How to grow herbs

People have used herbs for their culinary and healing properties for centuries. Today, herbs remain as popular as ever. Cooks love the unique flavors that herbs lend to all kinds of food and drink. Herbalists treasure the healing qualities of certain flowers, leaves and roots. Herbal crafters preserve the beauty and fragrance of flowers and leaves in potpourri, wreaths, sachets and dried arrangements. And gardeners value herbs for all their excellent qualities, including their vigor, low maintenance and natural resistance to pests.

When most of us think of herbs, we picture the common kitchen seasonings, such as basil, rosemary, sage and thyme. Yet, an herb is any plant that is considered useful. For instance, the leaves, roots, seeds, stems or flowers of an herb might be important as a source of flavoring, medicine, fragrance, dye or some other product. It’s not all about function. Some gardeners grow herbs simply because they are beautiful.

Where to Plant

Most herbs thrive in typical garden soil, as long as it has good drainage. However, some herbs, such as rosemary, lavender and bay, are woody plants native to the Mediterranean. These herbs prefer gritty, sharply drained soil. Good drainage is crucial because the roots of Mediterranean natives are likely to rot in moist soil. If your garden soil is heavy, grow these herbs in raised beds or planters.

Most herbs thrive in full sun (six or more hours of direct sunlight per day). If you have a garden that receives less sun, choose herbs that don’t need as much.

Good choices include:

• mint
• chives
• parsley
• cilantro
• shiso
• tarragon

Like other plants, herbs can become stressed in windy or exposed sites. Growing herbs in beds near the house or next to other buildings or walls provides a warm, sheltering microclimate and increases a gardener’s chances of success with tender perennials like rosemary, which is hardy only to Zone 8. Even if you grow rosemary in containers and bring it indoors for the winter, it’s still a good idea to set it out in a sunny, sheltered area.

Where to Get Plants

Some herbs are easy to start from seed, but others take a long time to germinate. Buy slow-growers at a nursery or divide existing plants. In some cases, you can grow new plants from cuttings.

From Seed:

Before sowing any herb, whether in seed-starting trays or directly in the garden, read the seed packet, which will give you important information. Herbs that are easy to grow from seed include:

• basil
• borage
• calendula
• chervil
• cilantro
• dill
• parsley
• sage

From Division:

Perennial herbs can be divided easily. Use a garden fork to dig up the plant’s root system and either pull the roots apart by hand (as with chives), or cut the root mass into several pieces and replant them elsewhere in the garden. You can also put small divisions in pots to grow indoors during the winter. If the divisions are to be used outdoors, the best time to divide is fall, when they are winding down for the year. When divided and replanted in autumn, plants get established faster.

Perennial herbs that respond well to division include:

• bee balm (monarda)
• chives
• garlic chives
• lovage
• marjoram
• oregano
• thyme

From Cuttings:

Stem cuttings of suitable herbs should be taken in spring or summer, when plants are healthy and growing vigorously. Rosemary and tarragon tend to root better in the fall, so use them for cuttings at that time and grow them indoors over the winter. Good choices for cuttings:

• lavender
• mint
• oregano
• sage
• thyme

How to Take Cuttings

1. Select stem segments that are tender (usually green and not woody) and about three to six inches long, with at least five leaves along the stem. Make an angled cut, just above an outward-facing leaf node.
2. Remove the lower leaves on the stem, dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder, and plant it abuot 2″ deep in a 4″ pot of moistened potting soil. You can also use vermiculite or perlite.
3. Cover the cuttings loosely with a plastic bag to create humid conditions and place them away from direct sunlight.
4. Water the plants and water if needed; remove the plastic bag if there seems to be too much moisture. After a few weeks, check for new leaf growth, which indicates that the plants are rooting well. Repot the plants into larger containers filled with regular potting soil and gradually expose the plants to full sun.

Some herbs—such as basil, mint and sage—will form roots in a glass of water.

Growing Herbs in Pots and Planters

By growing herbs in pots and planters, you can grow tender perennials, such as rosemary and flowering sages year-round. Just bring them indoors in the fall. In addition, container gardening is a good option for gardeners who have limited space or soil that doesn’t drain well.

Start with good-quality potting soil, which ensures good drainage. Do not use ordinary garden soil, which does not drain well when used in a container. As with other plants in containers, herbs require regular watering and fertilization throughout the growing season. Mediterrainean native, such as rosemary, can tolerate fairly dry soil between waterings. Other herbs with broader leaves need more attention to watering.

During the outdoor growing season, use liquid fertilizer at the rate recommended on the package. If you bring plants inside for the winter, they require much less fertilization; once or twice a month is sufficient.

Herbs That Make Good Houseplants

Herbs that can live for several years in pots include:

How to grow herbs from supermarket herbs

Have you ever spent money on fresh supermarket herb? Do you buy a large package when you only need a teaspoon? Learn how to grow herbs from supermarket herbs.

What to do with the leftover fresh herbs from the supermarket?

It is easy to root new plants from supermarket fresh herbs. You can grow just about any kind of herb. The key is to start with the freshest herbs possible. If there is a date on the package, grab the latest one.

There are not typically growth inhibitors sprayed on fresh herbs. Since herbs are sold as cuttings and in packaging, the chances of growth are almost impossible.

Do I need to buy organic herbs?

It is sometimes difficult to find organic fresh herb cuttings at the supermarket. The most common herbs in my market are not organic. However, I have had great success rooting them into beautiful plants.

Since all new growth, I grow organically the original cutting being organic seems less important.

How to grow herbs from supermarket herbs

Have patience! It might not seem like the herbs will root but as long as the leaves are still fresh looking the process is working!

After the roots develop

You can grow herbs in a mason jar on the windowsill. This is a very popular method however I find it to be really short term way if growing herbs. Soil planted herbs or true hydroponic herbs do much better than Mason jar growing.

Growing herbs with hydroponics is a great idea. There are good ways to grow long term, large plants at home in small spaces with hydroponics.

If you choose to plant the herb in soil, simply plant the stem in the proper type of soil. See the guide below. Then place your plant in a sunny spot.

Depending on the plant, you will start harvesting your fresh herbs in a couple of weeks. Follow in general guidelines below to get started with your new herbs.

Here is a list of easy to grow herbs from supermarket herbs

Rosemary

Start: easy from cuttings, difficult from seeds, easy to find full plants

Best soil: sandy and dry

Rosemary come from the arid area of the Mediterranean. It grows best in less rich soil. Be careful not to over water.

For more details read my blog about the do’s and don’t of growing rosemary click here

Basil

Start: easy from cuttings, easy from seeds, easy to find full plants

Best soil: rich organic, moist

There are lots of different “flavors ” of basil. Hobby farm has a good list of the different varieties.

Thyme

Start: easy from cuttings, moderate from seeds, easy to find full plants

Best soil: sandy and dry

Thyme is a great herb to dry and save. It will hold the same flavor after drying. When you use dried vs fresh thyme in recipes use just a 1/3 of the amount of dried compared to fresh.

