What I grow varies from year to year, except for my perennial herbs: Every year chives and garlic chives, several kinds of mint, though a friend gave me a mint so good that I am think of eradicating the others. Mints are very easy. Lemon balm is either perennial or self seeds in place so easily as to appear perennial. Lavender I have trouble keeping alive as our summers are a bit too humid with the heat, but I recommend the "Lady" variety if you want to start from seed. Pennyroyal is forever unstoppable, though I do not find it to be the good mosquito repellent it is touted to be, nor would I even try it for its supposed abilities to "regulate" (what does that vague word mean?) menstruation. I have two species of Santolina which I use ornamentally only. I try every now and then to grow oregano and thyme, but usually lose both before their second year. Rosemary I have never been able to overwinter, so if you live in a colder than zone 7 climate, I do not recommend it, not even the twp supposedly hardy varieties out there. Also it is another which can give you trouble if you are in a humid, hot summer area. Sage is easy and beautiful with its spring flowers.
Basil is an easy annual, but do not stat it too early in spring, as it is susceptible to mildew in chilly days. Cilantro is very easy for first time growers, but harvest it quickly as it goes to seed quickly. Parsley can be tough to get germinated as a first timer, but if it does germinate, it is easy to grow there after. A beautiful plant, to boot. Dill is easy from seed and will attract butter flies. Agastache, very easy. Lovage, easy.
For most things herbs, I prefer the soil in the ground to growing in pots. I just don't find the plants produce enough in pots. With herbs that keep well, I like to grow enough to put away for at least a year, so that I can change what I grow from year to year.
Duchesse, garlic is best planted in autumn --from September to November in most areas.
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