If you have always wanted to grow your own food at home but have been too intimidated to give it a try, herbs are an easy beginner plant to start with.
They are forgiving and require very little maintenance. In addition, many of these herbs can be enjoyed throughout the winter months by being dried and stored for the pantry.
Not only will you have fresh tasting herbs, you’ll be saving a little bit of money as well. If you would like to explore the joys of growing your own herbs at home, follow our easy guide and learn how!
Helpful Products from Amazon for Growing
1. Basil
First on our list of easy herbs to grow is basil. It is quite a popular herb in many cultures and cuisines and a must have for any herb garden.
It’s one of the herbs that does well both indoors on a windowsill or outdoors planted next to tomatoes. It’s a versatile herb and if put in a sunny window, will produce all year round.
To plant basil, consider starting from seeds. It’s important to know your grow zone when planting from seeds.
Basil seeds can be directly sown into the ground after the threat of frost has passed.
Alternatively, basil can be grown from seedlings purchased from your local nursery.
How to Grow Basil:
Soil: Basil prefers well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. It’s important to avoid soil directly from the garden if growing in containers. Garden soil will compact over time leading to less than optimal conditions for plants grown in containers. You can use an organic potting mix or you can create your own by mixing compost and perlite.
Sunlight: Basil needs plenty of sunlight to thrive, so make sure to place your plants in a sunny spot. If you’re growing basil indoors, you can use a grow light to provide extra light during the winter months.
Watering: Basil prefers to be kept consistently moist, so make sure to water it regularly. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to fungal diseases. Instead, water the soil around the base of the plant.
Harvesting: You can start harvesting basil once the plants have grown to a decent size. To encourage bushy growth, pinch off the top two sets of leaves once your plants are around six inches tall. You can then harvest individual leaves as needed.
2. Mint
Mint is probably the easiest herb to grow on our list.
As a beginning gardener, I made the mistake of planting mint in one of my garden beds.
The thrill of growing mint was soon erased by the horror of watching it overtake my garden.
I now grow mint in a large container where it is contained.
I recommend you do the same.
Mint can be started from seeds or planted from seedlings purchased from your local nursery. One small seedling will produce a bountiful harvest of mint.
How to Grow Mint
Soil: I have grown mint in less than ideal soil conditions and it has thrived. Using an organic potting mix will be a great start for your mint plants. Each season, I amend my potting soil with organic compost.
Sunlight: Mint grows best in partial shade or filtered sunlight, although it can also tolerate full sun. If you’re growing mint indoors, make sure to place it near a sunny window that gets at least four hours of sunlight per day.
Watering: Mint prefers consistently moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely between waterings, as this can lead to wilting. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can also lead to root rot.
Harvesting: You can start harvesting mint once the plants have grown to a decent size. To encourage bushy growth, pinch off the top two sets of leaves once your plants are around six inches tall. You can then harvest individual leaves as needed. Mint leaves are best harvested in the morning when the oils are most concentrated or as you’re making your favorite drink as a garnish.
3. Chives
Chives belong to the onion family and deliver a powerful punch.
They make a great addition to any omelette, salad, or baked potato.
Chives make the cut on our easy herbs to grow list because they can withstand the coldest of winters without much prep work and come back even stronger come springtime.
Chives can be planted in containers or directly into the ground.
They make a great addition as companion plants and will do a good job deterring pests such as aphids.
The purple flowers can be enjoyed in salads or used to infuse olive oils for a tasty alternative to salad dressings.
When ready to harvest, cut each stem two inches from the bottom.
They will regrow to be enjoyed again.
How to Grow Chives
Soil: Chives prefer well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. Use an organic potting mix or plant directly in the garden.
Sunlight: Chives grow best in full sun to partial shade. If you’re growing chives indoors, make sure to place them near a sunny window that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Watering: Chives prefer evenly moist soil, so make sure to water them regularly. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely between waterings, as this can cause the leaves to wilt. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Harvesting: You can start harvesting chives once the plants have grown to a decent size. I will snip individual stems as needed. They will grow back to be enjoyed time and time again..