Parsley

Start: easy from seeds, easy to find full plants, not the best from cuttings

Best soil: moderate

Parsley doesn’t take as easily to water footing as some herbs. It will root however make sure to have more cuttings than you need. The success rate is low.

Start: easy from cuttings, moderate from seeds, easy to find full plants

Best soil: sandy and dry

I love to root Sage. It is super easy. After you plant your cuttings keep an eye on growth. Sage can get leggy. Trim back often to grow a nice bush.

For more details about grow container sage clink here

Start: easy from seeds, easy to find full plants

Best soil: sandy and dry

Sun: shade/some sun

Dill is a little less successful growing from cuttings but worth the effort

Tarragon

Start: moderate from seeds, easy to find full plants

Best soil: moderate

Super easy to root. Tarragon does well as a mason jar plant. Planting tarragon in soil will grow a fragrant bush.

Marjoram

Start: easy from seeds, easy to find full plants

Best soil: moderate

Marjoram is part of the mint family. Like other mints, marjoram grows fast and has a nice fragrance.

Lemon Balm

Start: easy from seeds, easy from cutting, easy to find full plants

Best soil: sandy

Sun: full or shade

Another member of the mint family with a great fresh fragrance.

Chives

Start: easy from seeds, easy to find full plants

Best soil: rich well drained

Sun: full or shade
Chives are super easy to grow from supermarket chives. Use the greens then put the white ends in water. The chives will quickly regrow.

Start: easy from seeds, easy from cutting, easy to find full plants

Sun: full or shade

For more details about growing container mint clink here

Oregano

Start: easy from seeds, easy from cutting, easy to find full plants

Next time you need to buy herbs from the market, grab fresh ones. You can grow your new plants now that you know how to grow herbs from supermarket herbs.

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Wondering how to grow herbs? All it takes is a sunny ledge for growing herbs in pots, and you’ll have fresh herbs for your cooking all summer long.

Our number 1 tip for delicious and healthy food? Fresh herbs. Why? They add extraordinary flavor without adding calories. While you might not have a yard with garden space for herbs, all you need is a sunny front step, porch, or ledge for growing herbs in pots. Wondering how to get started? Keep reading for tips on how to grow herbs.

Why grow your own herbs?

Alex and I been growing our own for years. Not only do they provide great flavor, but they are cost-efficient as well. One basil plant costs less than a single-use package from the grocery, and it provides basil throughout the entire summer (and pesto for the winter!). We also grow a few perennial herbs in our garden, which can survive the winter and start thriving as early as March here in Indiana. We absolutely recommend growing a pot of kitchen herbs, even if you only have a tiny spot of sun.

How to Grow Herbs (in Pots)

Head to the store

1. Buy herb plants. We buy our herbs from starts, or plants that have already been started. You can grow herbs from seed, but that involves a bit more time and energy. For beginners, we find it easier to begin with starts. You can find starts at your local nursery or farmer’s market.
   **Our Top Herbs to Grow (in order of priority):Basil, Oregano, Mint, Dill, Thyme, Chives, Rosemary, Sage
2. Buy pots. Any pots will do; they can be clay or plastic. Important: Look for pots with drainage holes at the bottom. If the pots do not have holes, you can also drill holes.
3. Buy soil and lava rocks. Purchase a potting soil mix. If your pot does not have drainage holes in the bottom (and even if it does), it’s nice to have some rocks in the bottom of the pot for good drainage.

Get dirty!

1. Fill pots to nearly full with soil, then make wells for the plants you plan to add. Do not overcrowd the herbs; leave plenty of space for growth.
2. Loosen the roots of the herb plants to allow them to take root easily, then slide them into the wells.
3. Cover with remaining dirt, up to the top of the pot.
4. Place the pots in a sunny place, on a deck or front steps, or even a sunny ledge.

Water regularly

1. Water the pots every few days, making sure that the soil does not dry out.
2. Harvest the herbs as much as necessary. The herbs will continue regrowing throughout the summer. For basil, regularly pinch off the tops (where 4 leaves have formed). Two stems will grow in its place and allow for a large, bushy plant (don’t be shy!).
3. Eat! There’s nothing better than a pizza margarita or caprese salad with fresh basil from the garden.

How to grow basil

Because basil is one of the most popular herbs to grow and has some specific care instructions, we have an entire article devoted to it! See How to Grow Basil.

Basil also has a specific way to harvest it to make it into a large, bushy plant. See How to Harvest Basil.

And looking for how to store fresh basil if you bring it inside? We have a great method for how to keep it fresh for 3 to 5 days: see How to Store Fresh Basil.

Favorite recipes with fresh herbs

Now that you’ve mastered how to grow herbs, here are a few of our favorite recipes with fresh herbs!

Herbs are very easy to grow with a little sunshine, soil that drains well, some watering, and a little fertilizer or compost. Herbs can be grown in pots; however, the plants always prefer to be in the ground where they can spread out. Some plants grow quite large (4-6 feet), and when placed in pots they can become stunted and can get stressed, which causes them to be very unhappy.

Main Thing Necessary To Grow Herbs is to Put Them in The Right Place

The main requirement for growing Herbs is growing them in the proper location. Most prefer full sun as long as regular summer temperatures don’t rise above 90 degrees. If you have very warm summers, then consider planting in and area that gets morning sun and afternoon shade in the summertime, or a place that receives filtered light (such as under a tree that allows some light to pass through). Check the area several times during the day to make sure that there are at least four hours of sun. (e.g., 8 to 12, 12 to 4, or from 9 to 11 and 2 to 4)

Planting Herbs

For planting Herbs, you need approximately 1 to 4 feet in diameter for each plant, depending on the plant. Here are some general guidelines for plant sizes:

• 3-4 feet – Rosemary, Sage, Mints, Oregano, Marjoram
• 2 feet – Basils, Thyme, Tarragon, Savory
• 1 foot – Cilantro, Chives, Dill, Parsley

Prepare The Soil

Next, you need to prepare the soil. Digging with a large garden fork loosens soil that has become compacted over the years. This allows water to drain and creates space for plant roots to reach down into the soil. This is the most important step–shortcuts here are disastrous for your plants. Adding compost to your soil, about an inch or so on top and then mixing it into the soil, helps prevent drainage problems and adds fertilizer to the garden.

The Final Step is to Plant Healthy, Strong Plants and Water Them As They Get Dry

The final step is to plant healthy, strong plants and water them when they become dry. Most Herbs like to be watered as soon as the soil located a couple of inches below the surface is dry to the touch. Since temperatures and humidity cause drying times to vary every week, you must check the soil often. Do not over-water. More water is not better and can lead to diseases or just poor growing conditions for your Herbs, which will result in reduced growth.

Harvesting

For harvesting, you simply cut off about 1/3 of the branches when the plant reaches at least 6-8″ tall. By cutting close to a leaf intersection, your plants will regrow very quickly. Some plants, such as parsley, grow new leaves from their center. In this case the oldest branches need to be completely removed, leaving the new tiny branches growing from the center. This becomes clearer as you watch your plants grow and mature.

