How to Start a Herb Garden (A Beginner-Friendly Guide)

Growing your own herbs is an easy and rewarding way to enjoy fresh, flavorful ingredients right at home.

Whether you want to elevate your cooking, save money, or experience the joy of gardening, an herb garden is a great place to begin.

You don’t need much space or experience to get started. With the right approach, you can grow herbs successfully indoors, in containers, or in an outdoor garden.

In this article, I'll cover everything you need to know, from choosing the best herbs to planting, caring for, and harvesting them so you can enjoy a thriving herb garden from the start.

Choosing the Right Herbs

Picking the right herbs is the first step to a successful garden. Some herbs are easier to grow than others, making them perfect for beginners. If you're just starting out, it's best to choose hardy, low-maintenance herbs that can thrive in different conditions.

Best Herbs for Beginners

Start with rosemary, oregano, thyme, parsley, chives, and mint. These herbs are resilient and don’t need constant attention. Rosemary and thyme prefer drier soil and can handle occasional neglect, while parsley and chives grow well with regular watering and sunlight.

Grow What You Love to Use

Think about which herbs you actually use in cooking. If you often cook with basil, cilantro, or dill, include them in your garden. But if you rarely use sage or tarragon, they might not be worth the space. Growing herbs you love ensures your garden is both practical and rewarding.

Annual vs. Perennial Herbs

• Annuals (like basil and cilantro) complete their life cycle in one season and need replanting each year.
• Perennials (like rosemary and thyme) grow back year after year with proper care.
• A mix of both ensures you have fresh herbs throughout the seasons.

Consider Your Space

If you have a small garden or plan to grow in containers, pick herbs that don’t need much room.

Chives and thyme grow compactly, while mint spreads aggressively and is best kept in its own container. If you're growing indoors, choose herbs that can thrive with limited light or use grow lights to supplement.

Seeds vs. Young Plants

When starting your herb garden, you’ll need to decide whether to grow from seeds or young plants (also called transplants).

Each option has its pros and cons, so the best choice depends on your experience, patience, and budget.

Growing from Seeds

• More Affordable: A single packet of seeds produces multiple plants, making it a cost-effective option.
• Best for Fast Sprouting Herbs: Basil and dill sprout quickly, making them ideal for seed starting.
• Some Herbs Need Direct Sowing: Borage, chervil, coriander, dill, and fennel don’t transplant well and should be sown directly in the garden.

Pro Tip: To speed up germination, crush coriander seeds slightly and soak them in water for 24–48 hours before planting.

Using Young Plants (Transplants)

• Faster Results: Since seedlings are already established, they grow quickly.
• Easier for Beginners: No need to worry about germination—just plant and grow.
• Best for Slow-Growing Herbs: Rosemary and thyme take longer to sprout from seeds, so they’re easier to grow from young plants.

If you want a head start and less hassle, buying young plants is the easiest option. If you're looking to save money and don’t mind waiting, starting from seeds can be rewarding.

A combination of both works well—grow fast sprouting herbs from seeds and use transplants for slow growers.

With the right care, your herb garden will thrive no matter which method you choose!

Grouping Herbs with Similar Needs

Not all herbs need the same amount of water, sunlight, or soil conditions. By grouping herbs with similar needs together, you can make caring for your garden easier and ensure each plant thrives.

Mediterranean Herbs Love the Sun

Herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage prefer full sun and dry, well-draining soil. These herbs don’t like too much water, so it’s best to plant them together in an area where the soil can dry out between waterings.

Moisture-Loving Herbs Need More Water

Herbs such as basil, cilantro, parsley, and chives like consistently moist soil and prefer to be watered regularly. If you plant them next to Mediterranean herbs, they might get too dry, so it’s best to keep them in a separate area.

Mint and Other Spreading Herbs Need Containment

Some herbs, like mint and lemon balm, spread aggressively and can take over your garden if not controlled. It’s a good idea to plant them in separate containers to prevent them from invading other plants' space.

