When designing your garden, consider these five plants for an easy-care, long-lasting herb garden. Echinacea will readily self-seed and spread itself, or you can remove the dried seed heads, separate the seeds, and plant them wherever you choose.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8Color Variations: Purple; cultivars are also available in other colorsSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Dry to medium-moisture, well-drained soil
The only drawback to growing sage for years is that it can become woody, at which point the leaves will grow only on the end of the stems. Avoid this by keeping it pruned back to encourage new growth. The leaves will grow close to the cuts and result in a more beautiful specimen.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8Color Variations: NASun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Dry to medium-moisture, well-drained soil
As an herb, lavender is often used in home health remedies, in salves or relaxing teas.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8Color Variations: Purple/blue, whiteSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Dry to medium-moisture, well-drained soil
Thyme loves to be trimmed back. It can easily be trimmed into decorative shapes for a more formal look. If you want to multiply your thyme, simply divide up a healthy plant or take a cutting.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9Color Variations: NA; the pale purple flowers are insignificantSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Dry to medium-moisture, well-drained soil
Mint is a refreshing, gentle tea herb and a lovely scented plant. Try growing several varieties if you are really interested in using it for tea. You do not want your mint varieties to mingle, so allow plenty of room between them to prevent cross-pollination.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9 (depends on species)Color Variations: NA; flowers are insignificantSun Exposure: Part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, moist soil
