My Top 10 Easy-To-Grow Herbs for Beginners (2024)
As someone who loves to cook and experiment with different flavors in my recipes, I have always loved growing my own herbs. Not only do fresh herbs add amazing flavor to my dishes, but they can be used in numerous home products and can even save me money in the long run.
However, when I first started out, I found it difficult to choose which herbs to grow, especially as a beginner. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of My Top 10 Easy-To-Grow Herbs for Beginners, so that you can start your own herb garden and enjoy the benefits of fresh herbs too!
10 Easy-To-Grow Herbs for Beginners
Benefits of Growing Your Own Herbs
There are plenty of reasons why I decided to start growing my own herbs. For one, the taste difference between store-bought and homegrown herbs is simply incomparable. Fresh herbs straight from my garden have a much more vibrant flavor, which significantly enhances my culinary creations. Plus, I can just pick what I need when I need it, ensuring that I always have the freshest ingredients on hand. No more bringing home a huge bunch of parsley from the grocery store when I only needed a few stems!
Another reason is the numerous health benefits associated with herbs. Many herbs contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help boost our immune system and overall well-being. By growing my own herbs, I can ensure that they are free from pesticides and other chemicals, providing me with the healthiest and most nutritious option possible.
Growing my own herbs also helps me save money in the long run. While buying fresh herbs at the store can be quite expensive, especially when they’re out of season, growing them at home is a cost-effective alternative. Once I invested in the initial setup for my herb garden, I found that the ongoing costs were minimal, and I no longer had to worry about wasting money on herbs that would wilt before I could use them all.
Lastly, having my own herb garden has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only do I get to enjoy the fruits (or rather, leaves) of my labor, but I’ve also learned a lot about gardening, patience, and nurturing something from seed to harvest. It’s truly a fulfilling hobby that brings me joy and satisfaction.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Herbs to Grow
Before diving into my list of easy-to-grow herbs, it’s important to consider a few factors that will help you choose the right herbs for your specific situation.
Before starting a herb garden, consider your cooking preferences and the dishes you often make. For instance, if you enjoy Italian food, growing herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary would be ideal. However, if you prefer Asian cuisine, cilantro and mint would be more appropriate.
Next, consider the climate and growing conditions in your area. Some herbs, like basil and parsley, prefer warm temperatures, while others, like mint and thyme, can tolerate cooler climates. It’s important to choose herbs that will thrive in your specific environment to ensure the best results.
Lastly, think about the space you have available for your herb garden. Some herbs, like mint, can spread quickly and become invasive if not properly contained. It’s important to select herbs that match the space you have. For instance, certain herbs like rosemary and sage can grow into bigger bushes that need more room. Whether you have a small windowsill, balcony, or a complete garden bed, make sure to opt for herbs that fit comfortably within the area.
Keeping these factors in mind, let’s dive into my top 10 easy-to-grow herbs for beginners!
Top 10 Easy-to-Grow Herbs for Beginners
Basil
This aromatic herb is a staple in many Italian dishes and is and is the main ingredient for making pesto and and is perfect for pasta sauces. Basil plants love warm temperatures and lots of sunlight, so make sure to give them plenty of sun. Basil is also easy to grow from seeds or starter plants. Learn how I fertilize my Basil during the growing season.
| Ideal Growing Conditions | What to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade, 6-8 hours daily. | Overwatering: Keep soil moist but well-drained to prevent root rot. |
| Temperature: Warm, 70-85°F (21-29°C); sensitive to cold. | Pests: Watch for aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites; treat promptly. |
| Soil: Well-draining, pH 6.0-7.5, sandy loam or loamy. | Underwatering: Maintain consistent moisture; avoid waterlogged soil. |
| Watering: Keep soil moist, water when top inch feels dry. | Crowding: Plant with space for air circulation to prevent disease. |
| Fertilization: Balanced fertilizer or organic compost; avoid over-fertilizing. | Flowering: Pinch off flower buds to encourage leaf growth and flavor. |
| Pruning: Regular pruning for bushy growth; pinch off top growth. | Prolonged Wet Leaves: Water at base to prevent fungal diseases. |
| Harvesting: Regular harvest to promote new growth; remove top leaves to prevent flowering. | Extreme Heat: Provide shade during high temperatures above 90°F (32°C). |
Mint
With its refreshing flavor, mint is great for adding to herbal tea, cocktails, and regular and fruit salads. Mint is one of the perennial herbs that are hardy plant that can tolerate a range of growing conditions, but be careful, as it can become invasive. Planting it in a container can help keep it under control. There are many different varieties in the mint family including chocolate mint, mojito mint, spearmint, peppermint, etc.
