There are some days when you’re halfway through cooking dinner and suddenly realize you’re missing the one herb your recipe calls for. You remember standing in the grocery store a few days ago, looking right at it, and somehow you still forgot to put it in your cart. Now the pasta is cooking, the chicken is almost ready, and the thought of getting back in the car just to buy a small bunch of herbs is not exactly exciting. That’s why it’s good to grow herbs at home.
How to Grow Herbs at Home
That is one of the reasons I love the idea of having a few fresh herbs growing at home. You don’t need a huge backyard, a fancy greenhouse, or a collection of expensive gardening tools. A few pots on a sunny windowsill, balcony, patio, or kitchen corner can be enough to get started.
And honestly, there is something really satisfying about being able to walk outside or reach over to your windowsill and snip exactly what you need for dinner.
You need a little basil?
It’s right there.
Some fresh mint for your iced tea?
There it is.
A few chives for your scrambled eggs?
Just snip a little.
It may sound like a small thing, but once you get used to having fresh herbs around, you’ll probably wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
The best part is that you don’t need to be an experienced gardener.
If you’ve never successfully kept a houseplant alive, don’t let that scare you away. Herbs can be a very friendly way to start learning about gardening because you can grow many of them in containers, they don’t require a huge amount of space, and some grow surprisingly quickly when they’re happy.
So let’s forget about making a picture-perfect garden for a moment.
Let’s talk about growing herbs in a real home, with real schedules, busy mornings, forgotten watering days, small apartments, patios, balconies, windowsills and the occasional plant that just refuses to cooperate.
Why Grow Herbs at Home?
There are plenty of reasons to grow herbs at home, but convenience is probably my favorite.
Think about how often you buy a package or bunch of fresh herbs for one recipe, use a little bit of it, put the rest in the refrigerator and then completely forget about it.
A few days later, you open the refrigerator and discover a sad little bundle hiding behind the vegetables.
We’ve all been there.
Growing your own herbs gives you another option.
Instead of buying a large bunch every time you need a small amount, you can simply harvest what you need.
If you’re making tomato sauce and need basil, pick a few leaves.
If you’re making roasted potatoes and want rosemary, cut a small sprig.
If you’re making a salad and want some parsley or cilantro, step outside and grab some.
It can also save you from those annoying last-minute grocery store trips.
And then there’s the freshness.
Freshly picked herbs can be wonderfully fragrant. The smell of basil when you rub a leaf between your fingers is enough to make you want to start cooking something immediately.
There’s also something calming about caring for plants.
You water them, check the leaves, notice new growth and watch the little stems get stronger.
Before long, you may find yourself checking your herb pots first thing in the morning while you’re waiting for your coffee to brew.
You Don’t Need a Big Yard to Grow Herbs at Home
This is something I really want beginners to understand.
You do not need a big backyard to grow herbs.
If you have a yard, that’s great you can grow herbs at home.
If you have a patio, that’s great too you can grow herbs at home.
If you have a balcony, you can work with that and grow herbs at home.
If you live in an apartment with a bright kitchen window, you can still grow herbs.
Even a sunny windowsill can give you a place to begin to grow herbs at home.
I’ve seen people become discouraged because they think gardening means having raised beds, a large backyard and rows of vegetables.
That’s one type of gardening.
It isn’t the only type.
Container gardening can be surprisingly productive.
You can grow herbs at home in:
- Small pots
- Medium-sized planters
- Window boxes
- Hanging baskets
- Grow bags
- Patio containers
- Balcony planters
- Clean recycled containers
- Indoor herb pots
You can even grow herbs at home with just one or two containers, you can add more containers later.
There is absolutely no rule saying your first herb garden needs to look like a magazine spread.
Your first goal is simply to grow a herb at home to be successfully.
Once you get the hang of it, you can always expand.
Where Should You Grow Your Herbs?
The best location depends on what you’re growing and the amount of sunlight available, but most herbs appreciate a bright spot.