4. Parsley
Parsley is an easy herb to grow from seed and should be planted directly in the garden.
It is a cool season herb and the warmer weather will cause it to bolt (go to seed).
I spread my seeds out in late March and again in early September.
Parsley can reseed itself if allowed to bolt but I find best results are to replant from reputable seeds.
How to Grow Parsley
Soil: Parsley prefers well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. You can use an organic potting mix or create your own by mixing compost and perlite.
Sunlight: Parsley grows best in partial shade to full sun. If you’re growing parsley indoors, make sure to place it near a sunny window that gets at least four to six hours of sunlight per day.
Watering: Parsley prefers consistently moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely between waterings, as this can cause the leaves to wilt. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Harvesting: You can start harvesting parsley once the plants have grown to a decent size. To encourage bushy growth, snip off the outer leaves at the base of the stem once they reach about two inches in length. You can then harvest individual leaves as needed. Parsley leaves are best harvested in the morning when the oils are most concentrated.
5. Thyme
Thyme is another favorite to grow. It will come back year after year stronger and healthier than the year before.
It’s one the the easiest herbs to grow as it will come back year after year without much attention. Thyme makes a wonderful addition to meats, soups, and stews.
In addition, thyme has some fantastic medicinal benefits when used in teas.
Start thyme seeds directly outdoors or for best results, winter sown. If you are late in starting your garden, seedlings can be purchased from a local nursery.
The plant will come back year after year making it a great investment.
How to Grow Thyme
Soil: Thyme prefers well-draining soil that’s not too rich in nutrients. You can use a potting mix that’s specifically designed for herbs or create your own by mixing sand and compost.
Sunlight: Thyme grows best in full sun. If you’re growing thyme indoors, make sure to place it near a south-facing window that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day. You can also use a grow light to supplement natural light.
Watering: Thyme prefers to be kept on the dry side, so make sure to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Thyme is drought-tolerant and can withstand periods of dryness.
Harvesting: You can start harvesting thyme once the plants have grown to a decent size. To encourage bushy growth, pinch off the tips of the stems when they’re about four inches long. You can then harvest individual leaves as needed. Thyme leaves are best harvested in the morning when the oils are most concentrated.
6. Rosemary
Rosemary is a wonderful beginner herb to grow in the garden.
Its rich, aromatic scent is the perfect seasoning for dishes such as poultry and soups.
One of the best parts?
It comes back year after year in plenty.
It can be planted in containers or directly in the ground. The leaves can be individually harvested and used fresh or dried and stored in the pantry for use during the winter months.
How to Grow Rosemary
Soil: Rosemary prefers well-draining soil that’s not too rich in nutrients. You can use an organic potting mix or directly plant in the ground.
Sunlight: Rosemary grows best in full sun. If you’re growing rosemary indoors, make sure to place it near a south-facing window that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day. You can also use a grow light to supplement natural light.
Watering: Rosemary prefers to be kept on the dry side, so make sure to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Rosemary is drought-tolerant and can withstand periods of dryness.
Harvesting: You can start harvesting rosemary once the plants have grown to a decent size. To encourage bushy growth, pinch off the tips of the stems when they’re about four inches long. You can then harvest individual leaves as needed. Rosemary leaves are best harvested in the morning when the oils are most concentrated.
7. Oregano
Oregano will come back year after year and can be planted in containers or beds.
We use it both fresh and dried to enhance meats as well as for its medicinal anti-bacterial purposes.
It’s a great herb to grow as a repellant to mosquitoes as well.
How to Grow Oregano
- Soil: Oregano prefers well-draining soil that’s not too rich in nutrients. You can use an organic potting mix or create your own by mixing sand and compost.
- Sunlight: Oregano grows best in full sun to partial shade. If you’re growing oregano indoors, place it near a sunny window that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day or use a grow light to supplement natural light.
- Watering: Oregano prefers to be kept on the dry side, so make sure to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Oregano is drought-tolerant and can withstand periods of dryness.
