Low effort, high reward: D.C.-area readers share their herb gardens tips

Riggs Park resident David Trigaux says the secret to a home herb garden is not to overthink it.

Why it matters: The benefits of growing your own herbs are far-reaching, from the simple joy of a new hobby to the peak flavor of freshly picked produce.

Flashback: Earlier this summer, we talked to Axios Local readers about their impressive homesteads . Author and researcher Jason Strange told us: "You don't have to be Laura Ingalls Wilder to be a homesteader. You can grow tomatoes on your balcony."

The big picture: Fall is the prime time to plant perennial herbs like sage, chives, cilantro, oregano, thyme and rosemary.

• Hardy herbs like those can survive DMV winters , and thrive in containers indoors .

Zoom in: Trigaux says regular water and harvesting are the tricks to maintaining your herb garden, and will prevent flowering, outgrowing pots and stalling out.

• Yes, but: Keep it simple. "I harvest … when I walk past and it looks needed," Trigaux says.

Hyattsville resident Katy Kutzner recommends tapping your local Buy Nothing Facebook group for cuttings — gardeners love to share with other growers and often starting with established plants is easier than using seeds.

• Community Forklift is a great spot for plant pots, gardening equipment and even wire shelving for indoor growing, Kutzner says.
• Lemongrass is one of Kutzner's favorite herbs to grow. It's easy to maintain with enough water and sunlight, repels snakes and bugs and has a lot of culinary uses, she says.

Bottom line: There's never a bad thyme to start your own herb garden.