Growing herbs is one of the easiest things you can do to have a fresh kick of flavor available at any time. If you have the room, time, and love taking care of plants, create a beautiful herb garden in your backyard. Besides the essential (personal opinion) herbs like parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, plant some lavender and sage and let them go to flower in fall. Bees and butterflies will be thankful. If your space and time are limited, you can still grow a couple of herbs in pots on your balcony or even indoors on a window sill that receives some sunlight.  Herbs can easily be mixed and matched; if you don't have the one mentioned in a recipe, use a different one. Here's a quick list of the most common herb substitutions: Parsley: chervil or cilantro Basil: oregano or thyme Chives: green onion, onion Cilantro: parsley Rosemary: thyme, tarragon Sage: poultry seasoning, savory, marjoram, or rosemary Thyme: basil, marjoram, oregano Oregano: thyme or basil Mint: basil, marjoram, or rosemary Italian seasoning: basil, oregano, or rosemary