Preparing the Soil

The success of your herb garden depends on the quality of your soil. While herbs aren’t too picky, they do need well-draining, loose soil that holds enough moisture without becoming soggy.

If your soil is too compact or heavy with clay, your herbs might struggle to grow.

Improve Drainage for Healthier Herbs

To prevent water from pooling around the roots, mix in compost or organic matter. This helps loosen the soil and improves drainage while adding nutrients.

However, don’t overdo it—herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano actually develop stronger flavors in slightly lean soil.

Best Soil for Containers vs. Garden Beds

• In the ground: Loosen the soil at least 8 to 12 inches deep so roots can spread easily.
• In containers: Choose pots with drainage holes to prevent water buildup. Use a light, well-draining potting mix made for vegetables or herbs, or create your own by mixing garden soil, compost, and sand.

Consider Raised Beds or Containers

If your garden soil isn’t great, raised beds or containers are great alternatives. Raised beds improve drainage, and container gardening lets you control the soil mix for each herb.

Benefits of Container Herb Gardening

If you don’t have a lot of space, don’t worry!

Growing herbs in containers is a simple and flexible way to enjoy fresh flavors at home. Whether you have a small balcony, a windowsill, or a patio, container gardening lets you grow herbs anywhere.

Why Grow Herbs in Containers?

One of the biggest advantages of container gardening is mobility. You can move your herbs indoors during cold weather or reposition them to get the best sunlight.

If one plant isn’t thriving in its current spot, just move the pot!

You also have more control over soil quality and drainage. With containers, you can create the perfect soil mix for each herb, ensuring they get the nutrients they need.

Plus, using pots with drainage holes helps prevent overwatering and root rot.

Choosing the Right Containers

Herbs can grow in almost any type of container, as long as there’s proper drainage.

Terracotta pots are great because they absorb extra moisture, while plastic or ceramic pots help retain water longer—perfect for moisture-loving herbs like basil and parsley.

If you want to make the most of your space, hanging baskets or vertical planters are excellent options. These allow you to grow multiple herbs without taking up too much room.

With the right setup, container gardening makes growing herbs easy, convenient, and perfect for small spaces.

Sunlight & Placement

Your herbs need the right amount of sunlight to grow strong and flavorful. Most herbs thrive in full sun, meaning they need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

Which Herbs Need Full Sun?

If you have a sunny spot, plant basil, rosemary, oregano, and thyme. These herbs love the sun and grow best with plenty of light.

Herbs That Can Handle Some Shade

If your garden gets only three to five hours of sunlight, don’t worry! You can still grow herbs like cilantro, chives, and parsley, which can tolerate lower light conditions better than others.

Growing Herbs Indoors? Use Grow Lights!

If you're growing herbs indoors, natural sunlight might not always be enough—especially in winter. LED or fluorescent grow lights can help by mimicking natural sunlight.

Place them a few inches above your plants and keep them on for 12–16 hours per day for the best results.

Smart Herb Placement for Maximum Growth

When setting up your garden, group herbs with similar sunlight needs together. Also, be mindful of spacing—taller herbs like rosemary should go where they won’t block sunlight from smaller herbs like thyme or oregano.

Watering & Moisture Control

Watering your herbs the right way is key to keeping them healthy and full of flavor. Some herbs like basil and parsley love consistently moist soil, while others like rosemary and thyme prefer drier conditions.

How Often Should You Water?

Most herbs need daily watering, especially in hot or dry weather.

However, some, like thyme, rosemary, and sage, are more drought-tolerant and should be watered only when the soil feels dry. Letting the soil dry slightly between waterings encourages stronger roots.

The Best Time to Water

Always water in the morning. This gives your herbs time to absorb moisture before the heat of the day and prevents excess moisture from sitting on the leaves overnight, which can lead to mold or disease.