| Ideal Growing Conditions | What to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun, tolerates some shade. | Overwatering: Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. |
| Temperature: Prefers moderate temperatures, 65-75°F (18-24°C). | Pests: Watch for pests like aphids, spider mites, and mint rust. |
| Soil: Moist, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. | Underwatering: Mint requires regular watering; avoid letting soil dry out completely. |
| Watering: Keep soil evenly moist; water when the top inch feels dry. | Crowding: Plant mint with ample space to prevent overcrowding and competition. |
| Fertilization: Minimal fertilization needed; use a balanced fertilizer sparingly. | Spreading: Plant mint in containers or use barriers to control spreading. |
| Pruning: Regularly trim mint to promote bushy growth and prevent legginess. | Fungal Diseases: Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. |
| Harvesting: Harvest mint regularly to encourage new growth; prune flowering stems. | Extreme Heat: Provide shade during hot spells to prevent wilting. |
Chives
These onion-like herbs are perfect for adding a mild onion flavor to dishes without being overpowering. A chive plant is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance. These culinary herbs can be grown from seeds or transplants and thrive in both sun and partial shade.
| Ideal Growing Conditions | What to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade, tolerates shade well. | Overwatering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. |
| Temperature: Cool to mild temperatures, 60-70°F (15-21°C). | Pests: Monitor for pests like aphids, thrips, and onion maggots. |
| Soil: Well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0; fertile and moist. | Underwatering: Avoid letting soil dry out completely; chives prefer regular watering. |
| Watering: Keep soil consistently moist; water when the top inch feels dry. | Crowding: Plant chives with space for air circulation to prevent disease. |
| Fertilization: Minimal fertilization needed; avoid excessive nitrogen. | Overcrowding: Thin out overcrowded chive patches to promote growth. |
| Pruning: Regularly trim chives to promote new growth and prevent flowering. | Seed Heads: Remove flower heads promptly to prevent self-seeding and maintain flavor. |
| Harvesting: Harvest chives regularly by cutting leaves near the base; avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at once. | Bolting: Plant in a cool location and harvest regularly to prevent bolting. |
Rosemary
Rosemary, an evergreen shrub, is a versatile herb with a strong, woodsy flavor that can be used in many dishes. To grow it, you should provide plenty of sunlight and a well-drained soil. It’s possible to grow rosemary from cuttings or transplants and even shape it into topiaries for decoration. Rosemary is one of my favorite herbs to make sachets!
| Ideal Growing Conditions | What to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Sunlight: Full sun, at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. | Overwatering: Allow soil to dry out between watering; avoid waterlogged conditions. |
| Temperature: Warm to hot temperatures, 70-85°F (21-29°C); frost-sensitive. | Root Rot: Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot; avoid planting in heavy clay soil. |
| Soil: Well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0; sandy loam or loamy soil. | Pests: Watch for pests like spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies; treat promptly. |
| Watering: Water deeply but infrequently; let soil dry out slightly between waterings. | Fungal Diseases: Provide good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew. |
| Fertilization: Minimal fertilization needed; use a balanced fertilizer sparingly. | Overcrowding: Plant rosemary with space for air circulation to prevent disease. |
| Pruning: Regularly prune rosemary to maintain shape and promote bushy growth. | Leggy Growth: Prune regularly to prevent leggy growth and maintain compactness. |
| Harvesting: Harvest rosemary sprigs as needed; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at once. | Bolting: Harvest regularly to prevent flowering and maintain flavor; remove flower buds promptly. |
Thyme
This small, low maintenance, low-growing herb has a subtle earthy flavor that pairs well with meats, vegetables, and sauces. Thyme can thrive in drought conditions and prefers soil that drains well and receives full sun or partial shade. You can grow this perennial plant from seeds, cuttings, or divisions. Thyme boasts the most delicate purple flower buds!
