5 Perennial Herbs to Grow for a Lifetime Supply!
Perennial herbs are a must-have for any backyard garden. They come back year after year, providing a steady supply of fresh flavor, medicinal benefits, and beauty to your space. Herbs are one of my favourite to grow and I add more herbs every year. You can incorporate some in the garden which can act as a natural pest control or add to your landscape plans for a beautiful aroma. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate gardener, these five perennial herbs are perfect to grow in your garden.
01. Thyme
WHY GROW IT: Thyme is a powerhouse herb known for its earthy flavour and medicinal properties. It’s great in soups, roasted dishes, and teas. Its tiny leaves are packed with antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, making it a natural remedy for colds and coughs too!
HOW TO GROW IT:
LOCATION: Plant in full sun for best growth.
SOIL: Use well-drained, I like to add compost rich soil and some sand.
CARE: Water sparingly; thyme prefers dry conditions. Thyme grows well in raised beds or containers, making it ideal for small spaces too. It’s also drought-tolerant, so it’s a low-maintenance addition to any garden and landscape plan.
BENEFITS: This herb attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, improving biodiversity in your garden.
02. Sage
WHY GROW IT: Sage is a robust herb with a savoury, peppery flavor perfect for stuffing, roasted dishes, and teas. Its leaves are also rich in essential oils that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
HOW TO GROW IT:
LOCATION: Full sun is essential for sage to thrive.
SOIL: Well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Add compost & sand to your soil.
CARE: Prune a few times a year (no more than ⅓ of the plant) to prevent the plant from becoming woody. Sage is a hardy perennial that can survive frosty winters, making it a reliable herb for year-round use.
BENEFITS: Sage’s beautiful, silvery leaves add texture and colour to your garden, and its flowers attract pollinators. Sage can benefit carrots as it repels carrot rust fly.
03. Chives
WHY GROW IT: Chives are a versatile culinary herb with a mild onion flavor. They are perfect for garnishing salads, soups, and baked potatoes. Their high vitamin C and antioxidant content make them a healthy choice. They are VERY easy to grow too.
HOW TO GROW IT:
LOCATION: Grow in full sun or partial shade.
SOIL: Chives thrive in well-drained, rich soil.
CARE: Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Chives are easy to grow in containers or directly in the garden. They are hardy and can withstand a range of growing conditions. I like to give the plant a hair cut (cut all the way down to a few inches) at the end of the season and it will all grow back, I promise!
BENEFITS: Their purple blossoms are edible and attract beneficial insects like bees.
04. Oregano
WHY GROW IT: Oregano is a staple in Mediterranean cooking and has a bold, peppery flavor. Its leaves are rich in antioxidants and have antibacterial properties. This herb is easy to dry too.
HOW TO GROW IT:
LOCATION: Plant in full sun.
SOIL: Well-drained soil is a must.
CARE: Trim Spring and at the end of the season to encourage bushy growth. Oregano grows well in containers and can even double as ground cover.
BENEFITS: This herb is a natural pest repellent, keeping harmful insects away from your garden. I like to add in the vegetable garden!
05. Rosemary
WHY GROW IT: Rosemary is one of those must have herbs in the garden and it grows fast, hardy and can be used for so many things including cooking & decor.
HOW TO GROW IT:
LOCATION: Plant in full sun.
SOIL: Use well-drained, I like to add compost-rich soil and sand.
CARE: Water sparingly; rosemary prefers dry conditions. They are drought tolerant! Rosemary grows well in landscape plans, raised beds or containers, making it ideal for small spaces too. They can get 3-4 feet big so choose the right spot. You can prune heavily and shape the plant too.
BENEFITS: This herb attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies and also repels unwanted pests with it’s scent.
Growing perennial herbs is an investment in your garden’s future. These five herbs not only provide year-round flavour but also offer health benefits, improve garden biodiversity, and reduce the need for store-bought herbs. Start with these easy-to-grow staples in 2025, and enjoy fresh herbs for years to come!
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