Easy-to-Grow Herbs for Beginners

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Starting to grow herbs is great for beginners!

Do you know that buying a box of dry herbs from your local shop, costs the same, if not more, than buying a fresh herb plant?

So, what’s stopping you from growing your own? I mean, I’ll bet that you are using herbs in your cooking, right? 

You’ll know where your herbs come from, you’ll know they haven’t been shipped 10,000 miles around the world to get to you, and you’ll know they haven’t been nuked to kill the bugs they picked up on their long sea voyage.

Grow your own herbs and either dry them yourself to use later, or use them fresh in your cooking and salads.

So let’s get started on the basics of an easy-to-grow herb garden.

Why Grow Herbs at Home?

Growing herbs at home is easy, affordable and really takes your cooking up to the next level.

But besides that, here are four good reasons why you should consider starting your own herb garden:

Benefits of Growing Your Own Herbs

Homegrown herbs are fresh and healthy. And they’ll add real flavour to your food. And it’s so easy – you can just pick what you need from the plant, and voila!

It’s Cost-Effective

Growing your own herbs is also cost-effective. A packet of seeds or a small herb plant is relatively inexpensive and can provide a continuous supply throughout the growing season. For example, a single parsley or thyme plant can yield more than enough for your culinary needs over several months. Over time, this will equate to really big savings, especially if you grow a variety of herbs.

Fresher is Better!

When you grow your own herbs, you have direct control over their quality and can ensure they are free from harmful pesticides.

Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses

Besides for cooking, herbs can be used for their health benefits, and for making crafts and things for your home.

Oregano and sage are packed with antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Basil has been shown to reduce stress.
Mint can aid in digestion.

By incorporating your own homegrown herbs into your diet, you can boost your health naturally. Furthermore, growing herbs can be a therapeutic activity, reducing stress and providing a sense of accomplishment as you watch your plants thrive.

And the smells are amazing.

And they attract pollinators into your garden!

Top 10 Easy-to-Grow Herbs for Beginners

How to Start Your Herb Garden: A Step-by-Step Guide

Starting an herb garden is a fun and rewarding project, especially for busy moms looking to add fresh flavors to their cooking. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you growing in no time!

Choosing the Right Location (Indoors vs. Outdoors)

First things first, decide where you want your herb garden. If you have a sunny windowsill, growing herbs indoors is convenient, and greenery in any room looks amazing. For outdoor gardens, choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. No matter where you grow, ensure the location has good air circulation and is easily accessible for regular care.

Selecting Containers and Pots for Herbs

Next, pick your containers. Herbs can be grown in almost anything, from traditional pots to quirky repurposed items. Make sure your containers have drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging. For indoor gardens, choose (or make) pots that fit your decor and are easy to move around.

Preparing Soil and Planting Seeds or Seedlings

Good soil is key to a healthy herb garden. Use a well-draining potting mix, and for best results, aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. When planting, follow the spacing recommendations on your seed packets or plant tags. If you’re starting with seeds, lightly cover them with soil and keep them moist until they sprout. For seedlings or plugs, gently loosen the roots before planting.

Watering and Fertilizing Your Herbs

Water your herbs regularly, but be careful not to overdo it. Most herbs prefer the soil to be slightly dry between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize your herbs every 4-6 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, or use organic compost for a natural boost.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Growth

> Prune Regularly: This encourages bushier growth and prevents your herbs from becoming leggy.

> Watch for Pests: Especially aphids or spider mites. If you spot any, a gentle spray of water or a natural insecticidal soap can help.

> Rotate Your Pots: If you’re growing indoors, rotate your pots every few days to ensure even sunlight exposure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Herbs

Herbs are pretty low maintenance, but just incase… have a look here.

Overwatering or Underwatering

One of the most common mistakes new herb gardeners make is overwatering or underwatering their plants. Herbs generally prefer to dry out a bit between waterings.

Too much water can lead to root rot, while too little can leave your plants wilting and sad.

The easiest way it to stick your finger into the soil and if its dry, then water it. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to lean towards slightly underwatering rather than overwatering. Your herbs will thank you with lush, green growth!

Not Providing Enough Sunlight

Herbs are sun-lovers! They thrive in sunlight and need at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily. Placing your herb pots on a sunny windowsill or in a spot that gets plenty of light is essential. If you notice your herbs looking leggy or pale, it might be a sign they need more sunlight.

Using the Wrong Type of Soil

Herbs generally prefer well-draining soil. If the soil is too dense or retains too much water, it can stunt their growth or cause root issues. Look for a quality potting mix designed for herbs or create your own by mixing garden soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage.

Neglecting Regular Pruning and Harvesting

Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents your herbs from getting too leggy. Ironically, cutting the plant (aka harvesting) frequently means a bigger bush so, don’t be shy—snip away! For instance, trimming the tops of your basil plant encourages it to grow more leaves, giving you an abundant supply.

Ignoring Pest and Disease Control

Last but definitely not least, ignoring pest and disease control can quickly turn your thriving herb garden into a disaster zone. Common pests like aphids and spider mites love to feast on herbs, and diseases like powdery mildew can spread if not addressed promptly. Keep an eye out for problems and act quickly. For diseases, ensure good air circulation around your plants and avoid overhead watering to keep those leaves dry. In general, herbs are actually pretty easy to take care of.

Harvesting and Using Your Homegrown Herbs

 So you’ve grown a beautiful herb garden—congratulations! Now, let’s dive into the fun part: harvesting and using those fragrant, delicious herbs. Here’s a quick guide to get you started.

When and How to Harvest Each Herb

Timing is everything, right? For most herbs, the best time to harvest is just before they flower when their flavor is at its peak. Snip the leaves in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot. Remember to use sharp scissors to avoid damaging the plant, and just take what you need to keep it healthy.

Best Practices for Preserving Herbs

Got more herbs than you can use right away? No problem! You can preserve them by drying or freezing. For drying, hang small bundles upside down in a cool, dry place. For freezing, chop the herbs and freeze them in ice cube trays with a bit of water or olive oil. This way, you’ll have fresh herbs at your fingertips all year round.

Creative Ways to Use Fresh Herbs in the Kitchen

Cooking with fresh herbs can take your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary! Sprinkle fresh basil on your pizza, toss some mint into your salad, or add a sprig of rosemary to your roasted veggies. And don’t forgot the cocktails – mint, rosemary, basil and even lavender are just a few tht can be used to tak your drinks from homemade to master cocktail mixer!

Making Herb-Infused Oils, Vinegars, and Butters

Why not get a little fancy? Herb-infused oils, vinegars, and butters are simple to make and add a gourmet touch to your meals. For oils and vinegars, simply steep your herbs in the liquid for a few weeks. For herb butter, mix finely chopped herbs with softened butter and refrigerate. Great for garlic breads on the fire.

Making Other Products Like Potpourri, Lavender Soap or Essential Oils

Beyond cooking, your herbs can be transformed into delightful homemade products. Make potpourri with dried herbs and flowers, craft lavender soap, or even create your own essential oils. These DIY projects are fun and rewarding, plus they make wonderful gifts.

Sharing Your Homegrown Herbs with Friends and Family

Sharing your homegrown herbs with friends and family is a wonderful way to spread the joy. Bundle up some fresh herbs, make a batch of herb-infused vinegar, or simply give them a herb plant as a gift.

Growing herbs at home s=could easily be one of the first types of plants you start growing if you’re new to gardening. 

Conclusion

Growing herbs is easier than you think. Try it!