A lack of gardening space is no excuse to those who love to garden. If you have a sunny window, a container and some dirt, a Garden of Eden, albeit on a small scale, can be yours. For those who like to cook, the perfect mini garden should consist of herbs. Some herbs are more suitable to container growing than others, however.

Whether you are growing potted herb plants on the kitchen window sill or on an expansive deck, keep in mind that herbs need at least eight hours of full sun. Also, good news for those who tend to forget, most herbs don’t like too much irrigation and rarely any fertilizer.

Here are the top 5 herbs for container growing that I have an affinity for:

• Mint – Mint is a perfect example of an herb that really should be grown in a container, that is unless you want it to take over in the garden. There are many varieties of mint, from chocolate to pineapple mint, each with that minty fresh taste plus a hint of something else. Growing mint in containers also keeps different types of mint from cross pollinating.

• Basil – Basil is another herb that does beautifully in a container, plus it keeps this tender herb close at hand and readily available to add a fresh chiffonade atop steaming pasta dishes. Basil happens to be one of those herbs that like more moisture. Growing basil in its own container rather than lumped in with other herbs enables the grower to monitor individual herbs water needs.

• Rosemary – Rosemary plants make wonderful container grown herbs. The sturdy stems can be used as flavorful skewers and it can be grown as topiary for additional ornamental value as well. Rosemary is one of those herbs that like things on the dry side, so another plant that does well containerized on its own.

• Thyme – Thyme is low maintenance and drought tolerant, a perfect container grown herb for the forgetful or new to gardening. Plant in full sun and watch the watering! Try growing classic English thyme or variegated lemon thyme which adds a bold lemon flavor and aroma foods.

• Sage – Sage is an herb that can become quite woody if not pinched back frequently. Turkey dinner wouldn’t be the same without sage’s robust flavor. Keep the herb pinched back regularly; don’t worry it will keep growing. If you don’t need the leaves right away, they can be dried for use later or save the leaves in a bundle and when you have enough, make a dried sage wreath.

Growing potted herb plants is super easy and a great way to have all your favorites close at hand any time you need them.