12 Herbs You Should Plant in Early Spring

Basil

An aromatic and flavorful herb, basil (Ocimum spp.) grows about one to three feet tall and wide, depending on species and cultivar. The most commonly grown basil plants are relatively compact and easy to slip into the garden.

It makes a fine companion for tomato plants, and it’s easy to keep compact when harvesting the fresh leaves for soups, salads, sauces, omelets, pesto, pizza topping and more. Basil also makes a fine dried herb, but it’s more flavorful fresh.

Sow seeds indoors in early spring. Transplant to a sunny spot in the garden after danger of frost has passed. Seeds can also be sown directly in the garden in areas with a long gardening season. Basil doesn’t do well when temperatures are below 45 degree F, so consider growing in a cold frame in cool climates. Basil also does well in indoor herb gardens.