If you want to feel like a gardening genius with minimal effort, plant some herbs. I mean it. Herbs are about the easiest, most rewarding things you can grow in your garden, a raised bed, a container—or even a couple of old coffee cans on the porch.

In DeKalb County, our warm growing season is ideal for a wide variety of herbs, and late May into June is a great time to get them established. Whether you’re after fresh flavor for your cooking, natural pest repellents, or a garden that smells like summer, herbs deliver.

Let’s start with the classics: basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, mint, and parsley. All of these do beautifully here. Basil and parsley prefer moist soil and a little afternoon shade if things get scorching. Oregano and rosemary love full sun and good drainage. Mint? Plant it in a pot unless you want it to take over your yard and then your neighbor’s too.

One of the biggest advantages of herbs is that you don’t need a big plan or perfect timing. Even if you’re just now getting around to planting, you’re not behind. You can start with seeds, but buying transplants is often the simplest way to get going, especially for perennial herbs like thyme and sage.

And the payoff? Huge. A sprig of rosemary can elevate a pan of roasted potatoes. Fresh mint in your tea or lemonade makes it taste like something out of a fancy restaurant. Snip some basil into a salad and suddenly it’s not just lunch—it’s fresh, bright, and summery.

Beyond the kitchen, many herbs do double duty. Lavender, thyme, and mint all have insect-repelling qualities. Dill and fennel attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and pollinators. And honestly? There’s just something calming about walking past a rosemary bush and running your hands through it.

You don’t need rows or rules. Herbs thrive tucked between vegetables, lining the edge of a flower bed, or grouped in pots by the door. The more you use them, the more they grow. Harvest regularly, pinch off flowers to keep flavor strong, and enjoy the little wins that herbs offer week after week.

So if your garden’s already going—or even if it’s not—consider adding a handful of herbs. They’re low-maintenance, high-reward, and a great way to feel like you’ve got a green thumb, even on the days when the cucumbers aren’t cooperating.

About the Author

Dr. Philip Seagraves is the owner, along with his wife Cathy, of Griffin’s Produce in Smithville. A local fixture for over 50 years, Griffin’s has long been a trusted source for fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and garden plants in DeKalb County. It has also been named “Best of the Best” Produce Market in DeKalb County by the Smithville Review many years running.