Prepare your herb plot much like you would for vegetables. Compost and manure make good fertilizers. Mulches are beneficial for controlling weeds and maintaining good soil moisture. Herbs do well in raised beds. Herbs can be planted from seeds, cuttings, layering and divisions.
Many places now offer some herb plants for their customers.
Look for vigorous, healthy plants without insect or disease damage. Generally, insecticides are not recommended for culinary herbs. Hand picking of the insects is much healthier. Insecticidal soaps can be used. Herbs are resistant to many insects and diseases, but careful monitoring helps address these problems promptly.