If you’re growing herbs at home indoors, a sunny south-facing window can be especially useful in the Northern Hemisphere. East- and west-facing windows can also provide good light depending on your home and the season.
If you live in an apartment, a bright kitchen window may be perfect.
If you have a balcony, you could place a few containers there.
If you have a patio, you can create a little herb corner close to the kitchen.
And if you have a backyard, you have even more choices.
But there’s another factor people sometimes forget.
Put your herbs somewhere you will actually see them.
If you place your basil behind a bunch of boxes in a corner of the garage, there’s a good chance you’ll forget about it.
Then one day you’ll remember and wonder why it looks like it has given up on life.
Plants are much easier to care for when they’re part of your everyday surroundings.
A herb pot beside the kitchen door is much harder to ignore than one hidden somewhere at the back of the yard.
How Much Sunlight Do Herbs Need to Grow Herbs at Home
Most popular culinary herbs like plenty of light.
Many herbs grow well with around six or more hours of sunlight a day, although the exact needs vary from plant to plant and conditions can differ depending on where you live.
Basil, rosemary, thyme and oregano generally appreciate plenty of sunshine.
Mint can tolerate somewhat less light, although it still needs a reasonably bright location.
If you’re growing indoors and your herbs start looking tall, thin and stretched out, take a closer look at the light they’re receiving.
A plant that is desperately reaching toward a window may be telling you something.
It may be saying, in its own quiet plant language, “I need more light over here.”
If natural light is limited, especially during darker winter months, you can also consider a suitable grow light.
You don’t have to turn your kitchen into a science experiment, just start and grow your herbs at home.
Start with the light you already have and see how your herbs respond.
Which Herbs Should Beginners Grow?
You Can Read my Post On
Culinary Herbs Every Home Cook Needs
This is where I would encourage you not to overthink things.
You don’t need to grow every herb you’ve ever seen at the grocery store.
Start with the herbs you actually use.
If you cook Italian-inspired meals often, basil and oregano might be useful.
If you love roasted vegetables and potatoes, rosemary and thyme could be good choices.
Rosemary herb
If you make homemade salsa, guacamole or tacos, cilantro could be especially handy.
If you drink iced tea or flavored water, mint is worth considering.
Mint herb
Some beginner-friendly choices include:
- Basil
- Mint
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Chives
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Dill
- Lemongrass
- Tarragon
And you don’t have to grow all of them.
Pick two or three.
That’s enough.
Basil Is One of My Favorite Herbs for Beginners
If I were helping someone start their first little herb garden, basil would definitely be on my list.
It’s useful, fragrant and beautiful when it grows well.
You can use basil in pasta sauces, pesto, sandwiches, salads, pizza, soups and plenty of other dishes.
And there’s something almost exciting about watching a tiny basil plant become a full, leafy plant.
One important thing about basil is that you should harvest it regularly rather than allowing it to become extremely tall and leggy.
When you pinch or cut basil just above a pair of leaves, the plant can produce new branches from that area.
That means your little plant can become fuller instead of growing into one tall stem.
And if your basil eventually produces flowers, don’t automatically panic.
You can remove the flowers if your main goal is to keep harvesting tender leaves, because flowering can change the plant’s growth and flavor.
Mint Is Wonderful, But Give It Its Own Pot In Order To Grow It As A Herb At Home
Mint is another herb you can grow at home that beginners often love.
It smells fresh, grows vigorously and it’s useful for drinks, teas, desserts, salads and more.
But mint has a reputation for spreading.
And it earned that reputation honestly.
If you plant mint directly in your garden bed, it can become very enthusiastic about occupying the neighborhood.
That’s why growing mint in its own container is often a smart choice.
Give mint its own little home.
It can grow happily there without getting into arguments with your other plants.
And if you’re growing several herbs in containers, labeling them can also help, especially when you’re starting out.
You may think you’ll remember which pot is which.
You probably will.
Until you don’t.
A little plant label can save you from standing there wondering whether you’re looking at oregano or thyme.
