Herbs 101: A Quick Guide to the 19 Most Essential Herbs
Last Updated: January 31, 2026
Herbs add a special taste and aroma to anything that you cook. You can always buy them in stores, but they won’t be as fresh and flavorful as homegrown ones. This why is many chefs and cooks around the world encourage planting your own.
Growing your own set of herbs can greatly help with your cooking endeavors, but with lots of herbs to choose from, how will you decide which ones to grow?
For starters, you may want to use some famous herbs like thyme, rosemary, chives, basil and dill. Thyme is great for meats as it enhances the flavor. Chives are especially nice for dips and sauces. Rosemary gives a strong, pungent taste so it’s preferably used in meats such as turkey and beef.
To learn more about garden herbs, check out Ghergich & Co.’s amazing guide to the 19 most essential herbs. You’ll find more details there about their growing info, specific flavors, and cooking uses. Read it now and remember to share it on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest today!
Image Source: Ghergich.com
Related Herb Gardening Resources
Chart & Reference Guides
- The Best Cheat Sheet to Herb Gardening
- Herb Gardening Chart: 8 Most Popular Garden Herbs and How to Grow Them
- Herb Cooking Guide
- Herbs 101: A Quick Guide to the 19 Most Essential Herbs
Growing Guides
- 7 Steps to Growing Herbs from Seeds
- How to Grow Your Own Herbs from Seeds
- Top 7 Herbs That You Can Grow in the Shade
- Top 5 Herbs to Grow in Spring
- Top 3 Best Herbs for Starters
- 5 Best Herbs to Grow in Your Kitchen Garden
- Grow a Successful Herb Garden Today!
Indoor Herb Gardening
- The Ultimate Guide to Indoor Herb Gardening
- 4 Essential Tips for Growing Herbs Indoors
- 6 Easy Tips for Growing Herbs Indoors
- Need Help Maintaining Your Indoor Herb Garden?
Tips & Best Practices
- 7 Good Reasons to Grow Your Own Herbs
- Top 5 Mistakes That Herb Gardeners Should Avoid
- 4 Creative Ways to Use Your Homegrown Herbs
- Make Your Fresh Herbs Last Longer With These Easy Tips!
- Want to Know the Quickest & Easiest Way to Dry Herbs?
Health & Culinary
- Herbs and Their Amazing Health Benefits
- Spice Up Your Meals With These 17 Special Herbs & Spices!
- Wanna Have a Healthier Garden? Start Growing Herbs Today!
DIY Projects
- Easy Steps to Making a DIY Hanging Herb Garden
- Vertical Herb Garden: How to Build a Vertical Herb Planter Box
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most essential herbs every cook should know? The 19 essential culinary herbs include basil, parsley, cilantro, chives, thyme, rosemary, oregano, mint, dill, sage, tarragon, bay leaf, marjoram, chervil, savory, lemon balm, lovage, sorrel, and fennel. These cover most cooking needs across various cuisines and provide diverse flavors.
Do I need to grow all 19 herbs or can I start with just a few? Start with 5-7 herbs you use most often in cooking. Common starters include basil, parsley, cilantro, chives, and thyme. Add more varieties as you gain experience and discover new recipes. Growing what you actually use ensures nothing goes to waste and keeps you motivated.
Which of these 19 herbs are perennials that come back every year? Perennial herbs include chives, thyme, rosemary, oregano, mint, sage, tarragon, marjoram, lemon balm, lovage, and sorrel. These return year after year in appropriate climates. Annuals like basil, cilantro, and dill need replanting each season. Parsley is biennial, lasting two years.
Can all 19 essential herbs be grown in containers? Yes! All 19 can thrive in containers with proper care. Larger herbs like rosemary, bay leaf, and lovage need bigger pots (12-18 inches). Most others do well in 8-10 inch pots. Container growing gives you control over soil, drainage, and placement for optimal growing conditions.
How do I know which herbs to use in different types of cooking? Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil) suit Italian and Greek dishes. French cooking uses tarragon, chervil, and chives. Cilantro is essential for Mexican and Asian cuisines. Dill complements fish and pickles. Start with recipes you love and learn which herbs enhance those flavors.