Herb Gardening in Containers

Herbs are much easier to grow than many houseplants. All you need is a sunny, warm place and containers large enough for your plants to grow. Sunny decks, patios, and other such areas are great for container gardening. By growing Herbs in containers, you save yourself the difficulty of digging that starting a garden plot requires.

However, if you are lucky enough to have a great location for a garden, and you like to work outdoors, remember that your plants always prefer to be in the ground. Some plants grow quite large and do much better in the ground for that reason alone. Container gardening requires diligent watering and regular feeding, but it can be easy and fun.

The Main Things You Will Need Are:

• Large Pots (clay or plastic) 8″ to 18″ in diameter (It is a good idea to combine several herbs that have the same watering requirements into a single container)
• Good Potting Soil (enough to fill your pots)
• Plant fertilizer (Organic herb or vegetable fertilizer is recommended)
• Watering Can or Hose

For planting Herbs, you need to allow for at least 8″ in diameter for each plant. Later you may want to transplant to larger pots because the Herbs will outgrow their pots over time. (Basils can grow to over 2 1/2 feet high.)

First, prepare your container by filling it with good potting soil and add fertilizer according to the directions on the package for herbs or for most vegetables. Moisten the potting soil by mixing in water until the soil feels damp all the way through. Place the pot on a saucer, if you need to protect your deck or table, and you are ready to plant.

Next, dig holes large enough for each plant. Release the plants from their starter containers by turning them upside down, tapping the bottom, and gently pulling on the base of the stems until the plant comes out of the container. Place the plant in the hole and gently press soil around the edges to fill. Water the plant immediately after planting; afterward, water them only when the soil gets dry to the touch. Over-watering can be just as bad for Herbs as under-watering.

Plants should get at least four hours of sunshine per day (certain plants appreciate a bit of shade in the hot summer months during the afternoon hours). They can grow with less sunshine, but they will not grow as well. For harvesting, you simply cut off about 1/3 of the branches when the plant reaches at least 6-8″ tall. By cutting close to a leaf intersection your plants will regrow very quickly.

How to grow herbs from supermarket herbs

Have you ever spent money on fresh supermarket herb? Do you buy a large package when you only need a teaspoon? Learn how to grow herbs from supermarket herbs.

What to do with the leftover fresh herbs from the supermarket?

It is easy to root new plants from supermarket fresh herbs. You can grow just about any kind of herb. The key is to start with the freshest herbs possible. If there is a date on the package, grab the latest one.

There are not typically growth inhibitors sprayed on fresh herbs. Since herbs are sold as cuttings and in packaging, the chances of growth are almost impossible.

Do I need to buy organic herbs?

It is sometimes difficult to find organic fresh herb cuttings at the supermarket. The most common herbs in my market are not organic. However, I have had great success rooting them into beautiful plants.

Since all new growth, I grow organically the original cutting being organic seems less important.

How to grow herbs from supermarket herbs

Have patience! It might not seem like the herbs will root but as long as the leaves are still fresh looking the process is working!

After the roots develop

You can grow herbs in a mason jar on the windowsill. This is a very popular method however I find it to be really short term way if growing herbs. Soil planted herbs or true hydroponic herbs do much better than Mason jar growing.

Growing herbs with hydroponics is a great idea. There are good ways to grow long term, large plants at home in small spaces with hydroponics.

If you choose to plant the herb in soil, simply plant the stem in the proper type of soil. See the guide below. Then place your plant in a sunny spot.

Depending on the plant, you will start harvesting your fresh herbs in a couple of weeks. Follow in general guidelines below to get started with your new herbs.

Here is a list of easy to grow herbs from supermarket herbs

Rosemary

Start: easy from cuttings, difficult from seeds, easy to find full plants

Best soil: sandy and dry

Rosemary come from the arid area of the Mediterranean. It grows best in less rich soil. Be careful not to over water.

For more details read my blog about the do’s and don’t of growing rosemary click here

Basil

Start: easy from cuttings, easy from seeds, easy to find full plants

Best soil: rich organic, moist

There are lots of different “flavors ” of basil. Hobby farm has a good list of the different varieties.

Thyme

Start: easy from cuttings, moderate from seeds, easy to find full plants

Best soil: sandy and dry

Thyme is a great herb to dry and save. It will hold the same flavor after drying. When you use dried vs fresh thyme in recipes use just a 1/3 of the amount of dried compared to fresh.

Parsley

Start: easy from seeds, easy to find full plants, not the best from cuttings

Best soil: moderate

Parsley doesn’t take as easily to water footing as some herbs. It will root however make sure to have more cuttings than you need. The success rate is low.

Start: easy from cuttings, moderate from seeds, easy to find full plants

Best soil: sandy and dry

I love to root Sage. It is super easy. After you plant your cuttings keep an eye on growth. Sage can get leggy. Trim back often to grow a nice bush.

For more details about grow container sage clink here

Start: easy from seeds, easy to find full plants

Best soil: sandy and dry

Sun: shade/some sun

Dill is a little less successful growing from cuttings but worth the effort

Tarragon

Start: moderate from seeds, easy to find full plants

Best soil: moderate

Super easy to root. Tarragon does well as a mason jar plant. Planting tarragon in soil will grow a fragrant bush.

Marjoram

Start: easy from seeds, easy to find full plants

Best soil: moderate

Marjoram is part of the mint family. Like other mints, marjoram grows fast and has a nice fragrance.

Lemon Balm

Start: easy from seeds, easy from cutting, easy to find full plants

Best soil: sandy

Sun: full or shade

Another member of the mint family with a great fresh fragrance.

Chives

Start: easy from seeds, easy to find full plants

Best soil: rich well drained

Sun: full or shade
Chives are super easy to grow from supermarket chives. Use the greens then put the white ends in water. The chives will quickly regrow.

Start: easy from seeds, easy from cutting, easy to find full plants

Sun: full or shade

For more details about growing container mint clink here

Oregano

Start: easy from seeds, easy from cutting, easy to find full plants

Next time you need to buy herbs from the market, grab fresh ones. You can grow your new plants now that you know how to grow herbs from supermarket herbs.

Growing your own herbs indoors is easy and satisfying. You just can’t beat the pesto you make with fresh-picked basil, the mojito you mix with mint mere minutes old, or the chicken you bake sprinkled your very own homegrown rosemary. So on it goes, whether you’re growing chives, cilantro, parsley, oregano, or any of the other many herbs you can grow indoors all year long. Fresh herbs taste great, pack in plenty of nutrients, and are cheap to grow once you get over the hump of starting.

And all you need to start your own indoor herb garden is a window that gets several hours of good sunlight, a planter, some soil, some seeds, some water, and some nutrients, either in the form of a store-bought fertilizer or from compost you make yourself, being the resourceful type you are. The other option? A self-contained hydroponic garden that handles the light and watering for you (with occasional assists needed).

Growing herbs at home really is simple stuff, whether you go with a hydroponic garden or a traditional soil setup. Let’s look at a few of the pros and cons of both routes. You can also take a look at our list of easy plants to grow for more inspiration.

