The Perfect Summer (Herb) Garden

The vibrant greens, bursts of floral hues and fragrant aromas create a sensory escape that’s both soothing and inspiring. A garden filled with fresh basil, lavender, rosemary and chamomile isn’t just beautiful; it’s also versatile, playing a role in everything from delightful meals to calming home décor. Planting and caring for a summer herb garden connects us to nature while adding flavor and beauty to our everyday living.

Getting Started With Your Summer Herb Garden

Choosing the right herbs for your summer garden is key to success, regardless of location. When asked about the best herbs to grow that aren’t specific to any region, Eloyce O’Connor and Erin Harwood from Garden Delights Farm in Washington told AcreageLife that summer annuals would be best – cilantro, dill, a variety of basils, summer savory, chervil, Mexican mint marigold/Mexican tarragon, parsley, German chamomile, borage and calendula.

“Starting with these versatile and hearty herbs makes it easy to enjoy a thriving garden,” said Harwood.

For planting success, remember the essentials. Harwood and O’Connor recommend watering regularly, making sure plants get at least six hours of sun each day.

“Don’t plant outdoors too soon, especially basil, and fertilize once or twice during the growing season.” Planning and care will keep your herbs healthy and productive all season long.

Growing Lavender and Other Summer Favorites

Lavender often steals the spotlight in summer gardens, and for good reason. Its calming scent, delicate blooms and versatile uses make it a favorite for gardeners everywhere.

Lavender thrives in sunny spots with well-drained soil, making it a great addition to your herb collection. Paired with other summer staples like basil, rosemary and dill, your garden will thrive with flavor and fragrance. Additionally, try these summer garden herbs.

• Calendula
• Marshmallow
• Peppermint
• Chamomile
• Thyme

Summer Cooking With Herbs

One of the most exciting parts of growing a summer herb garden is bringing those fresh flavors to your cooking. Use your harvest to transform meals into something special.

• Grill Mastery: Add rosemary, thyme or sage to marinades for chicken and beef or toss sprigs of herbs directly onto the grill. Try basil butter spread on corn for a simple yet delicious summer side dish.
• Lavender in the Kitchen: Experiment with lavender in baked goods, steep it in syrups for lemonade or cocktails, or infuse olive oil for an elegant finish to salads and roasted vegetables.
• Everyday Flavor: Parsley, chervil or cilantro can brighten salads, pastas and sauces. O’Connor emphasized, “Even soft herbs like parsley and chives make wonderful herb butters to enhance grilled steaks, fish or vegetables.”

Preserving Summer’s Bounty

A drying rack is an essential tool for preserving your herb harvest. When asked about the best options, Harwood shared, “We have our own that we’ve built from 1-inch wood and window screens, although they can be as simple as woven baskets on your counter or a clothes hanger. We prefer drying in paper bags to avoid dust and bugs.” This hands-on approach highlights how easy it is to create your effective drying setup.

A flourishing garden brings an abundance of herbs that can be preserved and enjoyed year-round. “Harvest several stems, put them in a paper bag in a sunny place and let dry (usually 5–7 days); strip dried leaves, gently crush and store in a glass container in a dry, dark cupboard,” said Harwood.

Freezing is another excellent option. Fill an ice tray with chopped herbs, cover with water and freeze. The cubes can be added to soups, stews or sauces when needed.

Incorporating Herbs Into Daily Summer Living

A summer herb garden isn’t just for your kitchen; it also enhances your home and lifestyle. Lavender bundles make great centerpieces; rosemary adds an aromatic touch to rooms and delicate blooms like calendula or chamomile elevate décor.

And if you’d like herbs year-round, O’Connor suggests growing smaller annuals indoors.

“We recommend basil, dill, cilantro, summer savory, parsley and chervil. Even though pictures online show thyme and rosemary, we don’t recommend those as they do not grow well indoors. A sunny location is best or even a grow light, with pots at least 8 to 10 inches in size,” said O’Connor.

A Summer to Savor

A summer herb garden is about more than just plants; it’s about savoring the season, connecting with nature and enjoying life’s simpler pleasures.

Harwood concluded the interview with a reminder to harvest mindfully, ensuring fresh growth for plants throughout the season.

“When harvesting, snip no more than a third of any plant at a time and cut just above a node to encourage fresh growth,” Harwood explained.

Whether growing herbs for cooking, décor or relaxation, cultivating a summer herb garden can transform your home and lifestyle. This summer, get your hands dirty, plant your favorites and enjoy the vibrant flavors and fragrant memories only a garden can provide.