This document discusses growing and cooking with garden herbs in North Carolina. It notes that herbs can be annuals like basil and cilantro, or perennials like mint, parsley, sage and thyme. Herbs are inexpensive to grow, have few pest issues, and do well in pots or gardens with well-drained soil. The document outlines the health benefits of several common herbs like basil, chives, cilantro and rosemary. It provides tips for growing herbs, including choosing good plants, understanding their growth patterns, and creating ideal soil conditions. The document recommends following guides for planting seeds or cuttings and watering properly without letting the soil become too dry.