Someone harvesting leaves from their basil plant with a pair of scissors. - Elva Etienne/Getty Images Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is one of the most rewarding herbs to grow, especially for beginners.

Prune annual herbs like basil fully before frost, but leave cold-hardy types to reseed naturally. Lightly trim woody herbs like sage and thyme; save heavy pruning for spring. Use mulch or covers to ...