1. Basil
Growing it: Basil loves sun, so place it on a sunny windowsill where it can bask like it's on a Mediterranean vacation. Water it regularly, but this herb isn’t a good swimmer, so be careful to not drown it.
Benefits: This aromatic herb is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
What to cook: Toss it in pasta, top your margherita pizza or add it to a fresh caprese salad.
2. Mint
Growing it:
Mint loves water and is the overachiever of the herb world. It'll grow faster than you can say "mojito" and take over your kitchen if you let it.
Plant it in a pot unless you’re ready to negotiate a peace treaty with your countertops.
Benefits: Mint is great for digestion and can help with nausea.
What to cook: Brew a refreshing mint tea or add it to mojitos, salads or even chocolate desserts. Mint chocolate chip cookies, anyone?
3. Parsley
Growing it: Parsley loves light, but not direct sunlight all day; just a little morning glow is perfect. Water lightly, because this herb doesn’t like to be soggy. Who does, really?
Benefits: Full of vitamin C and great for detoxifying your body.
What to cook: Garnish everything, from soups to hummus. It also gives tabbouleh and chimichurri a fresh, zesty punch.
4. Chives
Growing it: Chives are super easy-going. Give them a sunny spot, water sparingly and watch them flourish. Just don’t let them get too hot, or they’ll wilt faster than a fashionista in the desert.
Benefits: High in vitamin K and antioxidants, chives are perfect for boosting your immune system.
What to cook: Add chives to scrambled eggs, baked potatoes or a creamy dip.
5. Thyme
Growing it: Thyme’s a low-maintenance, chill herb. Give it some sunlight, a little space and don’t overwater it. This herb prefers life on the dry side, like your favorite dad joke.
Benefits: Known for its antibacterial properties and ability to support respiratory health.
What to cook: Roast some chicken, simmer with potatoes or sprinkle it into soups.
6. Cilantro
Growing it: The herb that divides all herb lovers, cilantro loves sunlight but can get a bit grumpy when the heat hits. Keep it cool, be gentle with the watering and it’ll be happy.
Benefits: Packed with vitamins and minerals, cilantro also helps detox heavy metals from your body.
What to cook: Pile it on tacos, mix it into salsa or add it to a fresh guacamole.
7. Oregano
Growing it: Oregano is basically the cat of the herb world — low-maintenance, loves the sun and doesn’t need you until it’s feeding time. Just give it a sunny spot and water it when it’s thirsty.
Benefits: With antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s a perfect herb for fighting off colds.
What to cook: Add it to Italian dishes, sprinkle over grilled veggies or chicken for a burst of flavor and to anything Mediterranean.
8. Rosemary
Growing it: Rosemary likes to stretch out and bask in full sunlight. It’s the diva of the herb world, so don’t overwater. Give it space, and it’ll repay you with a fresh, piney aroma that smells like a forest in your kitchen.
Benefits: Rosemary is fantastic for improving memory and concentration, plus it helps with digestion.
What to cook: Try it with roasted potatoes, lamb or even in a fragrant rosemary bread.
9. Sage
Growing it: Sage likes dry, well-drained soil and lots of sunshine. It may sound demanding, but it’s a tough cookie; no need to coddle this herb.
Benefits: Known for its ability to help with digestion and reduce inflammation, sage is also a powerful antioxidant.
What to cook: Crisp up some sage leaves in butter for pasta or add it to stuffing or roasted meats for a cozy, earthy flavor.
10. Dill
Growing it: dill is the herb equivalent of a sun-loving beach bum. Give it a sunny spot, some room to stretch out and a decent watering and it’s good to go, dude.
Benefits: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, Dill is the digestive MVP, helping you feel lighter and more comfortable after meals.
What to cook: Toss it into a creamy potato salad, sprinkle it on fish or use it to make tangy dill pickles.