Herbs are a friendly first garden: many fit in pots, smell wonderful when you brush past them, and reward a small harvest with fresh flavour at dinner.
Six easy kitchen favourites
Basil Parsley Cilantro Mint Oregano Thyme
More herbs to explore
Sweet Fennel Garlic Chives Dwarf Dill Savory Drying Herbs
Start with two or three herbs you already enjoy eating. A pot must have a drainage hole, and each plant still needs the light, water, and space described on its page. Several crowded grocery-store seedlings may look lush for a week but compete with one another as they grow.
Use botanical names and food-crop seed or plants: harmless culinary herbs may resemble plants that are not edible. Wash hands after gardening. Rinse herbs under cool running water just before preparing them, then dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not use soap or produce wash. Never turn a historical herbal claim into a home remedy for a child.