Hydroponic vs. Traditional

Hydroponic

The benefits of a hydroponic system include:

• No need for soil
• No need for natural sunlight
• Clean and self-contained system
• Limited need for watering

But there are a few drawbacks to note:

• Costly initial investment
• Specialized nutrient solution needed
• More difficult to grow from seed (or costly specialized pods required)

Traditional

With a more traditional approach to growing herbs — using soil and relying on sunlight — your benefits are:

• Low setup and maintenance costs without specialized equipment
• Easier growth from seed or transplanting
• Compost or fertilizers provide nutrients

And then the cons to consider:

• Less reliable herb growth
• Dependence on sunshine (or supplemental lighting)
• Regular watering required

Which Is Better?

So, which is the better approach? That’s really up to you, but there are a few factors to consider. If you have limited space in your home — especially if you have limited space near a window — a hydroponic system is probably the way to go. Likewise if you don’t have much free time or simply know you’re not going to devote much time to your indoor herb garden, let a self-contained hydroponic setup do (most of) the work for you.

On the other hand, even the cheapest hydroponic systems still cost much more than you’d need to pay for a planter and enough soil, seeds, and fertilizer to raise several rounds of herbs in a traditional setup, and that’s for the system alone. Also, once you have an herb garden successfully growing in soil, you have more control over your plants. They can be transplanted to other planters in the house or even put into soil outside once they’re hearty (and the weather permits).

Let’s talk about setting up your traditional indoor herb garden first.

Setting Up an Indoor Herb Garden Using Soil

Ideally (and this is assuming you’re in the Northern Hemisphere — flip things around if you’re with us from south of the equator) you can establish your indoor herb garden in a south-facing window to maximize sunlight. If not, east or west are the next best bets. (Signs that your herbs are not getting enough light include long sections of stem between leaves, small leaves, or yellowing, FYI.)

Whatever size or type of planter you use for your herbs, ensure the plants will get proper drainage. This means using a planter with holes in the bottom whether you drill them into that reused soup can or make sure the planter you purchased has them. Use clay (terra cotta, e.g.) planters if you live in a damp climate, but go with something made from plastic, metal, or with a glaze if you live in a drier area. Also, it’s a good idea to put a layer of large pebbles in the bottom of the planter before you add the soil, and of course, put a plate or platter or something of the sort underneath the planter.

Markus Spiske/Unsplash

As for the type of soil best suited for indoor herb gardens, a store-bought potting mix is going to be your best bet, but you can use soil sourced from outdoors provided it’s not too sandy, rocky, or heavy on the clay, and make sure you mix in some compost or fertilizer for best result.

Your indoor herb garden will do just fine in the standard room temperature range; assuming your home never dips into the 50s or gets over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, they should do fine.

When it comes to watering, only do it enough to keep the soil moist; herbs don’t need that much water, really. Yellowing leaves might mean too much water. A drying out plant? Yeah, too little.

The easiest way to grow herbs indoors in soil is, of course, to buy a plant that is already established and transplant it into your windowsill planter. However, growing herbs from seed isn’t hard either. The easiest way to do it is to sprinkle a few seeds (check the packaging for specifics or read up on your plant if you don’t have a seed packet with notes) into a shallow divot made with a finger, then lightly cover the seeds with more soil (we’re talking about a half-inch deep hole filled without compression) and moisten the soil lightly. Keep the soil damp but never soaked, and consider putting plastic wrap with a few holes over the top of the planter. When sprouts emerge, remove the plastic.

You can also grow multiple herbs from seed by using a cardboard egg carton to keep various plants separated. You can transfer the sprouted seedlings using a spoon.

Growing Herbs Indoors with a Hydroponic System

Whether you use an AeroGarden (or another hydroponic system that relies on proprietary pods pre-loaded with seeds) or you start your hydroponic herbs from seed using a specialized sponge , the process of planting herbs for an indoor hydroponic garden is so easy it really can’t be explained in steps. For the pods, put them where they fit into the planter system. For seeds grown in sponges, put the seeds in the little divots and keep them moist and under lights.

These gardens work using timers and internal watering systems, so provided you keep them filled with water and add nutrients as needed (most plug-in hydro systems have indicators to tell you exactly when this should be), there is really no work to establishing and maintaining this setup. Just make sure to keep plants trimmed before they go to seed, and be ready for limited success at best if you try to transplant your herbs to soil.

Today I’d like to share a skill I learned when I first began gardening. Like all new gardeners, I wanted a yard full of beautiful plants. Unfortunately, my budget was often smaller than my plant lust, so I had to come up with another way to get the beautiful perennial herbs I so desperately wanted.

My solution was to take a class at the community college and learn how to make plant cuttings and root them. This technique has allowed me to start several new herb gardens for a minimal amount of money. Let me show you how you can have your own bountiful herb garden too.

Where To Get Cuttings To Grow Herbs

First you need to know where to get the cuttings, because you can’t just march down to the local nursery and ask for some. They are in the business of selling plants, not providing you with cuttings.

When I’m traveling to a gardening friend’s house I always bring two important items with me: a zip-top plastic bag with a little bit of water in it and my small scissors. You could also use a plastic container with a secure top, or even a mason jar. The purpose of the container is to keep the cuttings fresh until you can get them ready for rooting.

I’ve found that gardening friends are always willing to share a few cuttings. Even neighbors and strangers will share a few clips from their plants if you ask nicely.

Sometimes I actually purchase a plant that I want a lot of, and then I make several cuttings from the “mother” plant. If you want to fill your garden bed with salvia, yarrow, or lavender this is often the easiest thing to do. Just let the mother plant grow for a bit and then begin making cuttings.

You should never make cuttings at the local nursery – that would be stealing! Just buy the plant or, if it’s not in the budget right now, find a friend who will share.

How To Make A Cutting

Have you ever seen someone shear a lavender plant without regard for what it will look like afterward? The result is often hideous, with lone, flowerless stalks pointing skyward. This should be avoided! My motto is to leave the mother plant as healthy as possible. That means that you should make your cutting right at the top of a set of leaves. Leave no bare stems exposed.

You want a cutting to be 4 to 5 inches long. Make three to five of them if you can; not all will survive when you are a beginner.

Place those cuttings into the container with water and seal it tightly. The clippings will survive with enough moisture until you can get home and fix them up.

How To Prepare The Cuttings

Add more water to your container and give them a good swirl. That will remove any dead leaves and stray bugs you may have brought home. Pat them dry and lay the cuttings out so you can take a good look.

Your mission is to remove the leaves along the stem of the cutting for 2/3rds of the stem. I usually do this by pinching them off at the node with my fingernails, but some people use scissors or a knife. Try not to cut into the stem because that is where the new roots will form.

Ideally you should have at least two nodes on the stem to grow roots.

You should also pinch off any flowers on the cutting. You want the new plant to focus on root production, not flower and seed production.

FUN TIP: Be sure you save your leaves for a good cup of herbal tea. Pineapple sage is particularly good.

Continue cleaning leaves off nodes until all your cuttings are done.

Growing Roots

There are two ways you can handle the cuttings at this point. Both are effective depending on the time of year (they’ll root faster in the summer) and your available space.

