Bay Laurel: Plant in fast-draining soil, and place in a bright east or west-facing window. Good air circulation helps prevent disease. Watch for shield-like scale insects on leaves and stems.
Chives: Use scissors to snip off individual leaves or give the whole plant a "crew cut" to keep floppy leaves tidy. Leave at least 2" of growth so that plants can resprout. Start with a purchased plant and pot it in rich, organic soil. Chives grow best in bright light, such as a south-facing window.
Oregano: Grow oregano as you would other mints. Water when the surface of the soil is dry, but don't let it dry out. Give the plants moderate to strong light.
Rosemary: Rosemary tolerates hot, sunny, dry locations in the summer months, but prefers cooler temperates (40-65 degrees F) in the winter, as long as the light is strong.
Basil: Plant seeds or purchase small plants and pot them in rich, organic potting soil. Basil loves heat and bright light, so give it a southern or western window or use a grow light. Avoid cool, drafty spots, especially in winter. You can expect to keep and use it for several weeks, until the stems start to grow woody. To ensure a steady supply, plant a new batch of seeds every few weeks.
Chervil: Start chervil seeds in moist potting soil in deep pots to give their tap roots room to grow. After sprouting, keep plants cool (60-70 degrees F) and give them moderate sun. Replant every few weeks to keep plenty of fresh, young leaves on hand.
Mint: Dozens of flavorful varieties available and you could devote an entire garden just to mint. Choose from peppermint, spearmint, chocolate, orange, apple, and more. Mint plants usually grow rambunctiously and their trailing, fragrant stems make them attractive houseplants. Keep the soil moist and give them moderate to strong light. Most are hardy perennials that can tolerate temperatures in to the 30s.
Parsley: Grow in a deep pot with rich, organic potting soil and provide strong light.
Thyme: Pot thyme in a fast-draining soil mix and place it in a warm, sunny window. Water when the surface of the soil is dry, but don't let it wilt.
