Fresh herbs add zest and flavor to everyday cooking. These five common Italian herbs will add color to your summer garden and zest to your cooking.

Fresh herbs add zest and flavor to everyday cooking. With a little care and watering, you can have a thriving Italian herb garden all summer long – no green thumb required.

There are many varieties of herbs; this article will focus on the most common in Italian cooking: basil, parsley, oregano, sage and rosemary. Either purchase seed packets and start the plants yourself, following the instructions on the packets, or buy established plants. Plants are available at your local nursery, as well as home and garden stores and large grocery stores. These herbs can be grown in containers or planted into the ground.

Basil

Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow. It is known for its potent leaves and is a staple in Italian cooking. Basil grows best in warm conditions and likes plenty of sunshine, so place it where it will get a full day’s sun.

To harvest, pick from the top of the plant first. Do not pick all the leaves; rather, pick a few at a time so the plant has a chance to regrow. It will get larger every time leaves are picked.

Basil grows to an average of about 12-18 inches in height.

Parsley

Parsley adds a fresh, clean flavor to meat dishes, as well as soups and salads. It is commonly served as a garnish. Place parsley in full sun to partial shade for best results.

To harvest, cut the outermost stalks from the bottom of the plant. Both the stems and the leaves can be eaten.

Parsley grows to an average of about 12-18 inches in height.

Oregano

The oval, gray-green leaves of oregano are commonly used in marinara, spaghetti and pizza sauces, as well as beef or lamb stews, salads, and soups. Plant in full sunlight.

Oregano is ready to be harvested when flowers appear, unless continuous picking of the leaves has prevented flower growth.

The plant grows to over two feet tall.

Sage

Sage is used in cooking rich meats, such as lamb and pork, as well as in sausage and cheese. Plant sage in full sun.

To harvest, pick leaves prior to flowering.

Sage plants grow to 24-36 inches tall.

Rosemary

A fragrant, shrub-like herb, rosemary is used extensively in lamb and chicken dishes, as well as breads. Rosemary grows best in full sun, but can tolerate some shade.

To harvest, cut the stems with a sharp knife. Rosemary leaves can be taken off the stems for cooking, or whole stems and leaves can be used.

Plants grow to about 36-48 inches, but can get as high as six feet.

Fresh herbs are an easy way to add flavor and a dash of summertime to your cooking. With a little care, you can grow an Italian herb garden and have fresh herbs all summer long.

See also: How to use and preserve your herbs.