How to Start an Herb Garden: A Beginner’s Guide
Starting an herb garden was one of the best decisions you can make as a gardener. When I started growing herbs what began as a small patch for fresh basil turned into a full-blown passion that continues to grow every year. Whether you’re working with a backyard, patio, or windowsill, herbs are the perfect way to start gardening—easy to grow, endlessly useful, and incredibly rewarding.
Why Plant an Herb Garden?
There’s something magical about stepping outside and snipping a few fresh leaves to throw into your cooking. My herb garden started because I was tired of buying expensive, store-bought herbs that never last very long. But it quickly became about more than convenience. It connected me to the seasons, taught me patience, and gave me an ongoing supply of greenery to enhance meals, teas, and even homemade skincare. I have found it to be a really fun and rewarding experience creating dried herbs to use for cooking throughout the winter. Additionally, as I started my own chicken flock I have learned that herbs provide a ton of benefits for our feathered friends!
What Are the Benefits of Growing Herbs?
- Freshness: You can harvest herbs right when you need them, and nothing beats that flavor.
- Cost savings: Herbs like basil, mint, and parsley grow abundantly and save money over time.
- Low maintenance: Many herbs are drought-tolerant and hardy.
- Pollinator-friendly: Herbs like thyme, oregano, and chives attract bees and butterflies.
- Healing properties: Many herbs offer medicinal benefits and are great for teas and tinctures.
Is Growing Herbs Easy?
Yes! Herbs are beginner-friendly and forgiving. Most don’t require fancy soil or complex care. If you can give them sunlight and water, they’ll thrive. Some, like mint and chives, grow like weeds (in the best way). I recommend starting small—just a few of your favorite herbs in containers or a sunny spot outside—and growing from there.
Can Herbs Be Grown with Vegetables?
Absolutely! Companion planting is one of the easiest and most natural ways to improve your vegetable garden and this is how I prefer to grow mine. Herbs can help deter pests, attract beneficial insects, and even improve the flavor of nearby vegetables. Here are a few combinations I’ve found to be especially helpful:
- Basil + Tomatoes: A classic combo. Basil improves tomato flavor and helps deter hornworms.
- Dill + Cabbage: Attracts beneficial wasps and repels cabbage worms.
- Rosemary + Beans: Rosemary’s strong scent keeps bean beetles away.
But not all pairings are ideal. A few herbs can inhibit growth in neighboring plants:
- Fennel: Avoid planting fennel near most vegetables. It releases compounds that suppress growth.
- Dill + Carrots: These two are related and can cross-pollinate, leading to poor-quality crops.
- Mint: Keep mint in containers only—it spreads rapidly and will choke out other plants.
Do Herbs Come Back Every Year?
Some do! Herbs are either annual, perennial, or biennial. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Annuals: Basil, cilantro, dill. These complete their life cycle in one season and must be replanted. You can collect seeds from these to grow again every year.
- Perennials: Thyme, mint, oregano, chives, rosemary (in warmer climates). These return year after year.
- Biennials: Parsley. It grows leaves in its first year and flowers in the second before going to seed.
Best Herb Pairings to Plant Together
When grouping herbs together, consider their growing needs. Herbs that love full sun and dry soil pair well together, while those needing more moisture should share a space. Here are a few pairings that work great:
- Thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano: Mediterranean herbs that thrive in well-drained soil and full sun.
- Basil, parsley, cilantro: Prefer more moisture and partial sun, perfect for beds that get afternoon shade.
- Mint: Plant alone in containers—it will spread aggressively and take over your bed.
My Favorite Herbs to Grow (and How to Grow Them)
Over the years, I’ve grown dozens of herbs, but these are the ones I come back to year after year. Here’s what makes them special—and how I grow them:
- Basil: Loves warmth, sun, and well-draining soil. I start from seed indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost, then transplant. Harvest often to keep it bushy and flavorful.
- Mint: Incredibly easy to grow from cuttings. Stick a cutting in water until roots form, then pot it. Keep in a container and water regularly. Loves part sun and rich soil. I prefer mine to grow everywhere like crazy so I actually don’t plant in pots.
- Thyme: Very drought-tolerant and great for low-maintenance beds. I start from nursery plants or cuttings and plant in sandy soil. Harvest frequently to encourage new growth. I have also had a lot of success starting thyme from seeds.
- Chives: One of the easiest perennials. Grows well from seed or division. Chives need sun and regular water and reward you with edible flowers in spring. Bees absolutely love chives!
- Parsley: Biennial that I grow as an annual. Start from seed (it germinates slowly—soak seeds first). Loves cool weather and partial sun.
- Oregano: Start from cuttings or a nursery plant. Once established, it’s very hardy. Loves full sun and poor soil, making it a great border plant.
Tips for Herb Garden Success
Want your herb garden to thrive? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned through trial and error:
- Start from seeds: Easy for basil, parsley, dill, and cilantro. Use seed trays and keep them warm and moist.
- Use cuttings: Great for thyme, oregano, mint, and rosemary. Just snip a healthy stem and place it in water until roots appear.
- Use quality soil: Most herbs like well-draining soil. Amend with compost for better flavor and growth.
- Harvest often: This encourages new growth and prevents herbs from bolting (flowering too soon).
- Label your herbs: Especially early on, it’s easy to confuse young seedlings.
- Give them space: Even herbs need airflow to prevent disease. Avoid overcrowding.
My Final Thoughts
Starting an herb garden is a journey filled with small victories and endless flavor. Whether you’re a new gardener or a seasoned pro, herbs offer so much in return for so little effort. From fresh basil on pizza to homemade mint tea, there’s nothing like enjoying the harvest from your own garden. If I can do it, so can you—one pot of parsley at a time.
If you enjoyed this post, follow me on Instagram for more gardening inspiration, how-to tips, and behind-the-scenes peeks at my herb garden!