Add the cuttings to a shallow jar of water and place it in a windowsill. You want to make sure that none of the leaves are in the water, only the stems. Any leaves will rot when under water for an extended period of time.

They also need air circulation, so don’t crowd. If you have a lot of cuttings in the jar, the ones in the middle will eventually die back without circulation. If I am making cuttings in the early spring, I may speed up the process by placing a plastic bag over the jar, thus creating a mini greenhouse on my windowsill.

Your cuttings should be in fresh water, so be sure and change it out every few days. You should see roots beginning to form after a week and after 2-3 weeks the plants will be ready to go into potting soil. These plants will need to be hardened off before they are placed outdoors in your garden beds.

Some cuttings respond better to being started in soil than in water. Lavender is one of those finicky plants that may rot if placed in water. The trick to rooting cuttings in soil is to make a humid environment for them.

I like to use recycled containers like this plastic cupcake carrier, but you can also use a plastic dome found at any garden center. They are relatively inexpensive and can be used year after year.

The roots will also benefit from growing in individual sections because there will be less root shock at transplant time.

Give them another watering so the soil is securely against the stem, and cover the whole section with a dome or clear plastic bag. The dome will have condensation after a few hours and will trap in the moisture. You should check the moisture level once a week and mist it if necessary.

Which plants work best for propagation by cutting? Any perennial plant that grows a stem with leaves will do. While it is usually easier to start annuals from seed, even basil and tomato can be rooted this way.

Now see, wasn’t that easy! By utilizing friends, neighbors, and this technique you can have a beautiful perennial herb garden for just a fraction of the price. All it takes is a little bit of skill and patience to wait for the roots to grow. Which herb will you try first?

The impulse to start a kitchen herb garden is typically born out of frustration. You buy the healthiest-looking basil and cilantro from the grocery store, but despite your best efforts, the fresh sprigs decompose into acrid slime before you can use them all. Of course, there are ways you can take advantage of fresh herbs past their prime (we have some tips). Still, wouldn’t it be nice to just use herbs at your leisure and not feel like you’re making pesto with a gun held to your head?

Now more than ever, you may be herb-garden-curious, and as an avid herb grower myself, I express my unhindered support. To best prepare you for growing your own herbs, I tapped the mind of my coworker Joey DeLeo, who has a lifetime of gardening experience and 15 years managing a community garden under his belt. We came up with some tips, advice, and supplies to help you cultivate an herb garden of your own.

If at all possible, grow them outside

Yes, a spritely row of plants would be delightful on your kitchen windowsill. But most herbs would rather be outside. As Joey points out, most culinary herbs prefer full sun, which means at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Unless you have an unobstructed south-facing window, chances are your plants won’t get enough light indoors.

Most homes are also too dry for herbs, which can put stress on plants and make them more susceptible to pests (basil is particularly vulnerable). Currently, I grow my herbs in the window cage next to our air conditioner. I may have to climb over my couch and hold the window open with my head in order to water them each morning, but the payoff of thriving dill, parsley, and mint plants is worth it. If outdoors truly is a no-go, put the herbs in the brightest spot in your apartment, even if it’s inconvenient to the kitchen.

Copper Window Box Planter

But if you absolutely can’t, get a light setup

Okay: Maybe you can’t set up a window box, your apartment is too dark, or you want fresh herbs year-round. Your best option would be to get a growing setup with a timed light. For reasons mentioned above, herbs need lots of light, and during winter, even your sunniest window won’t cut it. A timed light will provide your plants the necessary amount of light to replicate optimal growing conditions. However, as setups like these can be pricey, you might be better off buying herbs from the store during colder months if your goal in growing herbs is to save money.

Also, if you want to go down the path of using one of those all-in-one herb growing systems online, be aware that many have specialized seed pod systems or other features that give you less control over what you can grow.

LED Grow Light Kit

Seeds are not for beginners

Growing herbs from seed takes a great deal of time and patience. If you’re a first-timer, Joey recommends buying a small plant from the grocery or garden store (or order online!). It costs roughly the same, and you don’t need to worry about germinating weeks in advance. Frankly, starting from seed only makes sense for people who are either growing herbs on a larger scale or are using an indoor growing setup.

Grow what you eat

“Parsley? Pah! What am I, some hayseed? I’m going to grow marjoram and savory.” Listen, I’ve been there. It’s tempting to grow something different or new rather than the old standbys. But, how many recipe actually call for savory? If you prioritize the herbs you eat the most, you’ll get much more mileage out of your kitchen herb garden.

Know how to trim

If you want your herb plant to provide you with foliage all season long, you can’t simply chop at it whenever you want. As the plant grows gradually, so will the amount you can take from it; in other words, don’t expect a giant batch of pesto in May.

Many herbs benefit from a little shaping and attention in order to cultivate a more robust plant. Every herb is different, but a good general rule of thumb is that you should never let them flower. Plants will put their growing energy into the bloom, so snipping them as soon as you see them will ensure more leafy growth instead. For whatever you choose to grow, do a quick googling to determine the best way to trim your specific herbs: It’s a little extra effort with a huge payoff.

Large Herb Scissors

Know which plants work best together

Some herbs, like rosemary, lavender, and thyme, thrive in drier soil, whereas others, like mint, chives, and basil, prefer generous waterings. A common mistake Joey has seen with new herb growers is that they will try to grow plants with different watering needs in the same box, resulting in inconsistent growth. Instead, only group plants that require similar growing conditions, and buy separate containers for those that don’t. Also keep in mind any plants that have invasive tendencies, especially if you are putting them in the ground. Anything in the mint family will take over whatever you put it in, plus it reseeds itself.

How To Grow Herbs In Your Garden

To a cook or a chef herbs are considered a valuable source in cooking. To a gardener, herbs are even more rewarding due to the beauty of their leaves and for their pleasant aroma.

Growing herbs in your own garden provides a constantly available source of fresh culinary flavouring, which can be used with a wide variety of foods. Herbs also make attractive plants for the garden, and of course release a rich scent adding to the delight of one’s garden. Herbs can be grown in their own part of the garden, preferably close to the kitchen, or if this is not possible, you can mix herbs with other flowering plants in your garden.

The most common herbs are basil, chives, garlic, parsley, mint and rosemary. Herbs need a pliable well rained soil, just as most vegetables do. Some can be grown in sunny positions, and others will do well grown in part shade.

Growing Basil – How To Grow Basil
Basil is an attractive annual plant which grows to around 40cm tall. The plant has shiny oval leaves and white flowers, and prefers full sun for growth, although can tolerate semi shade. Basil makes a good border plant, and grows well in pots or tubs. The leaves have a clove-like flavour, and can be used fresh or dried. Sow the seeds for Basil in spring, and be sure to space plants about 20cm apart.

Growing Chives – How To Grow Chives
A close relative to the onions, shallots and garlic, chives are perennial plants which grow in grass like clumps around 20-30cm in height. They grow well in sun or semi shade, and are ideal for pots and tubs. Sow the seeds for chives in spring, summer or early autumn, spacing the clumps about 30cm apart. New plants can be started by dividing clumps if they become overcrowded. The chopped grass-like leaves of chives are perfect for use in salads, soup, stews, and egg dishes.

