The Easiest Herbs to Grow for Beginners
Growing your own herbs is one of the most rewarding and easiest ways to start gardening plus most herbs actually help out your vegetables. Whether you have a backyard garden, a few pots on a balcony, or even just a sunny windowsill, there’s an herb that can thrive in your space. Plus, nothing beats the flavor and freshness of homegrown herbs in your cooking!
If you’re a beginner, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. In this guide, I’ll share some of the easiest herbs to grow, whether they’re perennial or annual, which zones they thrive in, the best way to start them, and a few growing tips to ensure success. I’ll also include their common uses and what vegetables they pair well with for companion planting.
-
Basil
Perennial or Annual? Annual in most zones, but can be a short-lived perennial in zones 10-11.
- Best started from: Seed or transplant
- When to start seeds: Indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or direct sow after frost.
- Growing tips: Basil loves warmth and sun, so plant it in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Pinch off the flowers to keep the plant producing more leaves.
- Uses: Cooking (pesto, salads, sauces)
- Companion plants: Tomatoes, peppers, oregano
-
Mint
- Perennial or Annual? Perennial in zones 3-11.
- Best started from: Transplant or cuttings (seeds can be tricky).
- When to start seeds: If starting from seed, begin indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost.
- Growing tips: Mint grows aggressively, so it’s best kept in a pot to prevent it from taking over your garden. Keep it in partial to full sun and water regularly.
- Uses: Tea, cooking, medicinal (digestion, calming effects)
- Companion plants: Cabbage, carrots, tomatoes
-
Chives
Perennial or Annual? Perennial in zones 3-9.
- Best started from: Transplant or division of an existing plant.
- When to start seeds: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or direct sow in early spring.
- Growing tips: Chives thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. Cut them often to encourage new growth.
- Uses: Cooking (soups, salads, garnishes)
- Companion plants: Carrots, tomatoes, lettuce
-
Parsley
- Perennial or Annual? Biennial in zones 4-9 but typically grown as an annual.
- Best started from: Seed or transplant.
- When to start seeds: Indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost or direct sow in early spring.
- Growing tips: Parsley seeds take a long time to germinate, so be patient! Keep the soil moist and plant in full sun to partial shade.
- Uses: Cooking (soups, salads, seasoning), medicinal (rich in vitamins)
- Companion plants: Tomatoes, carrots, asparagus
-
Thyme
- Perennial or Annual? Perennial in zones 5-9.
- Best started from: Transplant or cuttings (seeds are slow to germinate).
- When to start seeds: If starting from seed, begin indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost.
- Growing tips: Thyme loves dry, well-drained soil and full sun. Avoid overwatering, as it prefers drier conditions.
- Uses: Cooking (meat, soups, stews), medicinal (antibacterial, soothing)
- Companion plants: Cabbage, strawberries, tomatoes
-
Oregano
- Perennial or Annual? Perennial in zones 5-10.
- Best started from: Transplant or cuttings (seeds can take a while to germinate).
- When to start seeds: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or direct sow in warm weather.
- Growing tips: Oregano thrives in full sun and dry, well-drained soil. Harvest often to encourage bushier growth.
- Uses: Cooking (Italian and Mediterranean dishes), medicinal (antioxidant properties)
- Companion plants: Peppers, cabbage, beans
-
Rosemary
Perennial or Annual? Perennial in zones 7-10, grown as an annual in colder zones.
- Best started from: Transplant or cuttings (seeds take a long time to germinate).
- When to start seeds: If growing from seed, start indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost.
- Growing tips: Rosemary loves full sun and well-draining soil. It doesn’t like wet feet, so avoid overwatering.
- Uses: Cooking (meat, bread, potatoes), medicinal (memory and circulation support)
- Companion plants: Cabbage, carrots, beans
-
Cilantro
- Perennial or Annual? Annual in most zones.
- Best started from: Seed
- When to start seeds: Direct sow in early spring or late summer for a fall crop.
- Growing tips: Cilantro bolts (flowers) quickly in hot weather, so plant it in cooler months for best results.
- Uses: Cooking (salsas, curries, salads), medicinal (digestive aid)
- Companion plants: Spinach, tomatoes, peppers
-
Dill
- Perennial or Annual? Annual in most zones.
- Best started from: Seed
- When to start seeds: Direct sow in early spring after the last frost.
- Growing tips: Dill has a long taproot and doesn’t transplant well, so plant it where you want it to grow.
- Uses: Cooking (pickling, fish, salads), medicinal (digestive aid)
- Companion plants: Cucumbers, lettuce, onions
-
Sage
- Perennial or Annual? Perennial in zones 4-8.
- Best started from: Transplant or cuttings (seeds take a long time to germinate).
- When to start seeds: If growing from seed, start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost.
- Growing tips: Sage prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Prune regularly to keep it from getting woody.
- Uses: Cooking (poultry, stuffing, pasta), medicinal (anti-inflammatory, throat soothing)
- Companion plants: Cabbage, carrots, beans
My Final Thoughts
Growing herbs is an easy and rewarding way to start gardening, whether you have a full garden bed or just a few pots on a windowsill. If you’re looking for foolproof herbs, start with mint, chives, or basil for quick results. If you want something perennial, thyme, oregano, and rosemary will keep coming back year after year.
No matter which herbs you choose, you’ll love having fresh flavors at your fingertips. So grab some seeds or transplants and start growing—your taste buds will thank you! 🌿
