Top 8 Summer Herbs to Grow in Your Garden

Want to create a summer herb garden and make the most of these sunny days? This guide will help you choose the best summer herbs to grow in your garden, indoors or outdoors.

Herb gardens are a low-effort project and highly rewarding all summer. Home-grown herbs are simple and the best way to enhance the flavor in plenty of recipes. There are lots of sun-loving herbs that you can plant in your summer garden. The best thing about herbs is that they are compact, making them ideal for patio pots. Whether you live in a home with a large yard or an apartment with a small deck, herbs can be grown in garden beds, containers, or flowerpots on your balcony or windowsill. Growing herbs isn't that difficult, and they don't need much space in the garden.

8 Best Summer Herbs to Grow in Your Garden

1. Parsley

Parsley is one of the most popular and generously used scented herbs around the worldwide. It is slightly bitter with a strong, grassy flavor. Parsley is a must-have in your herb garden as it contains nutrients, including vitamins C, A, and K. It is easy to grow and replenish if harvested regularly.

Parsley is best sown from seeds in spring and summer. It prefers full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. Flat-leaf parsley is more popular because it can handle rain and sunshine.

Uses

• Use in salads or sandwiches.
• Use as a topping or garnish on pasta or baked focaccia.
• Works well in soups, stews, and fishcakes.
• Blend to make a variety of green sauces.

2. Basil

Basil is another beloved herb strongly associated with summer days. With its distinctive flavor and scent, it is commonly used in cuisines worldwide and has a special place in Italian cooking. Basil is a delicate, fragrant herb that can be added fresh to anything for extra flavor.

Basil is an easy herb to grow; just give it plenty of sunlight. Pick the basil leaves regularly to encourage plants to grow throughout the summer. Growing basil next to tomatoes will repel pests and improve their flavor.

Uses

• Pair basil and strawberries to make a refreshing infused water for hot summer days.
• Sprinkle basil on pizza or pasta.
• Add to all salads to bring out the summer flavor.
• Pair with tomatoes, olive oil, and mozzarella for a caprese salad.

3. Mint

Mint is the coolest summer herb, and it is hardy and easy to grow. Mint comes in multiple varieties, but spearmint is a great choice for your garden. The fragrant leaves of mint add a fruity, aromatic taste to many recipes. The mint plant does well in partial shade and needs adequate watering. Younger leaves have more flavor than mature ones, so harvest your mint as soon as it appears. Additionally, mint grows like a weed, which can be challenging to control. So, consider growing it in its pot.

Uses

• Add to salads like fattoush or tabbouleh and teas.
• Make a refreshing drink by adding a few leaves with sliced cucumber to iced water.
• Use it in summer cocktails like mint juleps, hugo cocktails, and mojitos.

4. Dill

Dill is a unique summer herb with feathery green leaves. Its intense and aromatic flavor, like caraway, makes it perfect for hot summer days when you want to add a refreshing element to your meal. This herb grows best from seeds. You can harvest it as soon as 4-5 leaves grow. Cut the leaves with shears or pinch them off. Dill prefers well-draining soil and sun. Water a day ahead of harvesting and pick older leaves before younger ones.

Uses

• Add to chilled summer soups and seafood.
• Mix with potato salads for a strong, grassy flavor.
• Combine with lemon, garlic, capers, and mayonnaise to make tartar sauce.

Related Post: How to Grow Herbs and Spices at Home

5. Rosemary

Rosemary is a popular summer herb that is a wonderful addition to any summer garden. It is known for its piney scent and is used in perfumes and many recipes. The finest taste of rosemary comes from younger stems, so snip them when needed. Rosemary holds up well in long cooking times, making it a powerhouse in many dishes. When planted outside, this herb can reach the size of a small shrub. However, it won't last the winter months in cold climates. So, bring potted plants indoors during winter.

Uses

• Add to soups and stews for richness.
• Mince and mix with salt, olive oil, and root vegetables before roasting.
• Mince with shallots and garlic to make a compound butter.

6. Oregano

Oregano is one of the best summer herbs to grow in your garden as early as late spring or the summer. Oregano is a perennial herb, so you have to plant it once, and it will keep coming back. Bold and spicy, this herb is a staple in plenty of Italian and Mexican dishes. It has an earthy and bitter taste. Oregano requires a lot of sunlight to grow well, so place the plant in full to partial sunlight. It prefers dry conditions, so planting it in a terracotta pot is recommended for better drainage.

Uses

• Add to a summertime pizza recipe.
• Add to tomato soup.

7. Thyme

Thyme is a low-growing, hardy, and versatile herb used in multiple cuisines, fresh dishes, and baked goods. This herb looks attractive, spilled over the edge of the flower box. However, you can bring it indoors during winter to enrich dishes with its unique flavor. Thyme plants need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Its drought-tolerance ability makes it one of the best summer herbs to plant in your garden. When the plant is in bloom, it is covered with gorgeous small pink flowers, which can add vibrant color to your herb garden. Additionally, thyme attracts bees, helping pollination. Trim your thyme plants regularly for healthy growth.

Uses

• Try the herb with roasted or grilled vegetables, especially summer squash, zucchini, or tomatoes.
• Add stems to soups or stews.
• Infuse syrup for cocktails or lemonade.

8. Chives

Chives are a versatile herb that deserves more attention. They are highly useful, low-maintenance, and high-yield plants. Chives are a member of the onion family, so they have a mild onion flavor, making them perfect for various summer dishes. Their bold purple flower looks gorgeous and attracts pollinators. Chives are also natural pest repellents in the garden. Plant them in pots and remove flowers before they can spread seeds. Chives love full sun, but they will grow anywhere you plant them.

Uses

• Use chives as a topping on baked potatoes and bacon soup.
• Add to egg salads, deviled eggs, and creamy dips.
• Mince and mix with cream cheese to make a savory topping for sandwiches.

The Bottom Line

Imagine the satisfaction of cooking a fresh, flavorful meal with herbs you've grown yourself. By cultivating these easy-to-grow summer herbs in your indoor or outdoor herb garden, you not only enhance your cooking but also eliminate the need to buy these herbs from the store. The benefits don't stop there. Herbs also repel pests, purify the air, and can even be used for medicinal purposes. The possibilities are endless when you have your own herb garden.

Whether you have a large yard for a big herb garden or a small space for a few pots on your deck, you can easily grow herbs in your home. Grow these herbs in fertile and well-drained soil. If the soil has drainage issues, it is best to plant herbs in raised beds or pots. Water indoor-grown herbs every 2-3 days. It is best to check the soil moisture to determine the watering needs. If grown outdoors, water them once or twice a day during hot summer days. Always water at the base of herbs, not all over the leaves. Get a drip irrigation from a reputable drip irrigation supplier like DripWorks to irrigate your herb garden!