Growing Mint – How To Grow Mint
Mint is a scrambling perennial, spreading by means of rhizomes. It is best to grow mint in a large pot or tub, and preferably in a shady damp spot. You can start plants from pieces of stems at any time of the year. The leaves from mint have a strong aroma and flavour, and can be used to make a delicous mint sauce and garnish for meats.

Growing Parsley – How To Grow Parsley
The best known of all herbs, with curled leaf parsely the most common variety. It is a perennial plant which grows to around 30cm in height, and is best grown as an annual. Sow seeds direct in spring, summer or early autumn, either in clumps or spaced 15-20cm apart. Parsley can be grown either in the garden or in large pots or tubs. Seedlings take 21-28 days to appear, so keep the garden bed or container damp for this length of time. Parsley grows well in a sunny or part shade position. You can use the fresh leaves of parsley as a garnish, or use fresh or dried leaves to add flavouring to foods such as salads, vegetables, meats, stews, and soups.

Growing Rosemary – How To Grow Rosemary
Rosemary is an attractive perennial herb that grows approximately 60-150cm tall, with dark green, needle-like leaves and blue flowers. It grows well in sun or semi-shade, but the soil must be well drained. It is suitable for growing in large pots or tubs. Sow seeds in punnets in spring, summer or early autumn, or start the plants from cuttings in late winter. the leaves have a pine-like appearance, and are great to use fresh or dried to flavour foods such as lamb, chicken and casseroles.

TIPS:
1. If Sage is grown at the edge of a garden within brushing distance of a lawn mower, it will release a wonderful aroma when mixed with freshly mowed grass!
2. You can also grow mint close to a water tap in your garden, which gives off a minty aroma when it comes into contact with water.
3. Thyme can be grown between paving stones to release its perfume when stepped on during Summer.
4. You can grow parsley in a terracotta pot and mix with other pot plants on or around your patio.

Take a look at this quick reference herb chart. To save to your computer, right click the image and choose “save image as”

Herbs are easy plants to grow and they taste delicious. Starting a herb garden is a great way for beginner gardeners to get into growing their own produce. Here’s my pick of the best herbs for beginners.

Sage is a great herb for cooking with and really easy to grow. The only thing it doesn’t like is wet ground, so plant it in a sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil.

There are loads of sage varieties to choose from, including some with coloured leaves. Harvest the leaves regularly to encourage more to grow.

Parsley

This biennial herb has so many uses in the kitchen! Give seeds a head start by sowing them indoors on a sunny windowsill. Alternatively, sow directly in the ground when the soil warms up.

Parsley can be slow to germinate, so speed things up by soaking the seeds in water overnight before planting. Choose a spot with rich, slightly damp soil in full sun or partial shade.

Oregano

Oregano plants thrive in warm, sunny spots and like light soils. They have lovely pink flowers and make great ground cover at the front of borders.

Sow the seeds in spring when the soil has warmed up, or start them off in pots indoors. When the plants reach 10cm tall, pinch out the vertical growing tips to encourage more leafy side shoots.

You can grow mint from seed but it is often different from the parent plant, so I’d advise buying young plants from the garden centre instead.

Bear in mind that mint spreads easily, so plant it in pots to contain the roots and stop it taking over. Keep it in full sun or partial shade and pinch out any flower buds to encourage more leaf growth.

Coriander

Coriander is a versatile herb for the kitchen and grows well in the ground or containers. Seeds can take weeks to germinate and the plants are fairly short-lived, so sow a few seeds every couple of weeks for a continuous supply.

It can often ‘bolt’ when stressed, which means it produces flowers and seeds instead of tasty leaves. Keep it fairly well watered and harvest regularly for best results.

Basil

Basil is one the most popular herbs because it’s so tasty and versatile. Sow seeds into potting compost on a sunny windowsill from March onwards.

Remove the growing tip when the plants are 15cm high for bushier growth. Plant out in the garden when the weather gets warmer. Basil prefers full sun and a sheltered spot.

Chives

Chives are a relative of the onion family and have slender, pointed leaves. They also produce lovely fuzzy globe flowers in a pink or purple colour.

Sow seed directly in the ground during March and April. Chives grow best in a sunny spot with rich moist soil, so keep the plants well watered.

Looking to grow herbs at home? Here’s how to get started.

As we’re all looking for new, mindful ways to spend our time at home, many of us are turning to gardening whether that’s growing plants in containers, starting a vegetable patch or creating a herb garden.

From tasty basil to fragrant lavender, growing your own herbs can be incredibly rewarding, not to mention handy when it comes to cooking. So if you want to get involved, but don’t know where to start, read on for our expert guide.

Why grow herbs?

Although they’re loved by seasoned gardeners too, Hollie Newton – author of How to Grow – says herbs are a “beginner gardener’s dream, because they’re pretty much the easiest thing to grow.”

It’s better for your bank balance and the environment too. Growing your own parsley, rosemary or mint will mean you’ll no longer have to buy those cellophane-wrapped fresh herbs from the supermarket, that tend to go bad after a few days causing wastage.

According to Guy Barter, Chief Horticulturist at the RHS, herbs are also great if you’re short on space. “You can easily grow them on a sunny window sill or on a balcony,” he says.

But the ease and simplicity of growing herbs isn’t the only reason to get started. “As we’re all becoming more aware of the environment and where our food comes from, there’s something so interesting, satisfying and reassuring about cooking something you have grown,” says Barter.

For Newton, growing herbs – among other plants – also works wonders for her mental wellbeing. “I love gardening because you can’t rush it – it takes its own time, and there’s something really soothing about that in this world of speed and smartphones,” she says. “Watching something grow from nothing is really magical.”

What kind of herbs should I grow?

You can try any you like! “I’d start with the dependable, everyday-cooking herbs, like basil, sage, coriander, mint and rosemary,” Newton suggests. “But you can try out so many interesting varieties. I am currently growing Moroccan mint outside my back door, and lemon thyme which works amazingly with chicken. I also love growing chives, because the flowers are edible and they look great in salads.”

Where can I get them from?

Sadly, getting hold of seeds and plants from nurseries can be quite difficult at the moment, due to lockdown. But thankfully, Barter says there are ways around this. “There may be delays on orders, but while you wait for seeds to arrive, you can buy the pots of rosemary or basil from the supermarket, and transfer them into a different pot or bed at home, so you can nurture them and keep them growing,” he recommends. “You can also buy big bags of coriander seeds from some shops and sow those – these can take around six weeks to grow but they still work really well.”

When should I grow them?

Now is the perfect time, says Guy Barter. “The sooner you start, the better,” he says. “If you start growing them in spring, they will grow well throughout the summer. Herbs like thyme, rosemary, lavender, sage and oregano are pretty hardy and will keep all winter.”

What will I need?

Alongside your seeds or plants, you will also need pots – but according to Barter, these don’t have to be anything fancy. “You can either use smaller pots to separate them, or one bigger, longer, pot,” he says. “But if you don’t have anything to hand, you can even use containers from the supermarket with holes in the bottom to ensure they have good drainage.”

