Herbs are a fantastic addition to just about any meal. They can offer additional nutritional benefits beyond the main ingredients. They can also add a boost of flavor! I always suggest adding herbs where you can in your kitchen garden. I also suggest planting your favorite herbs in a planter under bright lights for the winter to have fresh herbs when everything else is dormant or not in season. When choosing what herbs to grow think about recipes that your family loves. It is also beneficial to think about growing herbs you frequently use within your own herbal apothecary. For medicinal herbs, make sure you grow enough to get you through to the next year with your herbal preparations. Below I am sharing a list of some of my favorite culinary herbs to grow each year.

• Basil – There are so many varieties of basil that you can grow a wide selection. Genovese, lemon, Thai, lime, Tulsi/Holy Basil, etc. They are all great for different reasons which allows you to experiment in the kitchen with which ones you like most. They grow very well in the heat, which makes them a great addition to summer meals, infusions, pestos, etc.
• Cilantro – A must grow if you are someone who doesn’t think it tastes like soap! Cilantro is a cool season crop and will bolt/ go to seed when the weather warms up. You can let the blossoms go to seed because cilantros seed is coriander. (The leaves and stems are called cilantro, but the seeds are called coriander, their tastes are completely different.)
• Parsley – This is a fantastic easy to grow herb that is great for beginners. It can be used in many dishes for an added freshness. You can add it to sauces, soups, sprinkle on roasted vegetables, etc. It grows well in containers, but if you let it go to seed it can pop up everywhere! 
• Chives – Fantastic flavor, easy to grow and comes back yearly. Chives can grow throughout the entire growing season, making them great for your kitchen garden. You have the bonus of chive blossoms which make a wonderful vinegar, that everyone should make!
• Dill – A favorite for dips, sauces and so much more, dill is always a favorite in the garden and kitchen. It’s another easy to grow herb whose seeds can also be used for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

There are many, many options when it comes to growing herbs, both medicinal and culinary. Culinary herbs also have medicinal benefits. Herbs are the place to start for beginning gardeners because they are easy to grow and give you a lot for value compared to store bought herbs. When you grow your own you have the choice of growing more of a variety than what is available in stores. Many herbs can grow well indoors under proper lighting throughout the winter. When you are deciding which herbs to grow, always think about those that your family loves to eat and start there. You can always expand upon the herbs you grow each year. Experiment in the kitchen and have fun.