Jo Fisher is has been working in the field of landscape design and botanicals for over 10 years, and is an expert on all things herb. In the section below she has answered some frequently asked questions. If you have any additional questions Jo can be reached at jofisher.herbologist.com
Which herbs are annual and which are perennial? Basil: annual. Thyme: perennial. Sage: usually perennial. English lavender: perennial. French lavender: annual. Mint: perennial. Also, mint is aggressive. Not recommended for the garden. Keep contained in a pot.
When do I plant herbs? Annual herbs can be planted in the garden or outdoor pots after Mother's day in May. That's usually after the last frost. Perennial herbs can be planted any time that the ground isn't frozen, so from April to probably November.
Can I winter over my perennial herbs in pots? Only if you insulate the pot. The circulating cold air will freeze the roots. When planted in the ground, the soil is a natural insulator. You can insulate the pots by wrapping them in bubble wrap or coco liner and then placing the smaller pot in a larger pot. If you have large planters, try to move them close to the wall of the house and group them together to keep the warmth in. South or west side of the house is best.
What are the different types of Basil and which is "best" ? Sweet Basil and Italian Basil are basically the same thing. It is the common Basil, with that "Basil" flavor, large leaf, and pungent smell. Lemon Basil has a decidedly lemon scent and flavor, mixed with the traditional Basil flavor. Thai Basil is tangier, or spicier. Purple Basil is similar to the regular kind, only just a bit milder, in my opinion. The Variegated, or Pesto Basil is also a gentler version--milder flavor. It takes more to get the same effect. You can mix the kinds in making pesto. It turns out rather interesting, with mixed colors.