Then, you’ll need to fill them with potting compost – although both Newton and Barter agree that if you can’t get hold of any, some soil from the garden will work just fine.

“You don’t need any other specialised equipment, except maybe a trowel would come in handy,” says Barter. Just grab a watering can or spray bottle and you’re all set.

How do I get started?

If you have a plant, simply put it into a pot, and surround it with soil or potting compost. “If you’re using a bigger pot outside, I recommend placing some gravel or stones at the bottom to aid drainage, before filling with good quality peat-free compost,” says Newton.

If you’re using seeds, Barter recommends sowing about one dessert-spoon full into the soil before covering it up. Then give everything a good water, and get ready to watch them grow!

How should I feed them?

“By and large, all herbs need the same treatment – which is moderate and regular watering. You shouldn’t saturate the soil too much; the top of the soil should be dry before you water them again,” says Barter. “And plenty of sunlight! Chives and mint prefer a cooler, wetter environment so you could move them somewhere shady and reserve the best light for your rosemary and thyme.”

How can I use them?

Most herbs will take around two weeks to grow, so you’ll have the simple satisfaction of using them in your cooking before you know it.

“It’s best to harvest your herbs in the early morning, when the essential oils are at their most abundant,” recommends Newton. “Try not to pick all of your herb’s big tasty leaves right away, as they are like the herb’s power station. Take a mixture of small, new leaves, and big older ones when you go picking. You’ll find you have a healthier, happier, far more leafy plant for longer.”

How to Grow 8 Awesome Herbs Indoors All Year Long

Growing herbs indoors is a great way to expand your gardening space. Whether you’re growing herbs indoors because of the season or because you’ve outgrown your garden, you’ll love have them close at hand. I have found that not all herbs do well growing in the house; but these 8 seem to consistently do well and keep me in herbs all year long! I like being able to snip off some fresh herbs for recipes without leaving my kitchen! I love having plants indoors and the herbs are a great addition to my Pothos plants and ferns. Growing herbs indoors, like all indoor plants, has great health benefits too! Indoor plants help keep our indoor air clean and so much more!

Herbs Indoors – Tips to Get You Started:

To grow herbs indoors you don’t need special equipment but there are a few things that will make it easier on you, and them.

1. Choose an area that gets a fair amount of sun. Even herbs that do well in low light will appreciate a warm sunny area to grow in. This can be a window sill or you can use plant stands near a sliding glass door.
2. Try to keep your temps as consistent as possible. If you have huge fluctuations in temps the plants may struggle more than in a consistent environment.
3. Don’t put them where they will get direct contact with your air vents for heat or a/c. I have found this dries them out very quickly and they usually don’t make it. However many of the plants like the air circulation of a ceiling fan.
4. Choose containers that will hold at least a gallon of soil and make sure it allows water to drain out. You’ll want to protect any area you put your plants, just in case.
5. Consider growing from seed. I find the herbs that germinate and start their life in the area of the house I plant to keep them just do better than transplants from outdoors. That’s not to say you can’t grow transplants, but I have had more success when I start with good quality seeds. And grow more than you need – so you can choose the strongest; if they all do well you can share with a friend.

Herbs Indoors – The 8 Best to Grow

1. Tarragon
   Tarragon is a spice that is under-appreciated. It adds a wonderful flavor, with a subtle hint of licorice, to meat dishes. It can grow quite tall (up to 4 ft) so be sure to give it space. It loves light too so this one does great in a pot by my back door. It isn’t a fussy plant and does well in just about any soil. Not only does is provide delicous flavor, tarragon has some medicinal properties as well!
2. Thyme
   I use a lot of thyme. Before I was growing it, buy fresh thyme to busting my grocery budget. I love it in soups, stews and to flavor my pot roast. But it has many uses and a little goes a long way with thyme. Thyme likes sun and an alkaline soil. Pruning like a shrub keeps thyme healthy.
3. Chives
   I love the mild onion flavor from chives. Great in egg dishes or topping a baked potato – it always adds a little color to the top of a savory dish. Consider making some Chive Blossom Vinegar with the beautiful purple flowers. Chives really need at least 6 hours of good light to thrive. But I have found they enjoy the fluorescent light of the kitchen too. Chives will do well near a fan, where other herbs will not, although they do not care for an overly dry climate. If you find they are shrinking away, even with consistent watering, try misting them with a water bottle to keep humidity up a bit.
4. Rosemary
   Not everyone likes rosemary but I find it delicious. It pairs very well with thyme so I use them as a combo often (see my pot roast recipe). Now I’ll tell you that rosemary can be tricky – I killed a few trying to get it right. But once you get it down, they do well and will keep you in flavor all year long. The number one thing that will take your rosemary down is lack of sun; make sure your rosemary gets the brightest spot in your house; it is going to need up to 8 hours of good bright light. So if you can’t provide that make sure you have some supplemental lighting to keep the plant strong and vibrant. Next, be consistent with your watering – not too much, not too little. If your first or second rosemary plants bites the dust – don’t give up! I should note that rosemary is one that I DO recommend you buy as a transplant, from a reputable nursery; they are not easy to grow from seeds.
5. Parsley
   Parsley is one of the herb staples that almost everyone uses in their cooking and presentations. And thankfully it does great in a pot in the house. Parsley needs good morning light and to be kept warm. It especially prefers consistent watering and will benefit from a wicking or self-watering system. Parsely loves a little fish emulsion every few weeks…if you can stand it.
6. Oregano
   Oregano isn’t just for your Italian dishes! I love to add it to my taco soup and great on meat dishes too. Not to mention that oregano has AMAZING healing benefits. Indoors your oregano will do better away from harsh, direct, light. It, like thyme, likes the more alkaline soil; make sure you have good drainage. You may find that a little organic fertilizer keeps your indoor oregano happier.
7. Basil
   Basil is a staple in many kitchens – both fresh and dried. It has more uses that I can probably list in this article and since most are probably familiar with it, I won’t go there. But do look into all the wonderful varities of basil, you may find that you want more than one! Basil is really one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors; just make sure you have good drainage for your soil and offer it consistent light.
8. Sage
   If you cook poultry then you’ve probably used sage to flavor it. But sage is great with fish, lamb and veggies as well so don’t save it just for the chicken! Sage will do well for you indoors but will probably need a little supplemental lighting to keep it vibrant all winter long. Make sure you soil doesn’t get too wet, it won’t appreciate that either. You want to find a warmer spot in your house to grow your indoor sage as well. Sage is another herb that can grow several feet tall so that is something to consider when you’re deciding where to grow it.

I hope you’ll consider growing herbs indoors this winter or even all year long. They are a wonderful addition to your indoor foliage with lovely culinary and medicinal uses!

Victory gardens are all the rage right now, but is there a tasty alternative for those of us with black thumbs? I’m talking about the people who kill every plant that ever comes into their lives. Those of us who apologize to plants at the point of purchase, because they’ve just received a death sentence. And the rare breed who can kill the bamboo plant, which just sits in water.