| Ideal Growing Conditions | What to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade, at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. | Overwatering: Allow soil to dry out between watering; thyme prefers slightly dry conditions. |
| Temperature: Moderate temperatures, 60-80°F (15-27°C); frost-tolerant once established. | Root Rot: Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot; avoid waterlogged conditions. |
| Soil: Well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-8.0; sandy or loamy soil is ideal. | Pests: Watch for pests like spider mites, aphids, and thrips; treat promptly if detected. |
| Watering: Water moderately; let soil dry out slightly between waterings. | Fungal Diseases: Provide good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew. |
| Fertilization: Minimal fertilization needed; avoid excessive nitrogen. | Overcrowding: Plant thyme with space for air circulation to prevent disease. |
| Pruning: Regularly prune thyme to maintain shape and promote bushy growth. | Leggy Growth: Prune regularly to prevent leggy growth and maintain compactness. |
| Harvesting: Harvest thyme sprigs as needed; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at once. | Flowering: Harvest regularly to prevent flowering and maintain flavor; remove flower buds promptly. |
Parsley
Often used as a garnish, parsley also adds a fresh, slightly bitter taste to a variety of dishes. There are two main types of parsley – curly and flat-leaf (Italian) – both of which are relatively easy to grow. Parsley prefers moist, well-draining soil and can be grown from seeds or transplants. Parsley is one of the most popular herbs and I find it to be one of the easiest herbs to grow!
| Ideal Growing Conditions | What to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade, at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. | Overwatering: Allow soil to dry out between watering; parsley prefers slightly moist conditions. |
| Temperature: Cool to moderate temperatures, 50-70°F (10-21°C); frost-tolerant. | Root Rot: Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot; avoid waterlogged conditions. |
| Soil: Well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5-6.7; rich, fertile soil with organic matter. | Pests: Watch for pests like aphids, caterpillars, and spider mites; treat promptly if detected. |
| Watering: Water moderately; keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. | Fungal Diseases: Provide good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like damping-off. |
| Fertilization: Moderate fertilization needed; apply a balanced fertilizer sparingly. | Overcrowding: Plant parsley with space for air circulation to prevent disease. |
| Pruning: Regularly prune parsley to promote new growth and prevent flowering. | Bolting: Harvest regularly to prevent flowering and maintain flavor; remove flower stalks promptly. |
| Harvesting: Harvest parsley leaves as needed; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at once. | Wilting: Water parsley at the base to prevent wilting of leaves; avoid wetting foliage. |
Oregano
A staple in Mediterranean cuisine, oregano has a slightly spicy, earthy flavor. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Oregano can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or transplants and is a great addition to any herb garden. Oregano is considered a tender perennial, this means that they are perennials in some parts of the world, but here in our cold climate, we treat them as annuals. Be sure to give Oregano plenty of water!
| Ideal Growing Conditions | What to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade, at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. | Overwatering: Allow soil to dry out between watering; oregano prefers slightly dry conditions. |
| Temperature: Warm to hot temperatures, 70-90°F (21-32°C); frost-tolerant once established. | Root Rot: Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot; avoid waterlogged conditions. |
| Soil: Well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-8.0; sandy or loamy soil is ideal. | Pests: Watch for pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies; treat promptly if detected. |
| Watering: Water sparingly; let soil dry out slightly between waterings. | Fungal Diseases: Provide good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew. |
| Fertilization: Minimal fertilization needed; avoid excessive nitrogen. | Overcrowding: Plant oregano with space for air circulation to prevent disease. |
| Pruning: Regularly prune oregano to promote bushy growth and prevent legginess. | Leggy Growth: Prune regularly to maintain compactness and encourage new growth. |
| Harvesting: Harvest oregano sprigs as needed; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at once. | Flowering: Harvest regularly to prevent flowering to maintain vibrant flavor; remove flower stalks promptly. |
Sage
With its soft, fuzzy leaves and slightly bitter taste, sage is often used in poultry dishes and stuffing. Additionally sage complements pork and pasta dishes. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate light shade. Sage can be grown from seeds or transplants and, like rosemary, can be shaped into topiaries for a decorative touch.
