The air begins to warm, flowers begin to bloom, and the smell of freshly cut grass permeates the air. Springtime conjures the feeling of life anew. No matter where you live—a high-rise overlooking the city or a cottage near the beach—an herb garden can bring the outdoors in and enhance your life at home.

Once you've decided to create an herb garden, it might be a good idea to start small. The simple, essential herbs include basil, chives, dill, marjoram, thyme, and rosemary. These grow well in the garden and are important in the kitchen.

When choosing herbs to plant, make sure you pick out those that are hardy in your climate. For instance, ginger and citrus grow well in the Sunbelt. The local county agricultural extension office and the local library are good resources. Also make sure you know whether the herbs are annual (need planting every year) or perennial (will come back from year to year).

Some herbs grow well in partial shade, but most need light to flourish. A window with south or western exposure that allows five to six hours of light in a day is all you need to create an herb garden. Keep plants away from spots of extreme temperature—in front of the radiator or next to the kitchen stove. If light is limited, rotate plants weekly.

The best time to harvest herbs is in the morning. Sunlight and heat deteriorate an herb's essential oils, so avoid harvesting at midday. And be sure to select only healthy, undamaged shoots for harvesting.

You can plant herbs in a separate terra cotta pots or a collection in a window box. Your only limitation is that you must use containers that are food safe, especially if you plan to use your herbs for cooking. Some brightly colored pots are made with lead or other materials you don't want near food.

Make sure to keep the soil damp. A small cup or plate under the pot will absorb extra water, so mist the soil every day, especially if your home is over-heated or dry. Soil should be damp to the touch but not soaked.

Once you see sprouts, be sure not to overwater, which can cause root-rot. If you choose to start your garden with transplants or cuttings, make sure you allow the soil to dry out a bit between waterings.

When your garden is flourishing, use it. Fresh mint is a great soother for the stomach and adds zing to tea. Fresh rosemary is a great seasoning for chicken as well as beautiful and fragrant. Fresh basil is a great seasoning for dishes like homemade pesto. The oil of fresh lavender is soothing and a natural antiseptic. Fresh parsley makes a perfect garnish for culinary dishes. Remember: The more you cut the plants, the more they'll grow.

However you plan to use your herbs—culinary, aromatic, therapeutic, aesthetic—enjoy the experience of cultivating your own herb garden and the benefits of that garden in everyday life.

Basil - flavor foods like tomato juice and tomato paste

Chives - great in salads, egg dishes, and sauces of all kinds

Lavender - dries easily when hung free in a dry garage or attic; perfect to perfume the linen chest and for sachets

Dill - used in pickling and to flavor meats

Mint - used for mint jelly and in mint juleps, lemonade, and other fruit drinks.

Sage - great in dressings for chicken, turkey, and pork, and also for flavoring sausages

Thyme - flavor soups and poultry dressing

Marjoram - toss into sauces, soups, salads—anywhere a tasty sweet herb would be suitable