Location

• Herbs are fairly versatile and adapt well to indoor or outdoor gardens. Seeds or transplants can grow in average soil with occasional fertilizer application. Many herbs grow best in full sunlight, but some prefer shade. All herbs require good drainage to prevent root rot.
  
  

Types

• The variety of herbs available to gardeners is nearly endless. Common choices for kitchen gardens include basil, rosemary, oregano and parsley; however, the herbs in any chef's garden will be personal choices based on usage preferences.
  
  

Lifespan

• Some herbs are annual plants, while others are perennial. Annual plants will die at the end of the growing season, while the roots of perennials will stay dormant at the end of the season and the herb will grow again once frost danger has passed. When planted indoors, annuals can be planted successively to ensure constant supply and perennials will continue to thrive as long as the temperature and care remains constant.
  
  

Uses

• Fresh herbs are commonly used in cooking applications, but some herbs believed to provide health benefits are used in alternative medicine. The fragrance of fresh herbs can also deter garden pests. Ornamental herbs produce foliage and flowers that can add color to your garden.
  
  

Harvesting

• Fresh herbs can be easily harvested with a pair of scissors. Simply clip away the leaves you intend to use and the plant will continue to grow. Frequent harvesting stimulates some herbs to produce more foliage to keep up with harvest demand.