citrus basil? Home gardeners have discovered the delights of growing basil varieties that have a hint of lemon or lime flavor in their leaves and scented flowers. Are these tangy, aromatic plants a good pick for your herb garden? What types of cuisine are they suited to? Read our guide now to find out.
Aromatic and zesty, refreshing mint is used to flavor a variety of beverages and foods from mojitos to ice cream. Plants are easily cultivated in the garden and go dormant in cold weather – but you can still enjoy this tasty herb year-round by growing plants inside. Learn the easy steps to grow mint indoors now.
With its alluring bicolored flowers, purple sage is a Western native that performs beautifully in arid landscapes. Drought tolerant and adapted to the desert, this shrub is an excellent, low maintenance choice for waterwise gardens and xeriscaping. Keep reading to learn more about growing and caring for purple sage.
Are you looking to add lovely lavender into your hot climate (Zone 9 and above) garden? There are a number of varieties of this fragrant Mediterranean herb that can flourish in your region, whether it’s dry heat or steamy and humid. Discover 11 of the best lavender varieties for hot climates in this guide. Read more now.
Do you know which lavender is best for your garden or landscape? With so many lavenders to choose from, it can be daunting to decide which one to select. Start with learning the key differences between English and French lavender. They’re both aromatic and easy to grow but have different growing habits and needs.
With pretty purple flowers and a soothing scent, lavender is an excellent addition to many garden settings. And though they’re from the warm Mediterranean, there are plenty of superb selections that can overwinter through freezing temperatures and snow. Discover 11 of the best cold-hardy lavenders for cooler climates.
Lemon balm is an abundant aromatic herb that offers a multitude of healing benefits! The easy-to-grow herb provides plentiful harvests during summertime and the aerial parts make a delicious and calming herbal infusion that can be prepared hot or cold. Make a cup for yourself or a larger pitcher to share with friends!
Lavender is at its fragrant best when plants have ample, dense foliage and plenty of flowers. To keep them that way, regular pruning is needed, otherwise they can become leggy, overgrown, or woody, and flower production dwindles. We’ve got all the details on how to prune lavender for lush, showy plants in this guide.
Basil is an aromatic herb loved for its sweetly spicy flavor. And this fast-growing annual is easy to start from seed and cultivate in the home garden. Propagating your own plants is fun, economical, and highly rewarding as well. To enjoy a steady harvest all summer, here are the details on how to grow basil from seed.
Apple mint is a beautiful, low-maintenance herb that’s simple to cultivate, and it rewards your efforts with savory leaves for use in many delicious dishes. It attracts pollinators, grows very aggressively, and it even comes in a variegated cultivar! Learn how to grow your own apple mint at home in this guide. Read more.
Lamb’s ears is a perennial ground cover that’s easy to grow in well-draining soil and in full or partial sun. It features thick, silvery leaves and beautiful purple flowers, making it a good choice for landscaping. And its fuzzy foliage make it a popular addition to children’s and sensory gardens as well. Read more now.
To add a lively yet easy-care houseplant to your indoor garden, why not grow Swedish ivy? This misnamed plant isn’t an ivy at all, nor is it from Sweden, as you’ll learn in this guide. It’s a member of the mint family with bright, evergreen leaves that’ll make you smile. Read more now to learn how to grow it.
‘Sweet Dani’ basil is a lemon cultivar that stands out for several reasons. It’s more disease-resistant than other basils and it grows fast, with a clean, sweet lemon flavor that can be used in savory and sweet dishes. No wonder it’s an award-winning herb! Our guide provides all the details you need to grow your own.
Hyssop is a fragrant culinary and medicinal herb with blue, purple, pink, or white flowers that attract a variety of pollinators. It’s a relative of mint that doesn’t spread aggressively, and is ideal for growing in rock gardens, borders, or containers. Learn how to grow and use hyssop in this guide. Read more now.