Cilantro or Coriander? You Can Grow The Herb At Home
If you’re shopping for seeds in the United States or Canada, you’re more likely to see cilantro on the label when the plant is being sold for its fresh leaves.
The seeds are commonly called coriander seeds.
This is one of those little differences in food terminology that can be confusing when you’re reading gardening articles from different parts of the world.
For your home garden, just remember:
Cilantro = the fresh leafy herb.
Coriander = the seeds.
Cilantro is wonderful in salsa, tacos, rice dishes, soups, salads and many other foods.
One thing beginners should know is that cilantro can be a little fussy about heat.
When temperatures rise, it may bolt, meaning it starts flowering and producing seeds.
If that happens, don’t feel like you’ve failed.
That’s simply part of the plant’s natural life cycle.
You can let it flower and produce seeds, or plant another batch when the weather is more suitable.
Rosemary Loves the Sun, You Can Grow It As A Herb At Home
Rosemary is one of those herbs that can make your kitchen garden feel much more sophisticated than it actually is.
The plant has a wonderful fragrance, and its needle-like leaves are easy to recognize.
It pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes, chicken, vegetables, breads and many other savory foods.
Rosemary generally prefers plenty of sunlight and soil that drains well.
One thing to remember is that rosemary doesn’t enjoy sitting in constantly wet soil.
So don’t treat it like a plant that needs to be watered every few hours.
Let the soil dry somewhat between waterings, while still paying attention to your local conditions and the size of the container.
Parsley Is More Useful Than People Give It Credit For
Parsley sometimes gets treated like the little green decoration sitting on the side of a plate.
But parsley deserves better than that.
You can actually use it in soups, sauces, salads, pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, dressings and many other recipes.
If you cook regularly, you may find yourself reaching for parsley more often than you expected.
There are different types of parsley, including curly parsley and Italian flat-leaf parsley.
Either can be useful in a home herb garden.
Choose the type that you actually enjoy cooking with.
Chives Are Perfect for Small Spaces To Grow As A Herb At Home
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If you’re working with limited space, don’t overlook chives.
They can grow nicely in containers and are useful in all kinds of everyday meals.
Snip some over scrambled eggs.
Add them to baked potatoes.
Mix them into a creamy dip.
Sprinkle them over soup.
Add them to salads.
They’re one of those herbs that can make an ordinary meal feel a little more finished.
And because you can harvest just a small amount at a time, they’re very convenient.
What Kind of Soil Should You Use?
Now let’s talk about one of the most important parts of growing herbs: soil.
You don’t need to become a soil scientist.
But you do need to give your herbs a decent growing medium.
For container herbs, a good-quality potting mix is usually a better choice than simply filling the pot with heavy garden soil.
Why?
Because container plants need soil that allows water to move through while still holding enough moisture for the roots.
If the soil becomes extremely compacted, roots can struggle.
If the soil stays soaking wet for long periods, roots can also suffer.
You want a nice balance.
Think moist, not swampy.
If you’re buying potting mix, choose one designed for containers.
You can also use compost or other suitable organic amendments according to the needs of the plants you’re growing.
But don’t feel like you need to buy every gardening product sitting on the shelf.
A good basic potting mix is enough to get started.
Choosing the Right Container
Your container doesn’t have to be expensive.
But it does need to make sense for the plant.
A tiny pot may be fine for a small herb at first, but some herbs eventually need more room for their roots.
Before choosing a container, consider:
- The mature size of the herb
- How much room its roots need
- Whether the container has drainage holes
- How heavy it will be once filled with soil
- Where you’re going to place it
And please check the bottom.
Drainage holes matter.
If water has nowhere to escape, it can collect around the roots.
This is one of the most common problems beginners run into.
You can use a decorative pot as an outer container and keep the herb in a nursery pot with drainage holes inside.
That gives you the pretty appearance without sacrificing drainage.
Can You Grow Herbs in Recycled Containers?
Yes, you can reuse suitable household containers for gardening.
An old food container, bucket or other clean container can sometimes be turned into a useful planter.
Just make sure it is clean, safe and large enough for the herb.
