Bay Leaves

• Growing bay leaves, ndrwfgg: Flickr.com
  
  The Laurus nobilis variety of bay tree is the finest tasting and does well in containers all year long. The bay tree is a very slow-growing plant and outdoors can reach a height of 60 feet. Place your pot in an east or west window and keep the plant thinned so it receives good air circulation. The tree is prone to scale, and the leaves can be washed with dish soap and water if you notice it. The herb is much stronger than store-bought bay leaves, so use less of it and remove it from the food as soon as it's cooked.
  
  

Parsley

• Fresh parsley, clkohan: Flickr.com
  
  You can grow parsley from seed in pots indoors. A sunny window is best. You may want to plant several pots, because one plant won't produce a lot. Parsley likes a deep pot and moisture. Amend the soil with bark to retain moisture and never allow the plant to get completely dry. Use the parsley in your favorite recipes or as a garnish for your plates.
  
  

Mint

• Mint plant, Flickr.com
  
  Mint is a very easy and very invasive plant. You will want to place it in its own container or it will choke out the other plants. Start with mint plants from a nursery, because it is difficult to start from seed. Water it frequently when you first plant it, and after it is well established, water only when the soil feels dry. There are dozens of varieties of mint, such as spearmint, peppermint and chocolate. Try drying the mint to use later in recipes, potpourris or drinks.
  
  

Thyme

• Growing thyme, ccharmon: Flickr.com
  
  Thyme is best started outdoors when it is warm and brought in when the weather starts to get cool. This herb will not tolerate wet soil for very long. Place it in a window that receives at least 5 hours of strong sunlight and turn the pot every few day so it receives equal sun on all sides. If you don't have a window with enough sunlight, you may want to use supplemental grow lights. You can use and eat all parts of this plant.
  
  

Sage

• Beautiful Sage, The County Clerk: Flickr.com
  
  Sage will take a long time to grow if you start it from seed. Purchasing a sage plant already established at your local nursery and transplanting it into a pot with well-draining soil will give you some herb to use right away. Add a little bone meal to the soil and place in a south-facing window. One plant will yield enough for an average household and whatever you don't use can be frozen in a zipper-type freezer bag for use later.