Plan accordingly to enjoy fresh herbs year round

Herbs have long been a source of delight and frustration for gardeners.

The plants grow wonderfully in the spring, then start to bolt and go to seed as soon as the summer gets going. However, there are herbs for all seasons, ensuring we can have those wonderful, flavorful plants in our gardens all year.

Rose Loveall, of Morningsun Herb Farm in Vacaville, says while the spring is all about basil, there are many culinary and ornamental herbs that will grow in summer, fall and winter. Here are some of her choices.

Summer herbs

Mints are the curse plants, Loveall says, because if planted in the ground, they soon take over the entire garden. But grown in containers and not allowed to drape over and touch the ground, they are wonderful garden additions.

Most mints like afternoon shade and regular fertilizer; they also are great for attracting pollinators.

Capers are an herb that likes full sun, very little water and a lot of abuse. They do not grow in soil, but in rock and rubble. There are two basic types of capers — armed and unarmed, which refers to whether they have thorns or not.

Fall and winter

Several varieties of oregano do well in the cooler temperatures of autumn and winter. Try Italian, Kent Beauty, Amethyst Falls or Golden oregano.

For taste and aroma, grow lemon verbena or scented geraniums.

Loveall also recommends tasting the flowers on herbs. They all are edible, although some taste much better than others. They add a new dimension to cooking with herbs.