How to Grow Herbs for Beginners

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Ever wish you could step outside and grab fresh herbs right from your backyard? Well, good news, now you can! This guide on how to grow herbs for beginners will walk you through everything you need to know, from planting seeds to enjoying your first harvest.

Think of it as your gardening 101 crash course to kickstart your herb-growing adventure.

Herbs weren’t really a thing in our house when I was growing up. The most we had were a few bottles of dried herbs in the cabinet, and fresh ones? I don’t remember seeing those anywhere near the kitchen.

But as I got older, I realized just how much herbs can elevate a recipe. And fresh herbs? Total game changer. Before I knew it, I had herbs growing everywhere—in the kitchen, on the patio, even tucked into my flower beds. Anything to keep fresh ingredients within arm’s reach.

Herbs aren’t just for cooking, though. They’re handy all around the house. For example, you can turn fresh cuttings into a natural room deodorizer. Just toss a few sprigs into a simmer pot with some water, and as it warms on the stove, your whole home will smell amazing.

Some herbs are annual and biennial; others are perennial. Annual and biennial varieties are fast growing in the spring and summer, so you’ll always have some fresh herbs available during this time of year. Perennial herbs grow a little slower, so you’ll want to plan for a longer growing season.

Things to Know About Herbs

Herbs are such a great addition to any garden. Not only do they smell incredible while they’re growing, but they also help out their plant neighbors. Many herbs make fantastic companion plants for vegetables because their scents naturally keep pests and insects away.

The best part? Herbs are super versatile and can grow just about anywhere. You can plant them in your garden to fill in empty spots, in containers on a porch or patio, in straw bales (yes, really!), or even on a sunny kitchen windowsill.

Fun fact: Basil, one of the most popular herbs, belongs to the mint family. It is believed to have originated in India and has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries.

Annuals vs. Perennials: Choosing the Right Herbs

Some herbs are annual or biennial, and others are perennial. What’s the difference? Annual and biennial herbs grow quickly during the spring and summer, giving you plenty of fresh harvests in a short time. Perennials, however, are a bit more patient. They grow at a slower pace and need a longer season to thrive.

Here’s a quick breakdown of some common herbs and where they fit:

Annual and Biennial Herbs

• Basil
• Coriander
• Dill
• Parsley
• Chamomile
• Chervil
• Sweet Marjoram
• Summer Savory
• Lemon Grass

Perennial Herbs

• Mint
• Oregano
• Sage
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Chives
• Comfrey
• Fennel
• Lemon Balm
• Horseradish

No matter what type you choose, there’s an herb for every garden and every timeline!

How Much to Plant

How much you need to plant is a personal preference. If you use a lot of fresh basil and rosemary, you may want to plant more than other herbs. If you like dill but only use it occasionally, you may want to plant less. A few seeds will provide a bounty of herbs, and they will continue to grow throughout the season, even when you pick the fresh leaves. Keep this in mind when deciding how much you want to plant.

A good rule of thumb is to start with 1-2 starter plants the first year and add on to that the following years if needed. Keep track of how much you plant and how much you use each year in a gardening journal. Your notes are quite possibly the most valuable resource you will have when gardening.

Seed or Plant?

Herbs can be grown from seed or plant and what you use will depend on where you live and how long your growing season is. In the north, it is best to grow herbs from plants to get a jump start on the growing season.

You can purchase starter plants at any nursery or grow them from seed indoors prior to planting.

Indoor Seed Starting Resources:

• How to Start Seeds Indoors
• How to Harden up Starter Plants

How Long Do Herbs Take to Grow?

The amount of time it takes for an herb to grow from seed to harvest varies based on the type of herb you plant. Most will sprout quickly and be ready to harvest in about 6-8 weeks. You’re ready to harvest once the plants are full and have plenty of leaves.

What You Need to Grow Herbs

Before you start planting, here’s a quick checklist to help you find the perfect spot for your new herb garden.

• Soil: Herbs love well-draining soil. If your soil tends to stay soggy, consider mixing in some sand or compost.
• Location: Choose a spot close to your kitchen or a place you’ll walk by often. This makes it easy to snip fresh herbs when you need them.
• When to Plant: Most herbs grow best in the spring after the last frost, but check your specific herb’s requirements to be sure.
• Sun: Herbs thrive in sunlight! Find a spot that gets at least 6–8 hours of direct sun a day.
• Support: Some herbs, like dill or basil, may need a little extra support as they grow. A simple stake or cage works just fine.

When to Plant Herbs

Herbs grow best in spring and summer which will make it best to plant in March or early April after the season’s last frost. Annual and biennial herbs can be planted as late as August. If you plant at 3-4 weeks intervals, you’ll have a constant supply of fresh herbs throughout the growing season.

How to Grow Herbs for Beginners

Getting started with growing herbs might seem a bit overwhelming, but it’s simpler than you think! With just a few basic tips, you’ll be on your way to a lush, thriving herb garden.

#1. Temperature

Herbs love warm weather. Wait until the ground has warmed to at least 45°–50°F before planting. They’ll thrive during the summer months but will naturally fade as temperatures drop in the winter.

#2. Sun

Sunlight is key for healthy herbs. Aim for 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If your garden has shady spots, don’t worry! Herbs like parsley, mint, lemon balm, chives, and chervil can handle less light, though they may grow a little slower.

