Bring summer in by sprinkling a tasty assortment of fresh herbs onto a salad or a pasta dish. Nothing’s more convenient than simply snipping sprigs of rosemary, basil, and thyme instead of driving to the store.

What to Plant

Various herbs can share the same pot, but make sure they are compatible by reading the care tags. Water-loving basil and curly parsley (shown right) make good partners, whereas rosemary, sage, and oregano (rear) all prefer a slightly drier environment. Or try different varieties of one plant, such as common, lemon, and silver thyme (front).

Which Pots to Use

Classic terra-cotta pots are an excellent choice for container plantings because their porosity allows air and water to move through the walls, which is healthy for root development.

How to Maintain

Most herbs are naturally low-maintenance — regular harvesting will keep the plants productive. But in the summer heat, your pots might need a drink almost every day if Mother Nature isn’t obliging.

Tip: To see if a plant needs watering, stick your finger a couple of inches into the soil. If it’s dry, add some H2O.