Summer Herbs for Your Garden

Whether you have a garden every summer or are considering one this year, herbs can be a great place to start. Most varieties are relatively low-fuss and offer a plentiful harvest that can be dried and used throughout the year.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Basil
Bright green and available in many interesting varieties, growing your own basil can save you quite a bit of money as fresh basil tends to be expensive in-store.

• Chives
Available in garden or garlic varieties, chives add a delicious pop of color to your garden when their edible purple flowers bloom.

• Oregano
Oregano is extremely versatile, easy to grow, and full of flavor once its leaves dry.

• Mint
Food and drinks get an invigorating kick from fresh mint, but plant it in containers to avoid it spreading to unwanted areas.

• Thyme
Easy to grow and always good to have on hand, sage comes in many varieties but make sure the one you’re planting is edible, since a couple aren’t.

• Lavender
Another colorful garden addition, lavender adds something different to desserts and drinks and can even be used to make your own lavender oil.