And make sure excess water can drain out.
I wouldn’t use a container that previously held harsh chemicals, pesticides or other substances that could contaminate your growing environment.
Remember, you’re growing food.
Keep things clean and sensible.
How to Grow Herbs From Seeds
Growing herbs from seed can take a little more patience, but it is incredibly rewarding.
There’s something funny about looking at a tiny seed and thinking, “This is going to become a plant?”
Then, a few days or weeks later, you see that first little green shoot.
It feels like a tiny miracle.
Start by filling your container with a suitable potting mix.
Follow the planting depth on the seed packet because different seeds have different requirements.
Don’t bury tiny seeds deeply just because you think they need to be “properly covered.”
Some seeds need to be planted very shallowly.
After planting, water gently.
You want the soil moist, but you don’t want to wash the seeds away.
And then comes the hardest part.
Wait.
Don’t keep digging into the soil every morning to see whether the seed has roots.
I know.
It’s tempting.
But let the little thing do its job.
Growing Herbs From Cuttings
Some herbs can also be started from cuttings.
Mint and basil are examples that can often root from healthy stems.
Choose a healthy cutting.
Remove the leaves from the lower portion of the stem.
Place the stem in clean water, keeping the leaves above the water.
Give it light.
Change the water regularly.
After a while, you may notice little roots beginning to appear.
Once the roots are established enough, you can move the cutting into potting soil.
Not every cutting will succeed.
That’s normal.
Gardening isn’t a vending machine where you put in one cutting and automatically receive one perfect plant.
Sometimes you try again.
And that’s okay.
How Often Should You Water Your Herbs?
Please don’t fall into the trap of thinking that plants need to be watered at exactly the same time every day.
Your herbs don’t have calendars.
They respond to their growing conditions.
The weather, pot size, soil, sunlight, humidity and type of herb can all affect how quickly the soil dries.
Before watering, check the soil.
Stick your finger gently into the top inch or so.
If it feels dry, your plant may need water.
If it still feels moist, you may be able to wait.
Small containers in hot summer weather can dry out much faster than large containers.
Indoor herbs may dry out more slowly.
A plant sitting in full sun on a hot patio may need very different care from one sitting inside a cool kitchen.
So learn your particular plant.
What Happens If You Forget to Water?
Life happens.
Maybe you had a busy workday.
Maybe the kids needed your attention.
Maybe you went away for the weekend.
Maybe you simply forgot.
If you come home and your basil looks dramatically droopy, don’t immediately throw it away.
Check the soil.
If it is very dry, water it thoroughly.
Then give it some time.
Some plants recover surprisingly well.
The important thing is not to turn one missed watering into a gardening funeral.
Give your plant a chance.
What If You Water Too Much?
This is just as common.
Sometimes beginners think, “Plants need water, so more water must be better.”
Unfortunately, that’s not how it works.
Roots need both water and air.
If the soil stays saturated for too long, the roots can become stressed.
You may notice yellow leaves, poor growth, a musty smell or other signs that something isn’t right.
Check your drainage.
Check how often you’re watering.
Check whether the container is sitting in a saucer full of water.
Sometimes the solution is simply to allow the soil to dry more between waterings.
How to Fertilize Your Herbs
Your herbs need nutrients to grow.
A good potting mix can provide nutrients for a while, but container plants can eventually use those nutrients.
You can use a fertilizer appropriate for edible plants if needed.
Follow the product directions rather than assuming that more fertilizer means a bigger, healthier plant.
It doesn’t.
Too much fertilizer can damage plants.
If you’re already using nutrient-rich soil and your herb is growing beautifully, you may not need to keep adding things simply because you feel like you should.
Sometimes leaving a healthy plant alone is the best thing you can do.
How to Harvest Herbs Properly
This is one of the most enjoyable parts.
You grew it.
Now use it.
But don’t remove every leaf from the plant at once.
Harvest a little at a time and leave enough healthy growth for the plant to continue photosynthesizing and growing.
With basil, for example, you can pinch stems just above a set of leaves.
