Starting Your Own Herb Garden: A Guide for Beginner’s

Whether you’re an avid cook or just looking for a simple way to enhance your garden, growing herbs is easier than you might think. This guide is here to walk you through the entire process, from selecting the best herbs right through to harvesting them to use in your next recipe.

Why start a herb garden?

There are plenty of reasons to start an herb garden. First and foremost, herbs can transform your cooking. Having fresh basil, thyme, or parsley available right from your own garden can take a dish from good to great. Additionally, growing your own herbs saves you money, as fresh herbs at the store can be quite expensive. It’s also an eco-friendly choice to grow your own as you reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting herbs from faraway places.

Herb gardening is also incredibly low-maintenance, making it a great starting point for beginner gardeners. Herbs often thrive in smaller spaces and require minimal care, which means we can enjoy the rewards without too much work. Plus, the process of nurturing our plants and watching them grow is both calming and satisfying.

Choosing the right location for your herb garden

The next step in starting your herb garden is choosing the right location. Whether you’re growing indoors or outdoors, location is key to ensuring your herbs thrive.

Indoor or outdoor? Deciding where to plant your herbs depends on your space and climate. If you don’t have a backyard or balcony, growing herbs indoors is a great option. Many herbs do well on windowsills, in pots, or on shelves that get plenty of light. On the other hand, if you have access to a garden or patio, outdoor herb gardening offers a bit more space and sunlight, which some herbs crave.

Light and temperature: Most herbs need at least six hours of sunlight a day, so it’s important to choose a spot that gets plenty of light. If you’re growing indoors, south-facing windows are ideal, but if you don’t have the luxury of natural light, consider using grow lights. Temperature-wise, most herbs prefer warmer conditions, so aim to keep your herbs in an environment between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C).

Space considerations: Don’t worry if you have limited space. Even a small corner can be transformed into a thriving herb garden with the right containers and a little creativity.

Selecting the right herbs for beginners

One of the most exciting parts of starting your herb garden is picking which herbs to grow. Luckily, many herbs are easy to grow and don’t require a green thumb. Here are a few of our favorites for beginners:

• Basil: A staple in many kitchens, basil grows quickly and loves full sunlight. It’s perfect for making pesto, adding to salads, or topping a pizza.
• Mint: Mint is incredibly hardy and grows well in both containers and garden beds. It spreads quickly, so it’s best grown in a pot to keep it contained. Mint is great for teas, cocktails, or garnishing desserts.
• Parsley: This versatile herb is easy to grow and perfect for adding a burst of flavor to any dish. It thrives in moderate sunlight and moist soil.
• Thyme: Thyme is drought-tolerant and doesn’t mind a little neglect, making it ideal for beginners. It’s perfect for seasoning meats, stews, and soups.
• Chives: Chives are hardy and grow well indoors or outdoors. Their mild onion flavor makes them a great addition to salads, baked potatoes, and more.

When selecting herbs, think about what you’ll use most in your cooking and choose accordingly. We also recommend starting with just a few varieties to avoid overwhelming yourself—once you get comfortable, you can expand your garden.

Preparing your herb garden

Once you’ve decided on your herbs and where they’ll live, it’s time to prepare the garden. Whether you’re using containers or planting directly in the ground, the setup is key to success.

Containers or garden beds? If you’re gardening in small spaces, containers are a great way to maximize space. You can use anything from traditional flower pots to repurposed containers like old buckets or even milk crates. Raised garden beds are another excellent option for outdoor gardening—they allow for better drainage and soil quality, which helps herbs grow more successfully.

Soil requirements: Herbs prefer well-draining soil, so choose a good-quality potting mix that’s light and airy. You can also add organic compost to the soil to improve its texture and provide nutrients. Make sure your containers have drainage holes, as standing water can lead to root rot.

Watering: Herbs generally don’t like to sit in soggy soil, so it’s important to water them thoroughly but only when the top inch of soil is dry. If you’re growing indoors, ensure that the pots have good drainage, and avoid letting water collect at the bottom of the pot.

Planting your herbs

Now it’s time to get our hands dirty! You can either start your herbs from seeds or buy starter plants from your local nursery. While starting from seed is more cost-effective, it does take longer for the herbs to grow. For beginners, using starter plants is a quicker and simpler way to begin.

Starting from seeds: If you choose to plant seeds, follow the instructions on the packet for planting depth and spacing. In general, you’ll want to plant seeds in small pots or trays and keep them in a warm, sunny spot until they’re ready to be transplanted.

Planting starter plants: When transplanting starter herbs, be sure to gently remove the plant from its original pot, loosen the roots, and place it in a hole just deep enough to cover the root ball. Space your herbs according to their recommended spacing, as overcrowding can hinder growth.

Caring for your herb garden

Once your herbs are in the ground or containers, they’ll need a little ongoing care.

Watering: As mentioned, it’s important to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Most herbs prefer dry soil between waterings, so make sure the top layer dries out before you water again.

Pruning and harvesting: Regular pruning encourages healthy growth. For most herbs, it’s best to pinch off the tips of the stems to keep them bushy and compact. You can begin harvesting once the plants are large enough, but avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time to ensure continued growth.

Fertilizing: Herbs don’t need a lot of fertilizer, but you can feed them with organic compost or a liquid fertilizer every few weeks to promote strong growth.

Pest control: Herbs are generally pretty pest-resistant, but sometimes they can attract aphids or other small pests. To keep pests at bay, try spraying your herbs with a mixture of water and mild dish soap or use neem oil.

Troubleshooting common herb gardening issues

Even the best gardeners encounter a few challenges. Here are some common issues you might face:

• Yellowing leaves: This is often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure your herbs aren’t sitting in soggy soil.
• Wilting or drooping plants: This could be caused by underwatering, pests, or a lack of sunlight. Check for these issues and adjust care accordingly.
• Slow growth: Ensure your herbs are getting enough sunlight and that the soil is draining properly. If your herbs seem sluggish, try moving them to a sunnier spot or adding a bit of compost to the soil.

Harvesting and using your herbs

The best part about having an herb garden is, of course, using your fresh herbs in your cooking! To get the most flavor, harvest herbs in the morning when their oils are most potent. Use scissors or garden shears to snip off the stems, and remember to leave enough growth so the plant can continue thriving.

To store fresh herbs, you can either dry them by hanging bunches upside down in a cool, dark place or freeze them for longer-term storage. For easy access, consider making herb-infused oils, butters, or vinegars to keep the flavor around longer.

Conclusion

Starting your own herb garden is a fun and rewarding project that anyone can take on. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy fresh herbs in your cooking all year round. Whether you have a small windowsill or a large garden, there’s always space to grow something delicious.