The dictionary gives you a choice, listing both pronunciations as acceptable: herb (ûrb, hûrb)

It also goes on to say the word ‘herb’ is a word the English borrowed from the French. The (h) sound had been lost in Latin and was not pronounced in French or the other Romance languages, which are descended from Latin, although it was retained in the spelling of some words. It seems to boil down to your origins – if you are English, you say herb; if you are American, you say ‘erb … although I find both seem to be mixed around depending on what you grew up saying.

My own little garden

Either way, I’ve built a small herb-alicious garden for my apartment living from an idea that sprouted a year ago. A friend had spotted ‘Moorefield Herb Farm’ (a very small, local farm) in Trumbull last year which prompted an inquiry – however, our first visit was very unsuccessful. It was very late in the season, the weather had not been fabulous, and most of the remaining plants were way beyond their prime. So this year, I made sure to suggest plans for revisiting the farm while it had most potential. And we did. And we bought. And now we enjoy.

Orange and Mojito mints

My beautiful half-window-sill-half-chair herb collection has plenty of delicious offerings – two types of oregano (Syrian and Greek), ‘Elizabeth’ thyme, cilantro, garden sage, lemon verbena, parsley and plenty of basil (my favorite). I also snagged two different mints – mojito and orange – to add flavorful fun to refreshing summer drinks.

Now it’s up to the summer sun. Luckily enough, south-facing windows are prime plant real estate, so bring on the herbs … or ‘erbs!