This can encourage branching and make the plant bushier.
With chives, you can snip the leaves as needed.
With rosemary and thyme, take small amounts from healthy stems rather than stripping the entire plant.
The goal is to harvest while still leaving the plant strong enough to keep producing.
Don’t Be Afraid to Prune
Some beginners are terrified of cutting their plants.
They look at a beautiful basil plant and think, “I don’t want to hurt it.”
But pruning and harvesting are part of growing many herbs.
If a plant becomes too tall or leggy, trimming it can encourage new growth.
If you see damaged leaves, remove them.
If stems become crowded, thinning may help.
And the more you prune and harvest, the more confident you’ll become.
At first you’re holding the scissors like you’re performing surgery.
After a while, you’re casually walking around the garden saying, “You need a little trim.”
It happens.
Growing Herbs Indoors During Winter
For readers in colder parts of the U.S. and Canada, winter can make outdoor gardening more difficult.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to give up fresh herbs.
Some herbs can be brought indoors in containers.
A sunny window can help, although winter daylight may be limited.
This is where grow lights can become useful.
You can place a suitable grow light above your herbs and give them additional light during darker months.
Just make sure you’re using a light designed for growing plants and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
And don’t be surprised if your herbs grow differently indoors during winter.
Lower light levels, cooler temperatures and indoor humidity can all affect growth.
Growing Herbs in Apartments
If you live in an apartment, don’t think you’re excluded from gardening.
You may actually be surprised by what you can grow in a small space.
A sunny windowsill can hold a few small pots.
A balcony can hold several containers.
A small patio can become a mini herb garden.
Even a narrow shelf near a bright window can be useful.
The key is to think vertically and use your available space wisely.
Instead of trying to create a huge garden, create a small collection of plants you will actually use.
Growing Herbs on a Balcony
Balcony gardening can be wonderful, but remember that containers become heavy once filled with soil and water.
Before putting many large planters on a balcony, make sure you’re following your building’s rules and any applicable safety requirements.
Start small.
Use lightweight containers where appropriate.
Choose herbs based on how much sunlight your balcony receives.
A sunny balcony might be wonderful for basil and rosemary.
A shadier space may require different choices.
And pay attention to wind.
A high balcony can be much windier than you expect.
A plant that looks perfectly happy in a sheltered garden may struggle if it is constantly being blasted by strong wind.
Growing Herbs on a Patio
A patio can be one of the easiest places to create a container herb garden.
You can arrange several pots near the kitchen door so they’re easy to reach.
You could keep your most frequently used herbs closest to the door and less frequently used herbs farther away.
For example, you might keep:
Basil + parsley + chives + cilantro
close to the kitchen.
Then place rosemary, thyme or oregano in another group.
You can arrange the pots however you like.
There is no official herb-garden police coming to inspect your arrangement.
Make it work for your home.
What If Your Herbs Get Too Much Sun?
More sunlight isn’t always better.
During extremely hot weather, some plants may become stressed by intense afternoon heat.
Watch your plants.
If leaves are scorching, wilting severely despite adequate moisture, or showing signs of heat stress, consider whether the location is too intense.
A little afternoon protection can sometimes help, depending on the herb and your climate.
This is especially important in very hot areas.
A plant sitting in a small black container on a sun-baked patio can experience much more heat around its roots than you might expect.
What If Your Herbs Don’t Get Enough Sun?
The opposite problem is also common.
If your herbs are becoming tall and floppy, with large spaces between leaves, they may not be getting enough light.
Try moving them to a brighter location.
If they’re indoors, move them closer to a sunny window.
If you’re growing during winter and natural light is limited, consider a grow light.
Plants can’t move themselves toward the window.
Unfortunately, basil isn’t going to pack its little pot and relocate to the living room.
We have to help it.
What If the Leaves Turn Yellow?
Yellow leaves can mean different things.
Sometimes it’s too much water.
Sometimes it’s not enough light.
Sometimes the plant needs nutrients.
Sometimes an older leaf is simply reaching the end of its life.
