Growing Tips for The Herb Garden

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The following are many of the more popular herbs that appear in American gardens. We've identified each herb as an annual or biennial, and included pointers on where, when and how to plant each one.

Anise Annual. Sow seeds in early summer to have a fully ripened plant by late September.

Balm Perennial. Grows slowly from seed. Start indoors eight weeks before last frost. Transplant seeds into sandy soil.

Basil Annual. Grows easily from seed. Sow in early spring after danger of frost is passed and place in well-drained soil and full sunlight.

Bay Perennial. Propagate by seed, cuttings or layering in any kind of soil. Sunny locations are best.

Chervil Annual. Sow seeds in spring for a fall crop. Thrives in moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.

Chives Perennial. Grows easily from seed. Needs moderately rich soil and full sun. Cut back leaves regularly to prevent flowering and preserve flavor of herb.

Dill Annual. Sow after danger of frost is over. Water frequently. Pinch to keep flowers from developing in order to preserve herb's flavor.

Fennel Perennial. Grows easily from seed in alkaline soil and full sun.

Garlic Annual. Plant cloves six inches deep and two inches apart in rich soil during either early spring or early fall.

Horehound Perennial. Sow seeds in early spring. Can also be propagated from cuttings or root division. Prefers full sun and sandy soil.

Lavender Perennial. Propagate by root division. Prefers full sun and alkaline soil.

Marjoram Perennial. Start seeds indoors. Transplant to a rich light soil in full sun.

Mints Perennial. Peppermint and spearmint are most common. Grows best in sun with partial shade in enriched soil with regular watering.

Oregano Perennial. Prefers well-drained slightly alkaline soil with full sunlight. Propa gate by seed, root division or cuttings.