Photo: JoannaTkaczuk (Shutterstock)
For those who love to cook, having your own herb garden is a game-changer. Not only is it super convenient to have all those fresh flavors at your doorstep, but if you use them a lot, it tends to be more economical to grow your own instead of constantly buying them in the supermarket.
But better yet, some herbs are perennials—meaning they grow back year-after-year on their own: No replanting-required. Here are some of the best perennial herbs to grow yourself.
The best perennial herbs to grow in your garden
Although perennial herbs aren’t guaranteed to grow for a certain length of time, many last around 10 years. But do keep in mind that you should opt for herbs that will survive winters in your USDA hardiness zone.
Here are some to consider planting in your own garden, container, or windowsill planter. While they’re not all for human consumption, they do all serve a purpose—including some that can be used as pest control.
RosemaryOreganoLavenderMintMajoramThymeSageFrench tarragonRoman chamomileLovageSorrel Winter savoryLemon balmChivesRussian tarragonDillParsley (although it’s technically a biennial)FennelLemon verbenaSalad burnetCreeping thymeCilantroViolaGarlic chivesYarrowChicory Rue (not to eat, but to use as natural pest control)Bay laurelHyssopSweet Cicely/AniseBergamotCatnipEchinaceaValerianMarshmallowTansyWillow herbMeadow sweetAlfalfaCloverGood King HenryHerb patienceOther than the types of perennial herbs to grow at home, it’s also important to consider when and where to plant them. Like other plants, some herbs prefer direct sunlight, while others thrive in the shade.
Similarly, some require fertile soil, while others can grow in locations with lower-quality soil. And be careful: Some herbs—we’re looking at you, mint—can completely take over a garden, so you may want to plant them in large outdoor containers instead.
