The Beginner’s Guide to Growing Herbs

Wondering about growing herbs but not sure where to start? It’s easier than you think—even if you don’t have a big yard or green thumb. This beginner’s guide will show you the easiest herbs to grow, how to care for them, and provide simple tips to help you succeed from the start.

When I first started gardening, it was growing herbs that made me feel like I knew what I was doing. I had a little pot of chives by the back door that just kept growing, no matter what.

And I’ll never forget the thrill of snipping fresh rosemary from a plant I managed to keep alive through a long winter.

Herbs were the first plants that grew for me, and I enjoyed using them for cooking and in cocktails. If you’re just getting started with gardening, herbs are the perfect place to begin.

Herbs are ideal plants. They’re low-maintenance, grow well in small spaces, and require minimal care to thrive.

If you’re wondering where to begin, herbs are a smart and rewarding choice. Once you’ve mastered growing herbs, you’ll be ready to try plants that require a bit more care and attention.

So, where do you begin with growing herbs at home? We’ll be glad to show you.

What Are Herbs?

Herbs are small, edible, leafy plants used to add flavor, scent, or color to food and drinks. You’ll find them in recipes, teas, and even natural remedies.

People have been using herbs for thousands of years, both for their flavor and for their healing properties. Each time we snip a sprig of rosemary or basil, we participate in a practice that has been passed down for thousands of years—one that connects us to an ancient tradition shared by cultures worldwide.

Herbs are easy to grow at home and can be used fresh or dried. Most herbs grow quickly and don’t need a lot of space, making them perfect for pots, windowsills, and small gardens.

Choosing the Right Spot to Grow Herbs

Herbs love the sun. Most need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day to produce the oils that give them their best flavor. To determine the optimal amount of sunlight, observe the area you’re considering for a day and note the number of hours it receives direct sunlight. A bright, well-drained area is ideal—whether that’s in a garden bed, a raised planter, or a few pots on a sunny deck.

In our yard, the soil is heavy and holds too much water, so we opted to build raised beds to give our herbs a better start. It made a big difference. I also keep a small herb garden container right by our back door—it is really easy to snip what I need while I’m cooking. Here’s one of those pots.

If your yard doesn’t drain well or only gets partial sun, don’t worry. Many herbs will tolerate light afternoon shade, and containers let you move your plants to chase the sun. Just make sure water drains well, and avoid spots where water pools after a rain.

Preparing the Soil

Good soil is the foundation of a healthy herb garden. Most herbs prefer well-drained soil with a high organic matter content. Well-drained soil allows excess water to flow away from the roots, preventing waterlogging. Is your soil heavy or compacted? You’ll want to loosen it up and mix in compost or other organic material.

Before planting, dig down about 12 to 18 inches to break up the soil. If the soil in your yard stays wet or doesn’t drain well, raised beds are a smart solution. That’s what we did, and our herbs have been thriving ever since.

Using Containers

Herbs grow beautifully in containers, which makes them a great option if you have limited space or poor garden soil. Ensure your pots have good drainage and are filled with high-quality potting mix.

Container-grown herbs tend to dry out more quickly than those grown in the ground, so keep a close eye on their moisture levels. Grouping pots together can help create a microclimate and make watering easier. I keep several small pots on our deck right by the kitchen. It’s not only convenient but also makes the space look and smell great.

You can plant one herb per pot or combine a few that have similar light and water needs. Whether you’re going for a kitchen garden, a themed combo like a salsa mix, or just a few favorite sprigs for cooking, containers offer a lot of flexibility and charm.

Tips for Growing Herbs

Herbs actually grow best when you don’t fuss over them too much. They like “lean” soil—meaning you shouldn’t over-fertilize. A little compost or a balanced fertilizer, like 5-10-10, is enough. Too much nitrogen will give you lush leaves with very little flavor.

Water your herbs when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In containers, this may mean watering daily during hot weather. Group herbs with similar moisture needs together so you don’t end up over- or under-watering.

If you’re starting from seed, plant them in light, well-draining soil, and don’t bury them too deep. The smaller the seed, the closer it should be to the surface. Use a gentle mist when watering to avoid washing them away.

And don’t worry—herbs are forgiving. Start simply by paying attention to how your plants respond and adjust as needed.

Harvesting Herbs

Harvesting herbs is one of the most rewarding parts of growing them. For most herbs, the best flavor is achieved by cutting them just before the flower buds open. That’s when the leaves are packed with the most essential oils.

Try to harvest in the morning after the dew has dried, especially on a day that follows several days of sunshine. Snip no more than a third of the plant at a time to keep it healthy and growing strong. For herbs like mint, you can harvest when the flower spikes are in full bloom for the best oil content.

When selecting larger quantities, use an open basket or a container that allows airflow. Avoid plastic bags—they trap heat and moisture, which can quickly ruin your harvest.

Drying Herbs For Winter

We use a dehydrator like the one shown above. It dries many different herbs at once, and the house smells wonderful when we use it. You can purchase one here.

If you don’t want to purchase a dehydrator, make small bundles and hang them upside down in a warm, dry space out of direct sunlight. Once fully dry, store them in airtight containers away from heat and light. They’ll keep their flavor for months.

Freezing Herbs

Freezing is a simple way to preserve fresh herbs, such as chives, tarragon, and many others. For chives, snip the stems into ¼-inch pieces, spread them out on a waxed paper–lined baking sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag and use the spoonful whenever needed.

Other herbs can be frozen the same way—just strip the leaves from the stems first. Tender stems with leaves can be frozen together. This method keeps herbs on hand year-round, with no drying required.

Easiest Herbs for Beginners

If you’re just starting out, some herbs are especially forgiving and easy to grow. They don’t ask for much—just a bit of sun, occasional water, and a little space to grow. These herbs are ideal for beginners and we grow them every year. Most of them do really well in pots. The only one that needs to be planted in the garden is dill as it grows tall.

Basil – Loves sunshine and warm weather. Great for adding to pasta, salads, and sauces. Pinch off flower buds to encourage them to continue producing leaves.
Rosemary – Needs a sunny spot and good drainage. In mild climates, it can grow into a woody shrub and stay green year-round.
Cilantro – Fast-growing and best in cooler weather. Great in salsas and curries, but it bolts quickly in heat, so plant in early spring or fall.
Thyme – Drought-tolerant and compact, thyme is great in meat dishes and stews. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
Parsley – Grows well in pots or garden beds. Flat-leaf (Italian) parsley has more flavor, while curly parsley is more decorative.
Mint – Super easy to grow, but it spreads fast, so it’s best kept in a container. Perfect for teas, salads, and desserts.
Oregano – A hardy herb with a strong flavor. It performs well in poor soil and thrives in full sun.
Chives – Hardy, low-maintenance, and great for snipping fresh over eggs or potatoes. Comes back year after year in many climates.
Dill – Easy to grow from seed and loves the sun. Its feathery leaves are perfect in potato salad, fish dishes, and pickles.
Sage – A sturdy perennial with soft, aromatic leaves. Great for stuffing, roasted vegetables, and meat dishes. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Tarragon – Best grown from cuttings or starter plants. French tarragon has a mild licorice flavor and pairs beautifully with chicken and eggs. Needs full sun and good drainage.

Start with a few favorites, and you’ll be harvesting your own herbs in no time. They’re the perfect way to build confidence in the garden—and in the kitchen.