What are the best aromatic herbs to have in the garden?

Choosing the right aromatic herbs for your garden is important if you want to achieve an aesthetic, practical and beneficial result from a sensorial point of view. In fact, these herbs, in addition to enriching the green areas around your home, release enveloping scents capable of transforming a simple garden into a small earthly paradise worthy of the name. Not only that, because many of these aromatic herbs can also be used in the kitchen, offering that pinch of originality to recipes. At this point, what are the aromatic plants that can be planted in the garden? Let's see the most popular and easiest to grow.

What are the main types of aromatic plants?

There are many varieties of aromatic plants, but each of them has different characteristics from one another. Choosing them can take time, but first of all it requires information. If we were to make a classification by "categories", we could say that garden aromatic herbs can be divided into: perennial aromatic plants and ornamental aromatic plants, even if many variables can get stuck in the middle.

The best aromatic herbs to grow in the garden

We cannot begin the list of garden aromatic herbs without mentioning the trio par excellence: basil , rosemary and sage . These are among the most appreciated aromatic plants and above all the simplest to grow.

Rosemary

An evergreen perennial, it is a symbol of the Mediterranean scrub. Its needle-like leaves give off an intense aroma, ideal for flavoring meats, potatoes and focaccia. This aromatic herb, an evergreen to have in the garden, prefers sunny positions and well-drained soil. It resists drought and cold well, requiring little care once established.

Sage

Sage is another aromatic perennial evergreen herb with velvety and aromatic leaves. Used in numerous recipes, from pasta to meat dishes, it also has medicinal properties, including important anti-inflammatory and digestive effects. It loves the sun and well-drained soil, tolerating both drought and low temperatures.

Basil, thyme and mint: aromatic herbs with an intense aroma

With its heady scented leaves and recognizable flavor, basil is indispensable in cooking, especially Italian cooking. This aromatic plant loves the sun and rich, well-drained soil, requires regular watering, and does not particularly like waterlogging. Since it is sensitive to cold, it is always recommended to sow it in late spring.

In addition to those just described, there are also other aromatic herbs ready to do justice to any garden. To obtain a slightly exotic touch and transport yourself directly into the heat of summer, mint and thyme are the perfect solution.

Mint , notoriously vigorous, is a perennial plant with fragrant and recognizable leaves, used in the kitchen for tea, desserts, savory dishes and of course mojitos. It prefers moist and fertile soil, with exposure to partial shade and tends to expand very quickly, which is why it is advisable to grow it in a pot or to well delimit the growth area in the garden.

Thyme , on the other hand, is a low-growing, perennial aromatic herb with small leaves and delicate flowers. Ideal for flavoring meats, soups and vegetables, it has a scent that recalls summer and the freshness of the air. It prefers sunny positions and light, well-drained soil. Highly resistant to drought and cold, it requires little attention, so it is also perfect for beginners.

Other aromatic plants that you absolutely must have in your garden

The garden has never been so fragrant: together with the aromatic herbs described so far, lavender , coriander , oregano and parsley must also be included. The circle closes with just as many perfumes and flavours ready to enrich recipes and disperse aromas throughout the house. Lavender , the queen of aromatic plants, with its calming scent and its colours is perfect for decorating borders and solitary gardens. It requires well-drained soil and abundant sunlight. It can be used in the kitchen, but its flowers can also be collected to create symbolic scented sachets or special essential oils.

Coriander , on the other hand, is an annual plant that loves cool environments (and temperatures). Although it is mainly known for its seeds used in cooking, the fresh leaves of coriander are selected for many dishes in Asian and Latin American cuisine. This aromatic plant, like most, loves well-drained soil and can also benefit from partial shade during the hottest hours of the day. In this way its growth will be prolonged over time.

Oregano and parsley travel together. Oregano is a perennial plant much appreciated in Mediterranean cuisine, especially for pizzas and sauces. Its oval leaves give off an intense and characteristic aroma. It loves full sun and well-drained soil, requiring moderate irrigation. It is resistant to cold and drought. Parsley is also much loved in the kitchen: it is used above all to flavor and give that "extra touch" to dishes, which immediately acquire uniqueness and magic. It prefers fertile and humid soil, with exposure to partial shade, requires regular irrigation to keep the soil always slightly moist. Grown mainly in the garden, it can also grow easily in a pot and kept there.

Cultivation and care of aromatic herbs in the garden

How do you choose aromatic plants for your garden? To do it best, you need to consider various factors, including:

Climate : Some plants prefer warm, sunny climates, while others tolerate shade and cooler temperatures better.

Soil Type : It is essential to know the specific needs of each plant regarding drainage, fertility and soil pH.

Space available : Some herbs grow compactly, while others tend to spread out; considering space is essential to avoid overcrowding.