How to Check if Your Herbs Need Water

Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. If it still feels damp, wait another day. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes—herbs don’t like sitting in soggy soil.

Container Herbs Need Extra Attention

If you're growing herbs in containers, they may dry out faster than those in the ground. Check them daily, especially in warm weather. To help retain moisture, you can add mulch around your herbs or use self-watering pots.

By understanding your herbs' water needs and checking the soil regularly, you’ll keep your plants happy, healthy, and full of flavor!

Minimal Fertilization

Unlike vegetables, herbs don’t need heavy feeding. In fact, too much fertilizer can weaken their flavor and make them grow too quickly. Most herbs thrive with just a little extra nutrition.

How Often Should You Fertilize?

• Outdoor herbs: A light feeding once or twice per season is usually enough.
• Container herbs: Since nutrients wash away faster with frequent watering, feed them with a diluted organic fertilizer once a month if they look pale or weak.

The Best Fertilizer for Herbs

Go for organic options like compost, fish emulsion, or liquid seaweed extract. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they encourage leafy growth at the expense of flavor. Rosemary, thyme, and oregano actually prefer lean soil, so they may not need fertilization at all.

Signs Your Herbs Need Fertilizer

If your plants look healthy and full, skip the fertilizer. However, if the leaves start turning pale or yellow, they might need a small nutrient boost. Just remember—less is more!

By keeping fertilization light and simple, you’ll let your herbs develop their best natural flavors without unnecessary growth spurts.

Harvesting for Better Growth

Harvesting isn’t just about picking leaves—it’s also the key to keeping your herb plants healthy and productive. The more you harvest, the more your herbs will grow!

When to Harvest Your Herbs

The best time to harvest is when your herbs are full and bushy but before they flower. Once herbs start flowering, their leaves can turn bitter or lose some of their strong flavor. If you see flower buds forming, pinch them off to keep your plant focused on growing leaves.

How to Harvest Without Hurting Your Plants

• Take less than one-third of the plant at a time. Cutting too much can weaken it.
• Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging the stems.
• For leafy herbs like basil, mint, and cilantro, pinch off the tops to encourage bushier growth.
• For woody herbs like rosemary and thyme, snip off the tips of the branches rather than taking large chunks.

Regular Harvesting = More Herbs for You!

Don’t be afraid to harvest often. The more you trim, the more your herbs will produce, giving you a steady supply throughout the season.

Growing Herbs Year-Round

You don’t have to stop enjoying fresh herbs just because the seasons change. With a little planning, you can grow herbs indoors all year long!

Best Herbs for Indoor Growing

Some herbs handle indoor conditions better than others. The best options include:
✔ Basil
✔ Chives
✔ Parsley
✔ Thyme
✔ Mint

These herbs grow well in pots and adapt easily to indoor light and temperature.

Give Your Herbs Enough Light

Most herbs need at least six hours of sunlight per day. Place them near a south-facing window for the best results. If natural light is limited, use LED grow lights to keep your herbs thriving.

Keep the Temperature and Humidity Just Right

Herbs grow best in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Keep them away from cold drafts, heaters, or air conditioners, as sudden temperature changes can stress them. If your home is dry, mist your herbs occasionally or place a small tray of water nearby to increase humidity.

Controlling Invasive Herbs (Mint & Others)

Some herbs, like mint, are known for spreading aggressively.

If you’re not careful, they can take over your garden and compete with other plants for space, water, and nutrients. But don’t worry—you can still enjoy fresh mint without letting it get out of control!

Best Ways to Keep Mint Contained

• Grow it in a separate container. This is the easiest way to keep mint from spreading into other areas.
• If planting in the ground, use a barrier. Bury a plastic or metal edging 8–12 inches deep around the plant to stop its roots from spreading underground.
• Trim it often. Regularly pruning mint prevents it from growing out of control and keeps it healthy.

Other Herbs That Spread Quickly

Mint isn’t the only herb that can become invasive. Lemon balm, oregano, and some types of thyme can also spread aggressively.

