Size: 1 1/2 to 2 1/2-inch diameter.

Sunlight requirements: Full sun.

Water requirements: 1 inch per week.

Soil requirements: Mulched, well-drained soil.

When to plant: After last frost, when soil is warmer than 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Where to plant: In shallow trenches; trenches should be about 2 feet apart.

When to harvest: 50 to 80 days (fast-growing variety, 120 to 150 days; anytime after diameter is at least 1 1/2 inches.

Produce storage: Use within one or two weeks if not storing in a root cellar; wrap in plastic wrap or a bag to keep other food from absorbing their aroma.

Size: Maximum height 3 to 4 feet

Sunlight requirements: Best in full sun

Water requirements: Regular watering

Soil requirements: Well-drained soil with a pH of about 6.6

When to plant: Spring

Where to plant: Garden, containers

When to harvest: When plant reaches about 8 inches.

Produce storage: Pull leaves, dry them and keep in airtight containers in dark, cool spots.

Size: Indeterminate vines grow large unless pruned; they produce 8-ounce red fruits.

Sunlight requirements: Full sun (A minimum of six to eight hours per day is ideal.)

Water requirements: A minimum of 1 inch per week—water the root zone as needed and keep foliage dry to deter foliar diseases. Proper mulching aids in prevention of blossom end rot, drought stress and other issues associated with fluctuations in soil-moisture levels.

Soil requirements: Well-drained soil rich in organic matter is best. Soils high in nitrogen will result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of good fruit production.

When to plant: Transplant in spring, after the danger of frost has passed and nights remain above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Start seeds indoors under lights four to six weeks before transplanting.

Where to plant: Garden; containers (8-gallon minimum)

When to harvest: 64 days from transplanting.

Produce storage: Store at room temperature for best flavor.

Size: Indeterminate vines grow very large unless pruned; they produce 6-inch, round, red fruits weighing 10 or more ounces.

Sunlight requirements: Full sun (A minimum of six to eight hours per day is ideal.)

Water requirements: A minimum of 1 inch per week—water the root zone as needed and keep foliage dry to deter foliar diseases. Proper mulching aids in prevention of blossom end rot, drought stress and other issues associated with fluctuations in soil-moisture levels.

Soil requirements: Well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. Soils high in nitrogen will result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of good fruit production.

When to plant: Transplant in spring, after the danger of frost has passed and nights remain above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Start seeds indoors under lights four to six weeks before transplanting.

Where to plant: Garden; containers (8-gallon minimum)

When to harvest: 80 to 85 days from seed.

Produce storage: Store at room temperature for best flavor.

Size: Foliage is 6 to 12 inches in height; flowers reach up to 24 inches in height.

Sunlight requirements: Full sun (A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight is ideal, though it will tolerate partial shade in summer.)

Water requirements: About 1 inch of water per week

Soil requirements: Average, well-drained garden soil, high in organic matter

When to plant: Cilantro is a cool-season crop, and it will bolt (or go to flower) as the weather warms. Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring for an early summer harvest. Make a second sowing in late fall for an early harvest the following spring. If you allow your cilantro to flower, the resulting seeds (coriander) are another important culinary herb.

Where to plant: Garden; containers

When to harvest: Harvest leaves before the flowers emerge, when their flavor changes. Frequent light to moderate harvests will result in more new growth and subsequent harvests.

Produce storage: Store unwashed in plastic bags in the refrigerator for up to 14 days.

Size: 24 to 36 inches at maturity

Sunlight requirements: Full sun (A minimum of six hours is ideal.)

Water requirements: About 1 inch per week

Soil requirements: Average garden soil with moderate amounts of organic matter

When to plant: Dill is easy to grow from seed planted directly in the garden in early spring or in fall. Although an annual, it will readily reseed on its own, sometimes a bit too vigorously.

Where to plant: Garden; containers

When to harvest: Foliage (also called “dill weed”) can be harvested throughout the season. Seeds should be harvested after they’ve dried on the plant. Some recipes call for dill flowers—these can be harvested anytime before seeds have been produced.

Produce storage: Store foliage and flowers unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Seeds should be dried thoroughly on the plant, then laid out on paper towels for 10 to 14 days before being packed into canning jars or zipper-top plastic bags.