Annual herb
Basil
Light: Full sun
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil
Water: Keep evenly moist, not soggy
When to plant: After nights stay warm
Harvest: Pinch tips often before flowering
Care note: Great for patios and summer containers.
Herb Garden Library
A beginner-friendly herb library for kitchen windows, patios, raised beds, and container gardens.
Full mosaic guide
This overview poster is included for quick scanning. The individual cards below are better for mobile reading and search.
Herb Garden Library cards
Search by plant name, light, soil, season, or care note.
Perennial herb
Mint
Light: Part sun to sun
Soil: Moist, rich soil
Water: Keep consistently moist
When to plant: Spring
Harvest: Cut stems regularly
Care note: Grow in a pot because it spreads.
Tender perennial herb
Rosemary
Light: Full sun
Soil: Gritty, fast-draining soil
Water: Let soil dry between watering
When to plant: Spring after frost
Harvest: Clip sprigs lightly
Care note: Hates wet feet; excellent in containers.
Perennial herb
Thyme
Light: Full sun
Soil: Lean, well-draining soil
Water: Low to moderate
When to plant: Spring
Harvest: Snip stems before flowering
Care note: Good for small pots and dry sunny edges.
Biennial herb
Parsley
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Rich, moist soil
Water: Keep evenly moist
When to plant: Spring or fall
Harvest: Cut outer stems first
Care note: Cool-season friendly.
Cool-season annual herb
Cilantro
Light: Sun to part shade
Soil: Rich, draining soil
Water: Consistent moisture
When to plant: Spring and fall
Harvest: Harvest leaves young; succession sow
Care note: Bolts fast in heat.
Perennial herb
Oregano
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-draining soil
Water: Low to moderate
When to plant: Spring
Harvest: Cut stems before flowering
Care note: Easy Mediterranean herb.
Perennial herb
Chives
Light: Full sun to part sun
Soil: Average well-draining soil
Water: Moderate
When to plant: Spring or fall
Harvest: Cut leaves near base
Care note: Flowers are edible.
Perennial herb
Sage
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-draining soil
Water: Let soil dry slightly
When to plant: Spring
Harvest: Pick leaves lightly
Care note: Avoid overwatering.
Annual herb
Dill
Light: Full sun
Soil: Loose, draining soil
Water: Moderate
When to plant: Spring or fall in mild climates
Harvest: Harvest leaves young or let seed heads form
Care note: Host plant for swallowtails.
Perennial herb
Lemon Balm
Light: Part sun to sun
Soil: Average moist soil
Water: Moderate
When to plant: Spring
Harvest: Cut before flowering
Care note: Container growing controls spread.
Perennial herb
Lavender
Light: Full sun
Soil: Dry, gritty, alkaline-leaning soil
Water: Low once established
When to plant: Spring
Harvest: Harvest flower stems when buds color
Care note: Best in excellent drainage.