That’s why I wouldn’t immediately dump fertilizer onto the soil when you see one yellow leaf.
Look at the whole plant.
Ask yourself:
Is the soil always wet?
Is the container draining properly?
Is the plant getting enough light?
Are there insects?
Has the weather changed?
Did I recently move the plant?
Is the pot too small?
Gardening gets easier when you learn to look for patterns instead of reacting to one symptom.
What If You See Bugs?
Small insects are one of those things gardeners eventually learn to expect.
Even healthy plants can sometimes attract pests.
Look underneath the leaves because that’s where some insects like to hide.
You may notice tiny bugs, webbing, sticky residue, holes or unusual spots.
If one plant has a pest problem, separate it from your other plants if possible.
Then identify the pest before deciding how to treat it.
This is especially important with herbs because you’re growing them to eat.
Don’t randomly spray a household insecticide on an edible plant.
If you use a pest-control product, make sure it is specifically appropriate for edible plants and follow the label directions.
Sometimes a simple physical removal of pests or a suitable gentle treatment is enough, depending on what you’re dealing with.
Don’t Forget About Airflow
This is something beginners don’t always think about.
Plants need air circulation too.
If you’re growing a lot of herbs very close together, especially indoors, the leaves may stay damp for longer and the plants may have a harder time drying out.
Give your containers some breathing room.
You don’t need to line every pot up six inches apart with a measuring tape.
Just don’t cram twenty plants into one tiny corner.
A little space can make care much easier.
A Simple Beginner Herb Garden
If all of this sounds like a lot, let’s make it very simple.
Start with three herbs.
For example:
Basil + Mint + Chives
Give each one its own pot.
Place them somewhere bright.
Check the soil regularly.
Water when needed.
Harvest a little at a time.
That’s it.
Once you’re comfortable, add another herb.
Maybe parsley.
Then oregano.
Then rosemary.
Then cilantro.
Before you realize it, you have a little collection of fresh herbs growing around your home.
What Herbs Should You Grow Together?
You can grow different herbs in the same container, but I wouldn’t recommend putting everything together just because it looks pretty.
Different herbs have different preferences.
For example, rosemary generally likes conditions that are on the drier side, while some other herbs prefer more consistent moisture.
Mint can spread aggressively.
So giving each herb its own container is often easier for beginners.
It allows you to adjust watering and care according to the needs of each plant.
And honestly, separate pots make troubleshooting easier too.
If something goes wrong, you know exactly which plant has the problem.
Make Your Herb Garden Easy to Maintain
The easiest garden to maintain is one that fits naturally into your life.
If you cook every evening, keep your herbs near the kitchen.
If you spend time on your patio, keep them there.
If you’re rarely outside, an indoor windowsill garden might make more sense.
Don’t create a garden that requires you to remember seventeen complicated tasks every morning.
Keep it simple.
Check your plants while you’re making coffee.
Water them when the soil needs it.
Harvest herbs when you’re cooking.
Remove damaged leaves when you notice them.
That’s often enough.
Use Your Herbs in Everyday Meals
One of the best ways to stay interested in gardening is to actually use what you’re growing.
Don’t let your herbs become decoration.
If you grow basil, make pesto.
If you grow mint, add it to lemonade or iced tea.
If you grow chives, add them to eggs or baked potatoes.
If you grow rosemary, use it with roasted chicken or vegetables.
If you grow cilantro, add it to tacos, salsa, rice bowls or soups.
If you grow parsley, toss it into pasta, salads or soups.
Suddenly, your herb garden isn’t just something you’re caring for.
It’s part of your kitchen.
What If You Go Away on Vacation?
This is something worth thinking about, especially if you travel during the summer.
Container herbs can dry out quickly when the weather is hot.
If you’re going away for a few days, check the weather and the moisture level of your plants before leaving.
Depending on the situation, you may need someone to water them.
You can also explore simple self-watering solutions designed for container plants.
Don’t just flood the pot with water before you leave and assume it will be fine for a week.
Too much water can be just as problematic as too little.