- Harvesting: You can start harvesting oregano once the plants have grown to a decent size. To encourage bushy growth, pinch off the tips of the stems when they’re about four inches long. You can then harvest individual leaves as needed. Oregano leaves are best harvested in the morning when the oils are most concentrated.
8. Sage
Sage is one of the prettiest herbs you can grow for the garden.
Its purple tinged green leaves add a nice accent to flower beds and can act as a filler if needed.
Sage can be used for culinary or medicinal purposes.
Some growers enjoy drying the leaves and using them to “cleanse” their home of negative energy.
How to Grow Sage
Soil: Sage prefers well-draining soil that’s on the dry side. You can use an organic potting mix or create your own by mixing sand and compost.
Sunlight: Sage grows best in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. If you’re growing sage indoors, make sure to place it near a south-facing window that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day. You can also use a grow light to supplement natural light.
Watering: Sage is drought-tolerant and prefers to be kept on the dry side. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Sage is susceptible to fungal diseases, so make sure to water it at the base of the plant and avoid getting water on the leaves.
Harvesting: You can start harvesting sage once the plant has grown to a decent size. To encourage bushy growth, pinch off the tips of the stems when they’re about four inches long. You can then harvest individual leaves as needed. Sage leaves are best harvested just before the plant begins to flower, as this is when the oils are most concentrated.
9. Cilantro
Our next easy herb to grow in the garden is cilantro.
Cilantro is and herb that elicits a strong response from individuals. People either love it or they hate it.
Cilantro is an easy herb to start from seed. Like parsley, cilantro does best planted in late March or early April. It will bolt once the heat takes hold.
Coriander seeds can be collected for culinary used to reseed cilantro next season. I allow it to self seed with much success.
How to Grow Cilantro
Soil: Cilantro grows best in well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. You can use an organic potting mix or create your own by mixing compost and sand.
Sunlight: Cilantro grows best in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. If you’re growing cilantro indoors, make sure to place it near a south-facing window that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day. You can also use a grow light to supplement natural light.
Watering: Cilantro prefers to be kept consistently moist, so make sure to water it regularly. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Cilantro is also prone to bolting (going to seed) in hot weather, so make sure to keep it well-watered during the summer months.
Harvesting: You can start harvesting cilantro once the plant has grown to a decent size. You can harvest the leaves as soon as they’re large enough to use in your cooking. Cilantro is a fast-growing herb, so make sure to harvest it regularly to encourage bushy growth.
10. Lavendar
Nothing brings me more joy than watching the bees abuzz once my lavender blooms. It’s a beautiful herb whose aromatic scent can soothe and calm.
In addition to its beauty, lavender is a hardy herb that will come back year after year bigger and more robust.
Should you wish to harvest the flowers, they can be collected before they open to create scented oils or sachets.
Drying lavender is quite easy and can be done by novice gardeners.
How to Grow Lavender
-
Soil: Lavender prefers well-draining soil that’s on the sandy or gravelly side. You can amend heavy soil with sand, perlite, or gravel to improve drainage.
-
Sunlight: Lavender loves full sun, so make sure to plant it in a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If you’re growing lavender indoors, make sure to place it near a south-facing window or under a grow light.
-
Watering: Lavender is drought-tolerant and prefers to be kept on the dry side. Water it deeply once a week during the growing season, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Avoid getting water on the leaves or flowers, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
-
Pruning: Lavender should be pruned once a year, in early spring or after the first flush of flowers. Cut back the stems by about one-third to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from becoming woody.
-
Harvesting: You can harvest lavender flowers once they’ve fully opened but before they begin to fade. Cut the stems just above the foliage, and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place to dry. Once dry, you can use the flowers in sachets, potpourri, or to flavor baked goods.
Final Thoughts
Growing your own herbs at home is a wonderful way to wet your feet in the world of gardening. These low maintenance herbs are a great way to get started and will save you money at the store to boot.
Let us know in the comments below what you plant on growing this season.
Happy Gardening!