To manage these, follow the same steps—containers, barriers, and frequent trimming will keep them in check!

By controlling these fast-growing herbs, you can enjoy them without letting them take over your garden.

Managing Herb Flowering

Did you know that letting your herbs flower can change their flavor? When herbs start producing flowers, their energy shifts from growing leaves to making seeds. This can lead to bitter, less flavorful leaves.

When to Remove Flowers

To keep your herbs producing fresh leaves, pinch off flower buds as soon as you see them.

This is especially important for herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint, which can quickly lose their best flavor once they bloom.

When to Let Herbs Flower

Sometimes, it’s a good idea to let some of your herbs bloom:

• To attract pollinators: Flowering herbs like thyme, oregano, and chives can bring bees and butterflies to your garden.
• To collect seeds for next season: If you want to save seeds from dill, cilantro, or basil, allow some plants to flower and go to seed.

Balancing Leaf Growth & Flowering

If you want to keep harvesting leaves, remove flowers regularly. But if you want to support pollinators or collect seeds, allow a few plants to bloom while keeping others trimmed.

Saving & Storing Seeds

If you want to keep growing your favorite herbs year after year, saving seeds is a simple and cost-effective way to do it.

Many herbs produce seeds after flowering, and with the right storage methods, you can use them for next season’s planting.

When to Harvest Seeds

The best time to harvest seeds is when the flowers have dried and turned brown on the plant. Herbs like basil, cilantro, dill, and fennel are great candidates for seed saving.

How to Collect Seeds

To collect them, gently shake or rub the dried flower heads over a bowl, allowing the seeds to fall out naturally. If the seeds still feel slightly moist, spread them out in a dry place for a few days to prevent mold during storage.

Proper Storage Methods

Once fully dry, store the seeds in airtight containers such as glass jars, paper envelopes, or resealable bags. Keeping them in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or refrigerator, will help maintain their viability.

Labeling & Shelf Life

Don’t forget to label each container with the herb’s name and collection date to keep track of freshness. Properly stored seeds can last anywhere from one to three years, depending on the herb.

Preserving Herbs

Fresh herbs taste best when used right after harvesting, but if you have more than you can use, preserving them allows you to enjoy their flavors long after the growing season.

Freezing and drying are the two best ways to keep herbs fresh for months.

Freezing Soft Herbs

Freezing is a great option for soft herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley, as it helps retain their bright color and strong flavor.

To freeze herbs, chop them and place them in an ice cube tray with a little water or olive oil. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a sealed bag and store them in the freezer.

These herb cubes can be tossed directly into soups, sauces, and sautés for an instant flavor boost.

Drying Hardy Herbs

Drying works well for hardy herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage. The simplest way to dry herbs is to tie small bunches together and hang them upside down in a dark, dry place with good airflow.

Storing & Using Dried Herbs

Once the leaves are completely dry and crisp, remove them from the stems and store them in airtight jars. Since dried herbs have a stronger flavor than fresh ones, use them in smaller amounts when cooking.

Weed & Pest Control

Keeping your herb garden free from weeds and pests is essential for healthy, productive plants. Luckily, there are simple, natural ways to protect your herbs without using harsh chemicals.

Preventing Weeds

Weeds compete with your herbs for nutrients, water, and sunlight. The best way to prevent them is by adding a thin layer of mulch around your plants.

Mulch helps retain moisture while stopping weeds from sprouting. You can use straw, shredded leaves, or bark for an organic and effective mulch.

Keeping Pests Away Naturally

Many pests, like aphids and caterpillars, can damage your herbs by sucking their sap or chewing their leaves. Instead of using chemical pesticides, try these natural solutions:

• Handpick pests like caterpillars if you see them on your plants.
• Spray with insecticidal soap (a mixture of mild soap and water) to control soft-bodied insects like aphids.
• Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and praying mantises, which naturally keep pest populations in check.
• Plant pest-repelling herbs like basil, mint, and lavender around your other herbs to deter harmful insects.