Don’t Be Discouraged If a Plant Dies
I want to say this because it’s important.
At some point, you may kill a plant.
You may overwater it.
You may underwater it.
You may put it in the wrong place.
A heat wave may hit.
A pest may appear.
You may go away for a few days.
It happens.
Please don’t decide that you are “not a plant person.”
I have yet to meet a gardener who has never lost a plant.
The difference between a beginner and an experienced gardener is often simply that the experienced gardener has already killed more plants and learned what not to do.
So if your first basil plant doesn’t make it, try again.
Maybe the second one will.
Start Small and Learn as You Go
You don’t need to know everything before you start.
In fact, you probably can’t.
You’ll learn things as you go.
You’ll learn how quickly your patio dries out in July.
You’ll learn which window gets the best morning light.
You’ll learn that your mint needs its own pot.
You’ll learn that cilantro doesn’t always enjoy the hottest part of summer.
You’ll learn that your rosemary doesn’t want to sit in wet soil.
You’ll learn which herbs your family actually uses.
And that’s when gardening becomes much easier.
You’re no longer following a random schedule you found online.
You’re learning how your own plants behave.
A Few Things I Would Buy First
If you’re starting from scratch, you don’t need a shopping cart full of gardening supplies.
I’d keep it simple.
Start with:
- A few containers with drainage holes
- Good-quality potting mix
- Herb seeds or small starter plants
- A small watering can
- Plant labels if you’re growing several varieties
- A pair of clean kitchen or garden scissors for harvesting
That’s enough to begin.
You can always buy more later.
And honestly, resist the urge to buy every cute little gardening tool you see.
Your plants don’t care whether your watering can matches your patio furniture.
They care about light, water, nutrients, space and suitable growing conditions.
Herbs You Can Grow for Different Types of Cooking
One fun way to plan your garden is to choose herbs based on the food you love.
If You Love Italian-Inspired Cooking
Try:
- Basil
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Thyme
These can be useful for pasta sauces, pizza, salads, roasted vegetables and more.
If You Love Mexican-Inspired Meals
Try:
- Cilantro
- Chives
- Oregano
- Mint
Cilantro is especially useful for salsa, tacos and other fresh dishes.
If You Love Roasted Foods
Try:
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Sage
These herbs can work beautifully with roasted vegetables, chicken and other savory meals.
If You Love Fresh Drinks
Try:
- Mint
- Basil
- Lemon balm
Fresh herbs can turn a simple glass of water, lemonade or iced tea into something that feels a little more special.
A Herb Garden Can Become a Family Project
If you have children, growing herbs can also become a nice little family activity.
Let them choose one herb.
Let them help fill the pot.
Let them plant the seed.
Then let them watch for the first little green shoot.
Children can become surprisingly interested once they realize that the tiny seed they planted is actually becoming something they can eventually eat.
You don’t have to turn it into a formal science lesson.
Sometimes simply saying, “Look! It grew another leaf!” is enough.
And if they forget to water it, well…
That’s another lesson.
Don’t Try to Make Your Garden Perfect
This might be my biggest piece of advice.
Don’t spend so much time worrying about creating the perfect herb garden that you never actually start one.
Your first pots may not match.
Your labels may be handwritten.
Your basil may grow sideways.
Your mint may become ridiculously enthusiastic.
Your rosemary may decide it wants to grow slowly.
That’s gardening.
It doesn’t need to be perfect to be useful.
A slightly messy collection of healthy herbs that you actually use is much better than a beautiful garden that you’re too afraid to touch.
How Long Does It Take to Grow Herbs?
The answer depends on the herb, whether you’re starting from seed or a young plant, and the growing conditions.
Some herbs can show new growth fairly quickly.
Others take longer.
Starting with a small established plant is usually faster if your main goal is to begin harvesting sooner.
Starting from seed can be slower, but it is inexpensive and gives you the experience of watching the entire process.
Don’t compare your plant to somebody else’s picture online.
Their climate may be different.
Their light may be different.
Their container may be different.
Their soil may be different.