#3. Soil

Make sure your soil is well-draining. If it’s heavy with clay, mix in some coarse grit and organic matter to loosen it up. Herbs generally tolerate slightly acidic soil, but they do best in neutral to alkaline conditions. If needed, add a bit of lime to raise the pH. Use a soil pH meter to test where you are at before you ammend.

#4. Water

Keep the soil evenly moist without overwatering. Aim to water deeply 2–3 times a week instead of daily, giving the roots time to absorb moisture. Focus on watering at soil level to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to disease. Mornings are the best time to water so any wet leaves can dry out during the day.

#5. Fertilizing

Too much fertilizer can actually reduce the flavor of your herbs. A little compost added before planting should be enough to keep them happy. For herbs like basil, dill, and parsley, fertilizing every 3–4 weeks can help them grow a bit more vigorously. Also, skip the toxic pesticides since you’ll be eating the plants after harvest.

Planting Herbs

Herbs are super easy to plant and can grow almost anywhere. You can group them all in one spot or sprinkle them throughout your garden.

Spacing

For starter plants or seeds, aim to plant them about 6–8 inches apart. Grouping herbs of the same variety together helps them support each other as they grow. Leave about 12–18 inches between different varieties so they each have enough room to spread out and thrive.

Depth

If you’re starting with seeds, plant them about 6 inches deep in the soil. Before planting, mix a little compost and organic matter into the soil to give your herbs a nutrient-rich boost. It’s also important to make sure the soil is loose and drains well.

For seedlings or plants, plant them at a depth of about 2–4 inches. This allows for good root development and helps prevent the plant from toppling over due to strong winds or heavy rains.

Once your seeds are tucked in, water the area thoroughly and keep the soil moist until they sprout. After your herbs start to come up, you can reduce watering to a few times a week. This will keep them happy without overdoing it.

Things to Watch for When Growing Herbs

One of the great things about growing herbs is that their natural scent keeps most pests and insects away, so you usually don’t need to worry about those. Even better, if you plant herbs near your vegetables, they can act as a natural insect repellent to protect your other plants.

Fungal diseases, however, can be a concern. These are typically caused by too much moisture and not enough light. To avoid this, make sure your herbs get plenty of sunlight each day and try to water them early in the morning so the soil has time to dry before nightfall. Also, be sure to space your plants out a bit to promote good airflow and keep them healthy.

How to Harvest Herbs

To harvest herbs, clip or pinch off leaves once your plants have grown and filled out. You can pick only what you need for cooking, or gather more to dry and save for later.

For soft herbs, you can harvest up to half of the plant at a time, and it’ll keep growing back. With woody herbs like rosemary, stick to trimming no more than a third of the stem at once. Be careful not to cut the stem too far back, as this can harm the plant. Focus on removing just the branches, and your herbs will keep growing.

How to Store Herbs

Herbs are super versatile since you can use them fresh, dried, or frozen. That means you’ve got plenty of options for now and later. If you plan to use them within a few days after harvesting, place the whole stem in a glass of water and refrigerate it. Another option is to wrap the leaves in a damp (but not soaking wet) paper towel, seal them in a plastic bag, and store them in the fridge.

If you’ve got more herbs than you can use, don’t worry. Drying them is easy, and you can store the dried leaves in sealed glass jars for future recipes. You can also chop and freeze them to use down the road.

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Turn your herbs into rosemary or basil butter for cooking, toss them in a simmer pot for a cozy aroma, or infuse them with water and lemon juice for a DIY room spray. The ways to use herbs are practically endless.

Herb Preserving Resources:

• How to Freeze Herbs
• How to Dry Herbs

Growing Tips for Herbs

• Pinching back your herbs as they grow bigger can encourage them to branch out more and thrive. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference!
• You can prune and harvest your herbs throughout the growing season whenever you need them. With softer herbs, feel free to cut back up to half of the plant, and it will grow back beautifully. For woody herbs like rosemary, stick to trimming just one-third of the plant. Be careful not to cut into the stem or remove all the foliage on woody herbs, as this could kill them.
• For the best flavor, harvest or pinch off your herbs right before they flower. The flavor is at its most intense then! Just keep in mind that flowering herbs like chamomile and lavender are an exception since it’s the flowers you’ll actually use.
• When fall comes around, leave the dead foliage on your herb plants. This will act as a natural protector through the winter. However, make sure to clear away any debris around them to prevent fungal diseases.
• Most herbs don’t need mulch, but mint is the exception. Mint likes moister conditions, so a little mulching can help it thrive.

Fresh herbs have many wonderful uses, such as bringing boring dishes to life and providing a delicious flavor boost. They can also be added to natural cleaning products to kill germs and add a fresh scent to your home.

Herbs can be used fresh, or you can preserve them by drying or freezing giving them a longer shelf life. Add them to bottles of olive oil to make a diffused oil for cooking. Some herbs, like mint, also make a wonderful, caffeine-free tea.

Herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow, and they grow quickly and abundantly, giving you plenty to use in your kitchen and throughout your home. They make a perfect starter garden for a beginner gardener since you really can’t do anything wrong.

Get creative and find new ways to put your wonderful, fresh-grown herbs to use in your kitchen, throughout your home, and even in gift-giving.

More Simple Living Resources:

• How to Cook with Fresh Herbs
• Easy Ways to Homestead No Matter Where You Live
• Simple Cooking Tips for the Kitchen