By taking a natural approach to weed and pest control, you can keep your herb garden healthy while avoiding harmful chemicals.

Propagating Herbs from Cuttings

Did you know you can grow new herb plants without buying more seeds? Many herbs, including basil, mint, rosemary, oregano, and thyme, can be grown from cuttings. This is a simple, budget-friendly way to expand your garden.

How to Take a Cutting

Start by selecting a healthy, non-flowering stem about 3 to 4 inches long. Using sharp scissors or pruning shears, cut just below a leaf node—this is where new roots will grow. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top.

Rooting Your Cuttings

You can place your cuttings in water or soil to encourage root growth.

• Water Method: Put the cuttings in a small glass of water, making sure the leaves don’t touch the water. Change the water every few days, and within one to two weeks, you should see small roots forming.
• Soil Method: Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional) and plant it in moist potting soil. Keep the soil damp but not soggy.

Once the roots are about an inch long, transfer the cuttings to a pot or garden bed. With the right care, your new herbs will grow just as strong as the parent plant!

Direct Sowing vs. Transplanting

When starting your herb garden, some herbs grow best when sown directly into the soil, while others can be transplanted from pots.

Which Herbs Should Be Directly Sown?

Some herbs don’t like being transplanted because their roots are too delicate. Borage, chervil, coriander (cilantro), dill, and fennel should be planted directly where they will grow.

If moved, they may struggle to adjust and stop growing properly.

Which Herbs Can Be Transplanted?

Other herbs handle transplanting well and can be started in small pots before being moved to your garden. Basil, parsley, thyme, and oregano adapt easily to being moved, as long as their roots aren’t disturbed too much.

How to Avoid Transplant Shock

If you're moving seedlings from pots to the garden, it’s important to harden them off first.

This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for a few hours a day over several days before planting them in the ground.

This helps prevent stress and allows your herbs to adjust smoothly to their new environment.

Start Growing Your Own Herb Garden!

Starting an herb garden is one of the most rewarding things you can do. With the right herbs, proper care, and a little attention, you’ll have fresh flavors at your fingertips all year long.

Whether you're planting in the ground, using containers, or growing herbs indoors, the key to success is understanding what your plants need.

By following these simple steps, you’ll soon have a thriving herb garden that enhances your cooking, saves you money, and brings a touch of greenery into your home.

Start small, learn as you go, and enjoy the process!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Starting an herb garden comes with a lot of questions, especially if you're new to gardening. Here are some of the most common questions and their answers to help you grow healthy, thriving herbs.

What are the easiest herbs to grow for beginners?

If you're just starting out, go with rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley, chives, and mint. These herbs are hardy, require little maintenance, and adapt well to different growing conditions. Mint grows especially fast, but to keep it from spreading too much, plant it in a separate container.

Can I grow herbs indoors without direct sunlight?

Yes, but you’ll need to use grow lights if your home doesn’t get enough natural light. Most herbs need at least six hours of sunlight per day. If you don’t have a bright windowsill, LED or fluorescent grow lights can help keep your herbs healthy.

How often should I water my herbs?

Watering depends on the type of herb. Most herbs do well with daily or every-other-day watering, but drought-tolerant herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage should be watered only when the soil feels dry. If you're growing in containers, check the soil more often since pots dry out faster.

What’s the best way to store fresh herbs?

To keep herbs fresh, store them in water like a bouquet or wrap them in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag in the fridge. If you want long-term storage, freeze chopped herbs in ice cube trays with oil or water or dry them by hanging them upside down in a dark, dry place.

How can I keep pests away from my herbs naturally?

Avoid chemical pesticides and use natural solutions instead. Remove pests like aphids and caterpillars by hand, or spray your plants with a mild insecticidal soap. You can also plant pest-repelling herbs like basil and mint near your other herbs to keep harmful insects away.