Your garden doesn’t need to follow someone else’s timeline.
The Joy of Picking Your Own Herbs
There is a particular feeling you get the first time you walk outside and pick something you’ve grown yourself for dinner.
It’s not really about the money.
It’s not even about saving a trip to the grocery store.
It’s the feeling of thinking, “I grew this.”
You started with soil and a tiny seed or little plant.
You gave it water.
You gave it light.
You waited.
And now you’re standing in your kitchen chopping something that came from your own home.
Even if it’s just a handful of chives, that’s pretty satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Herbs at Home
What are the easiest herbs to grow at home?
Basil, mint, chives, parsley and oregano can be good choices for beginners when they’re given suitable growing conditions. Mint is best kept in its own container because it can spread aggressively.
Can I grow herbs if I live in an apartment?
Absolutely. Many herbs grow well in containers, and a sunny windowsill, balcony or small patio can provide enough space to get started.
What herbs are best for a kitchen windowsill?
Basil, chives, parsley and some varieties of mint can be good options, provided the window receives enough light.
How much sunlight do herbs need?
Many culinary herbs prefer several hours of bright light each day. The exact amount varies by herb, so check the needs of the particular plant you’re growing.
Can I grow herbs indoors all year?
Some herbs can be grown indoors year-round, but they still need suitable light, temperature, water and airflow. During winter, supplemental grow lighting may help in homes that don’t receive enough natural light.
Can I grow herbs in pots?
Yes. Pots and other containers are excellent for growing herbs, especially when outdoor space is limited.
Do herb pots need drainage holes?
Yes. Drainage holes allow excess water to escape and help prevent the soil from remaining overly wet.
How often should I water my herbs?
Check the soil instead of following a strict calendar. Water when the plant needs it, taking into account the herb, container, weather, sunlight and growing conditions.
Why are my herb leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves can have several causes, including overwatering, poor drainage, inadequate light, nutrient problems, pests or natural aging. Look at the overall condition of the plant before changing its care.
Can I grow cilantro indoors?
Yes, but cilantro can be somewhat sensitive to heat and may bolt quickly when temperatures rise. Give it plenty of light and consider growing it during a season when temperatures are more comfortable for the plant.
Can I grow mint in the same pot as other herbs?
It’s usually better to give mint its own container because it can spread quickly and compete with other plants.
Can I grow herbs from grocery store cuttings?
Some herbs can be propagated from fresh cuttings, although success depends on the type of herb and the condition of the cutting. Basil and mint are examples that can sometimes root successfully.
Can I grow herbs during winter?
Yes. You can grow some herbs indoors during winter, especially if they have access to enough light. A grow light can be helpful when natural daylight is limited.
What is the best soil for growing herbs in containers?
A good-quality potting mix designed for containers is generally a good starting point. Herbs need soil that provides support, retains some moisture and allows excess water to drain away.
Conclusion about growing herbs at home
Growing herbs at home doesn’t have to become another complicated project on your to-do list.
It can be as simple as starting with one little pot on your kitchen windowsill.
Maybe you start with basil because you love pasta.
Maybe you choose mint because you drink iced tea all summer.
Maybe you plant cilantro because you’re always making tacos and salsa.
Or maybe you choose chives because you love putting them on baked potatoes.
Start with something you will actually use.
Give it a good home.
Give it enough light.
Use suitable soil.
Don’t drown it.
Don’t forget about it.
And give it time.
You don’t have to become an expert gardener before you begin. Your first little herb garden is going to teach you more than a dozen gardening articles ever could.
You’ll learn when the soil in your home dries out.
You’ll learn which window gets the best light.
You’ll learn which herbs thrive on your patio.
You’ll learn which ones don’t.
And eventually, one ordinary evening, you’ll be cooking dinner and realize you need a little fresh basil, parsley, chives or rosemary.
Instead of reaching for your phone to add it to your grocery list, you’ll simply walk over to your little garden and snip what you need.
And that tiny moment is when you’ll realize why growing herbs at home is so worth it.