Cleveland sage, often referred to as blue or fragrant sage, starts blooming just as spring transitions to summer. Growing well in Zones 9-11, this short-lived perennial thrives in full sun and requires little beyond some fertile, well-draining soil.. Learn how to plant and grow Cleveland sage in this guide. Read more now.
Thai basil has a unique flavor that stands out in comparison to other types. With a spicier taste and just a hint of licorice, it’s the perfect herb to use in a huge range of dishes. Plus, you can eat the flowers, stems, and seeds! If you’re ready to plant and use this herb, our guide will help you on your way.
Greek oregano is one of the most popular culinary herbs to grow for a reason. A common seasoning in pizza and pasta sauce, this spicy and flavorful perennial is also amazingly hardy and very easy to grow in the home garden. Continue reading for more information on how to grow and use Greek oregano.
Do you want to add an aromatic herb with bold flavor to your indoor kitchen garden? Look no further than Cuban oregano, a type of coleus that tastes like its namesake but twice as strong. A semi-succulent that’s tasty and beautiful, Cuban oregano cheers up any kitchen windowsill and livens up any dish. Read more now.
Are you looking for a semi-succulent perennial to add to your herb garden that’s suited to warm climates? Meet Cuban oregano, an edible coleus plant that tastes like a stronger version of common oregano. Versatile and pretty to look at, Cuban oregano is a must-grow for those in Zones 9-11. Read more now.
With its dense, mat-like form, creeping thyme makes for a beautiful and aromatic living mulch between stepping stones. Come summertime, lilac flower clusters attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Drought tolerant, low maintenance, and edible, this plant is sure to put a smile on your face in any season.
Horehound attracts the good bugs like bees, wasps, and flies, while driving away the bad ones like aphids and grasshoppers. Plus, growing it is about as easy as it comes. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including a simple recipe for horehound candy that everyone will love.
Bee balm (aka Monarda) is one of the most popular plants in North American gardens, but it’s also one of the most likely to get out of control. Is it worth it? With careful placement, the right strategy and tools, and a bit of time, controlling bee balm is easy and worth the effort! Read more to learn our top tips.
Thyme is best known for its culinary uses, but the easy-to-grow herb is also medicinal and a valuable ornamental plant. It adds a subtle charm to front borders, attracts beneficial insects, and makes a perfect companion plant for many other landscape favorites. Learn how to grow thyme in this guide. Read more now.
If it’s well into summer and your bee balm plants still aren’t displaying their signature colorful fountainhead flowers, check out this guide to pinpoint whether the problem is your climate, soil fertility, irrigation, crowding, pests, or disease issues. Then, get them blooming in no time with these tips. Read more.
There’s nothing better than homemade fresh pesto in the middle of winter. But supermarket basil gets pricey after the summer season, and it can be hard to find. The good news is that there’s a way to keep your garden basil alive throughout even the chilliest winter months. Find out how in our guide. Read more now.
Are you looking for a perennial native flower to naturalize in your yard? Anise hyssop is the answer for sun-filled border gardens, where its lavender spikes create a showy swath of color throughout the summer months. Learn how to grow and care for this easy-to-grow, deer-resistant plant. Read more now.
Tasty and fragrant, basil is a delicious ingredient when eaten fresh or added to recipes. Its lush growth and pretty flowers have great ornamental appeal. Did you know that there are a number of different basil cultivars available? Learn about 13 of our favorite basil varieties to add to your herb garden. Read more now.
Faassen’s catmint is a mounded perennial that’s drought heat and tolerant, and unlike its cousin catnip, it doesn’t drive kitties crazy. You’ll love the gray-green foliage and lavender-blue flowers, not to mention the butterflies and hummingbirds this plant attracts. Learn how to grow it now with our in-depth guide!
Highly aromatic with a piquant flavor, summer savory is an easily grown annual. It makes a fragrant, low-growing edging plant for the garden, is valued in the kitchen, and has some qualities that may surprise you. Join us for a closer look at how to grow this often underutilized herb. Read more now.