If you eat from your own garden, odds are you have commonly grown herbs like rosemary, thyme and oregano planted somewhere in your plots.

Stevia

You might be familiar with the natural sweetener stevia but did you know you can grow your own? Stevia leaves are 30 times sweeter than sugar and can be used fresh or dried. Plant stevia in full sun and provide consistent moisture. Pinch off individual leaves as needed, and when the plant begins to bud, pull the entire plant and hang it upside down to dry.

Lovage

Lovage is a perennial plant that pulls double duty — its leaves are used as seasoning while its roots are eaten as a vegetable. It tastes like very strong celery, with a bit of anise and parsley. A little goes a long way to add flavor to soups and salads, for example. Grow lovage in a sunny spot in rich, well-drained soil.

Anise Hyssop

Use this member of the mint family to add a minty-licorice flavor to salads and vegetable dishes. You can also use the fresh or dried leaves to make a delicious tea. This plant can take partial shade, and it’s drought-tolerant once established.

Dill

Dill is fabulous in many recipes, pairing especially well with salmon. It’s also good in salads, dips and sauces. Direct sow dill in a sunny location when all danger of frost has passed. Pinch what you need and leave the plant to continue growing.

Epazote

This flavorful herb with notes of oregano, anise, citrus and mint, is native to Central America and commonly used to season foods from that region and from Mexico. It’s especially delicious when combined with black beans. It’s thought to help regulate digestion and to help relieve gas and bloating.

Photography: Pinterest/Organic Facts

Lemongrass

If you love cooking Southeast Asian food, consider planting lemongrass, which is commonly used in this cuisine. Plant it in full sun, in rich soil and keep it moist. You’ll have to fertilize regularly during the growing season and this plant will likely die when temps hit freezing, but you can plant them anew in spring.

Feverfew

This medicinal herb is often used as a pain reliever, including as a treatment for migraines. Feverfew is a good herb for container growing as it can become invasive if planted in the ground. Put it in a pot that drains well and keep it consistently moist.