Herbs are amongst the easiest plants to grow in a garden – and the most useful. Although most popular for their role in cooking, herbs have been used medicinally and in cosmetics for centuries. In arts and crafts they lend color, fragrance and texture to potpourris, wreaths, sachets, and soaps.

There are nearly as many ways to incorporate herbs into your garden as there are varieties to choose from. Ideally you would want your culinary herbs as close to your kitchen as possible, whether on your windowsill or just outside your door. All herbs pair beautifully with other perennials and annuals, providing foliage texture and scent beyond comparison.

Herbs are generally vivacious plants that need little or no special care. Choose a site that receives at least five hours of sunlight each day. Ideally soil should be well drained – meaning that water is quickly taken into the soils’ surface. Water when the top 2 inches of the soil are dry, taking care to water the ground and not the foliage of the plant.

To deter pests, a mild solution of a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent in a spray bottle of water makes an inexpensive insecticide soap. Any application is always best done in the morning to avoid sun scorching. Watch for slugs and snails that come out at night to munch on plants.

Since the harvest, storage and use for each herb plant is unique, please see the back of the Viva! Herbs® tag to ensure proper handling. Harvesting herbs, whether entirely or only part of the plant is best done early in the morning, while the sun is warming the essential oils and flavors in the plant.