With Summer on the horizon, I have started thinking about some of my favorite foods to enjoy during this warm season. One thing many of my favorites have in common is their amazing flavor, which can be attributed to freshly picked herbs. You just can’t find anything close to the boldness fresh herbs have to offer. They can be used in so many ways. But I don’t always have the sunny growing location that many herbs favor. Fortunately, there are a few that can thrive in a well-draining shady location. Below you will find 5 herbs that are perfect for growing in shade and infusing your summer cooking with flavor and aromas that are to die for!

Chives

This beauty from the Allium family is perfect for adding the essence of onion or a dash of green to your favorite savory dishes. Plus, it develops a beautiful purple pompom flower that can brighten up a shady flower bed. One of the greatest benefits of keeping this herb throughout your garden though is its ability to deter aphids, mites, and Japanese beetles. Chives are not an herb to be overlooked.

Parsley

Not only is Parsley a fantastic herb to use in the kitchen, but it is also the perfect herb to add some greenery throughout the garden. Its lush, dark green foliage comes with an appealing ruffled texture to bring some visual interest throughout the darker areas of your garden. This herb pairs well with salads, pasta, potatoes, all types of meat, rice, and eggs.

Cilantro

I love this leafy green herb! It is the perfect herb for shade gardens as it can quickly bolt in the heat. When grown in the shade, this annual will last longer in the garden, allowing you to have a good harvest for making fresh salsa with tomatoes, peppers, and onions from the garden. If you live in an area that does not experience cool weather, in or out of the shade, try growing cilantro as a microgreen indoors to enjoy in 3-4 weeks.

Mint

Mint is a unique herb with a refreshing flavor that is perfect for any shade garden. I love adding a few sprigs of mint leaves to my water along with other fresh ingredients like lemons, strawberries, or oranges. Just be sure to grow this delicious herb in a container or separated space to keep it from quickly taking over your garden. As a perennial, mint can be enjoyed fresh year after year with little maintenance needed.

Lemon Balm

This perennial herb is great for adding a light citrus aroma to your shady gardens. Lemon balm is known to help enhance your focus, relieve inflammation, and may help prevent common viral outbreaks. Plus, it can be used to make homemade pest repellants to ward off mosquitoes and gnats. As a member of the mint family, lemon balm also spreads readily and is recommended for container growing.