You might have mastered the art and science of gardening, but you cannot proceed with having a beautiful backyard culinary garden without some serious planning. Think of herbs that you use the most or the kind of storing practice that’s more your speed before you go shopping for seeds. Especially for those who have done container gardening before, growing herbs has seen to be a cakewalk in comparison. The good thing is that most herbs are easy to grow if a sunny spot can be found, along with well-drained soil. However, keep in mind that these requirements vary as per the choice of herb. Here are five essential herbs that you can grow in your backyard garden that are quite crowd-pleasing.

Basil

This is the most common herb among the culinary herbs, thanks to the ‘aromatic flavor’ it contains and is used in the commonest of dishes. Basil is the 'King of Herbs', as the word is derived from the Greek word 'basileus', which means 'kingly'. Many variants are widely available, and a few popular ones to take note of are ‘Genovese’, ‘Dolce Fresca’, and ‘Spicy Globe. Remember that you should not rush basil into your backyard garden, as there are certain temperature conditions to take into consideration. Warm weather is of utmost importance for its sustenance. Quite economical that it is, basil can prove to be fruitful in more than just one way for the average household.

Chives

Another easy pick! Find a spot where sunlight is ample, yet still shady in some parts. You can dress your plantation with some compost or manure every spring to facilitate ease in growth. Seasons like spring, autumn, or summer might see an overt use of chives as they are used daily for delicacies like salads, soups, burgers, marinades, and more. While it’s possible to grow them from the seed itself, it’s quite a long way from seed to chives in full bloom, so it’s better if you start with only a few plants.

Parsley

There are two types of parsley- flat-leaved and curly. Both can be used in kitchens, but many prefer the Italian flat-leaved variety owing to its color and also the taste that blends nicely with salads and pasta. It’s fairly easy to grow and the plantation requires minimal shade and a sunny ambiance. Also, regular miniaturization is vital, particularly when you are growing it in containers. Parsley is not just a garnish, but a kitchen staple, so the more you grow it in your backyard, the more you can save on your weekly grocery shopping.

Rosemary

In winter regions, rosemary grows once a year and you need to dig up the herb and bring it indoors ahead of and in preparation for the frosty autumn. Despite being slow in growth, the craze for rosemary has never really died down, owing to its number of uses. However, if you are not ready to wait for the seeds to grow (it’s a slow-growing herb), you can look for alternatives such as healthy transplants in your local nursery during late spring. Fresh rosemary exudes a lovely smell and flavor, which is why the herb can often be found in focaccia, roasted veggies, roasted chicken, and much more.

Cilantro

This is one herb that does justice to the saying ‘you can love it or hate it, but you can’t ignore it!’ There’s a pungent taste to it and that imparts a deep flavor to certain Indian, Asian and Mexican dishes. Much like its counterparts, Cilantro also flourishes well under partial shade and good sunlight. It ideally grows between the spring and the fall, when cold temperatures are somewhat prevalent. But summer causes it to lose its flavor. Varieties like the ‘Cruiser’, ‘Slo-bolt’, and ‘Calypso’ are common and most herb lovers stick to them. If you choose to grow this herb during summer, think of substitutes like ‘papal’ and ‘Vietnamese coriander.

Your choice is of course not limited to the above-mentioned herbs, as there are options galore. The only thing you must keep in mind is that watering your herbs regularly, regardless of their type, is of paramount importance. Every herb is different and requires deep care and maintenance. To grow essential herbs in your backyard, keep fertilizers handy. You can use any organic herb garden fertilizer. If you are not sure which herb to choose for your backyard culinary garden, try contacting an expert.