| Ideal Growing Conditions | What to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Sunlight: Full sun, at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. | Overwatering: Allow soil to dry out between watering; sage prefers well-draining soil. |
| Temperature: Warm to hot temperatures, 60-90°F (15-32°C); drought-tolerant once established. | Root Rot: Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot; avoid waterlogged conditions. |
| Soil: Well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0; sandy or loamy soil is ideal. | Pests: Watch for pests like spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies; treat promptly if detected. |
| Watering: Water sparingly; let soil dry out between waterings. | Fungal Diseases: Provide good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew. |
| Fertilization: Minimal fertilization needed; avoid excessive nitrogen. | Overcrowding: Plant sage with space for air circulation to prevent disease. |
| Pruning: Regularly prune sage to maintain shape and promote bushy growth. | Leggy Growth: Prune regularly to maintain compactness and encourage new growth. |
| Harvesting: Harvest sage leaves as needed; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at once. | Flowering: Flowering will not alter the flavor of sage. However you may have a reduced amount of leaves. |
Cilantro/Coriander
This versatile herb is used in a variety of cuisines, including Mexican, Indian, and Asian dishes. The leaves (cilantro) have a fresh distinctive flavor that is citrusy, while the seeds (coriander) have a warm, spicy taste. Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures and is a great herb to be grown from seeds.
| Ideal Growing Conditions | What to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade, at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. | Overwatering: Allow soil to dry out between watering; cilantro prefers moist but well-draining soil. |
| Temperature: Cool to moderate temperatures, 50-70°F (10-21°C); bolt-resistant in cooler climates. | Root Rot: Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot; avoid waterlogged conditions. |
| Soil: Well-draining soil with a pH of 6.2-6.8; sandy or loamy soil is ideal. | Pests: Watch for pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites; treat promptly if detected. |
| Watering: Water moderately; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. | Bolting: Plant in cooler temperatures and harvest regularly to prevent premature flowering. |
| Fertilization: Minimal fertilization needed; avoid excessive nitrogen. | Overcrowding: Plant cilantro with space for air circulation to prevent disease. |
| Pruning: Regularly harvest cilantro leaves to promote new growth and prevent bolting. | Leggy Growth: Prune regularly to maintain compactness and encourage bushy growth. |
| Harvesting: Harvest cilantro leaves as needed; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at once. | Extreme Heat: Provide shade during hot spells to prevent wilting and bolting. |
Dill
Known for its feathery leaves and distinct flavor, dill is a popular herb for pickling, herb butters and fish dishes. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Dill can be grown from seeds and attracts beneficial insects, making it a great companion plant in your garden.
| Ideal Growing Conditions | What to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade, at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. | Overwatering: Allow soil to dry out between watering; dill prefers well-draining soil. |
| Temperature: Cool to moderate temperatures, 60-70°F (15-21°C); tolerant of cooler climates. | Root Rot: Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot; avoid waterlogged conditions. |
| Soil: Well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5; fertile and moist soil is ideal. | Pests: Watch for pests like aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars; treat promptly if detected. |
| Watering: Water moderately; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. | Bolting: Plant in cooler temperatures and harvest regularly to prevent premature flowering. |
| Fertilization: Minimal fertilization needed; avoid excessive nitrogen. | Overcrowding: Plant dill with space for air circulation to prevent disease. |
| Pruning: Regularly harvest dill leaves and seed heads to promote new growth. | Leggy Growth: Prune regularly to maintain compactness and encourage bushy growth. |
| Harvesting: Harvest dill leaves and seed heads as needed; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at once. | Extreme Heat: Provide shade during hot spells to prevent wilting and bolting. |
Tips for Growing Healthy and Flavorful Herbs
To ensure your herbs grow healthy and flavorful, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure to provide the right growing conditions for each herb, including proper sunlight, soil type, and water requirements.
- Regularly trim and prune your herbs to encourage bushier growth and prevent them from becoming too leggy or bolting. (click here for my Guide on bolting vs. flowering)
- Harvest your herbs in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day, as this is when their essential oils are most potent.
- Use organic fertilizers and pest control methods to keep your herbs healthy and free from harmful chemicals.
- Rotate your herb plants every year if you’re growing them in the same garden bed, as this can help prevent diseases and pests from building up in the soil.
Growing your own herbs is a fulfilling and rewarding experience that can elevate your cooking to the next level. By choosing the right herbs for your climate and growing conditions and following some basic care tips, you can enjoy fresh, flavorful herbs all year round. My top ten list of easy-to-grow herbs for beginners includes basil, mint, chives, rosemary, thyme, parsley, oregano, sage, cilantro/coriander, and dill.
Remember to start with good-quality seeds or starter plants from local garden centers, provide ample sunlight and well-draining soil, water and fertilize properly, and harvest your herbs at the right time for optimal flavor. With these tips in mind, even beginner gardeners can create a thriving herb garden!
