The Best Herbs for an Herb Garden

Culinary Herbs

• Culinary herb gardens are planned around the herbs that the cook uses the most. Depending on the style of the cuisine that comes out of the kitchen, the top choices for this type of garden can vary greatly.

  The most popular cooking herbs include rosemary, chives, basil, oregano, parsley, thyme and sage. Mint is an herb that is widely used, but it should never be planted directly into the herb garden. Plant the mint in a container because it is invasive and could soon choke out the other herbs.

Medicinal Herbs

• A single herb has properties that can ease an array of symptoms, so a medicinal herb garden doesn't have to be huge to offer relief for the occasional minor discomfort. Chamomile is a favorite because of its relaxing properties and because the subtle flavoring makes a good, basic tea to combine with other herbs. Echinacea, or coneflower, boosts the immune system and is used to treat inflammation.

Aromatic Herbs

• Thyme, rosemary, mint, lavender and scented geranium are favorites of gardeners who choose to plant an herb garden based on fragrance. The aromatic properties of these plants can give pleasure whether cuttings are dried or used fresh. Dried, they can be used in potpourris or sachets to scent the wardrobe. The oils of these aromatic plants can be extracted from fresh cuttings if they are allowed to soak in carrier oils.

Herbs for Crafts

• Crafters choose their favorite herbs for many reasons. Some crafters use rosemary because of its evergreen sprigs as well as the fact that the scent of both the dried and fresh herb are so pleasing to many. Other crafters favor herbs like bee balm and chives because of the attractiveness of the flowers. Scented pillows, wreaths and dried bouquets often include treasures from the herb garden.