If you are really serious about growing herbs in Houston, then you need to know which herbs to grow at which times of the year. Some herbs are warm-weather herbs and others are cool-weather herbs.

You might want to check with the Harris County Master Gardeners or the South Texas Unit of the Herb Society of America.

Anyway, I feel herb books have far more information in them than any web site that I have found. I have many herb books, from just the basics to the exotics, because I just love herbs so much. And herb growing down here is very different from growing herbs in other parts of the country.
We divide our herbs up as either acool weather herbs or warm weather herb, i.e. dill, cilantro just two of the many cool weather ones, and basil is a wonderful warm weather herb. This does not mean you can't grown them year round, but rather it is more difficult to keep them going. If you are going to start growing them, first learn which ones to plant at certain times of the year. After you get that mastered then try growing them year round. This can be quite a challenge.
The following herb books are some of my favorites:

1. by Madalene Hill & Gwen Barclay, web site Herb Days at Festival Hill.
2. Herb Gardening in Texas by Sol Meltzer from Houston. A small back very informative book on herbs. .
3. The Herb Society of America Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses by Deni Bown, a beautifully illustrated book, costs a bit, but it is well worth the money.
4. Basil an Herb Lover's Guide by Thomas DeBaggio & Susan Belsinger is a wonderful book all about the different varieties of basil. I love basil and grow many varieties, and I have found this book to be a must in my herb library.
   and
5. Here is a short article about herbs here in south Texas by MG Clara Mae.

What to start from seed - most annuals and biennials are best for growing from seed. For a new gardener, go with plants for the perennial herbs. You will be less frustrated all the way around it you do that.

I suggest people go to their local bookstore or library and look at the books there. Most contain the same growing information but each book formats it differently. I suggest finding one where the format works for you. You have special growing needs and I would check out whatever sources, like the previous poster offered, for specifically growing herbs in Texas. Also find some local gardeners. They will be all too willing to share tips, hints, and maybe even plants/seeds.

FataMorgana