What can people with nongreen thumbs grow?

Perhaps veggies aren’t on the menu, but there is a tasty alternative: herbs.

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“Herbs are a great, easy way to get people growing some of their own edibles in their backyard,” says Wendy Wilber, statewide coordinator for the master gardener volunteer program at the University of Florida. “I usually grow spearmint and peppermint and just go out and grab a couple sprigs for a mojito, put some in lemonade, or make a chutney with them.”

Tasty thoughts. Fresh dill for salmon. Basil for caprese salad. Rosemary for chicken.

These all sound delicious, so where to begin?

Where to grow herbs

Herbs can grow anywhere in the country, and the key to growing them is sunlight. Wilber says herbs need six to eight hours of sun to have a chance at survival.

“If you get three hours in the morning and three hours in the afternoon, that’s good,” she says. A shady porch is not a good space, nor is an indoor windowsill.

“There is no such thing as an herb that will grow without sun,” says Wilber, who recommends planting your herbs close to the kitchen. “You don’t want to go out to the back 40 to pick herbs. I just want to have a thought, ‘Oh, this soup needs thyme,’ so I want to take 10 steps and go and pick my thyme.”

Herbs can thrive in pots or in the ground.

“I don’t have a full-blown herb garden where people put them in a little jail and keep them all in the same area. I have them scattered throughout the landscape,” Wilber says.

You’ll need a few things to get your herb garden going:

• Pots: Clay pots work well for herbs because they drain well. Hanging pots are a solution if critters are a problem.
• Soil: Potting soil works best. Garden soil or black earth can be too heavy and hold too much moisture.
• Fertilizer: Something slow-releasing is good for herbs.
• Seeds or already blossomed transplants

“Transplants are easier because they’re already up and growing. But seeds are more cost-effective,” Wilber says. “Transplants are instant success. You can go spend $15 at the garden center in plants, and you have a full-blown herb garden. You’re not waiting, getting discouraged, and hoping that the seeds come up.”

Sage in pots

Creative Commons/ Photo by salerie

What herbs should you plant?

What you like to eat can help you choose which herbs to plant.

“Rosemary is just really supereasy to grow, and I just go and snap a couple of sprigs off and then that goes into the pork roast for that evening,” Wilber says. “Basil is definitely very useful. People use that all the time, and rosemary grows fast and, to me, it’s also very useful.”

Consider the flavors you like to help plan your herb garden. Wilber suggests taking a look at your cooking and identifying what you’ll need and which herbs would be valuable to you and your kitchen.

While most herbs are relatively easy to grow, some are easier than others, Wilber says. Here’s the breakdown.

• Easy growers: Rosemary, oregano, mint, thyme, parsley
• More difficult: Sage, dill, cilantro, lavender
• Somewhere in the middle: Basil

But just because they are relatively easy to grow, not all herbs like to be clumped together in close range. Some are loners while others are a bit needy or invasive.

“Basil needs a little more water, as do parsley and dill, so they could grow together,” Wilber says, noting that basil sometimes gets a kind of mildew on it. “Thyme, sage, oregano, and rosemary need to be slightly dry and could also grow together.”

As for the ones that are better left alone, Wilber points to mint. The herb can easily take over a container and is better off in a pot or by itself.

Basil in pot

Creative Commons/Photo by deamentiaemundi

Speaking of water, overwatering is the most common mistake beginning herb growers make.

“One of the things that folks do is that they’ll overwater it and then there’s not good airflow, so it doesn’t dry out and they rot out. I see people overwatering their herbs and letting the soil stay really soggy.” Wilber warns. “Many of these herbs are kind of Mediterranean in nature, and that means a dry climate that has a lot of wind.”

The soil should be just moist to the touch, she says. To test, stick one finger in the soil and if it’s dry to the touch one knuckle down, it needs to be watered. Different soil mixes hold water differently, so Wilber says it is difficult to say how many times per week to water.

Watch: How Does Your Vegetable Garden Grow? Indoors

Using and pruning

One of the great things about growing fresh herbs is having just the right amount.

“When I buy fresh dill. I use one sprig, and the rest of it rots in the fridge. That is really depressing to me, so I really like the convenience of being able to go out and just pick exactly as much as I need,” Wilber says.

When cutting herbs, make sure to use only about a third of the plant at a time to give the plant an opportunity to recover. Timing also matters.

“Harvest them in the early-morning hours, when the flavors are more intense, before the sun really heats them up,” Wilber says. The sun can burn off the oils that give herbs their flavors and aromas.

Herb garden

Creative Commons/Photo by Amanda Kae’s Photoz

Avoid the discouraging feeling of herbal death if you’re unsuccessful in your first attempt.

“Just keep experimenting, because a little pot of basil is less than $2. It’s not a huge investment, so just keep trying and experimenting,” Wilber says. “If they didn’t make it this time, try a sunnier spot and they will ultimately reveal to you where they want to grow in the landscape.

Tasty food will be the ultimate reward.

“To me, the flavors are more intense than dry herbs because that flavor is just so fresh,” she says. “You’re growing something in your backyard that you can take right into the kitchen so it makes you feel more sustainable, which I think is kind of what we’re looking for right now.”

February 4, 2020 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Love herbs? Here’s a list of herbs you can grow indoors in your home all year-round, including both annual and perennial plants. Start with existing plants or grow your own herbs from seeds. It’s all part of growing your own food garden right in your kitchen.

Along with herbs, indoor vegetable gardening shares a variety of other food crops to grow in your home.

Herbs to Grow Indoors

Herbs really do best outdoors but with some attentive care it is possible to grow some indoors as well.

Some do much better than others and quite a few, while surviving, grow very slowly. Lights can definitely improve growing conditions.

Plant List

• This list started from my own experience as an indoor grower.
• I also checked numerous sources (books, garden bloggers) to see their lists.
• My own successes have varied each year and I’m sure this is the case for others too.
• Bottom line, provide the most optimal conditions you can, and see how it goes.
• Many of the annuals should last for months. The perennials may over-winter and return to life outdoors for several years to come.

Annual herbs germinate, bloom, produce, seed, and have a shorter lifespan than perennials.

• Basil, sweet | Ocimum basilicum – leaves
  Not so easy to grow from seed indoors but does okay from a starter plant.
• Chervil | Anthriscus cereifolium – leaves – perennial grown as annual
  A relative of parsley, okay with low light.
• Cilantro coriander | Coriandrum sativum – goes to seed quickly (tends to bolt)
  Cilantro – leaves and stems
  Coriander – seeds
  Recommended: Vietnamese coriander is one of the easiest to grow. Try growing sprouts indoors for culinary use.
• Lemongrass | Cymbopogon citratus – leaf stalks – zones 9-10 tropical plant
  Start with a stalk from the grocery store. Trim top and grow in a few inches of water.
• Parsley | Petroselinum crispum, Petroselinum hortense – leaves – biennial grown as annual (6-8 hours sun per day)
  Can be slow-growing indoors.

Free Printable

This is a printable list of herbs you can grow indoors.

Perennial herbs live on for several years. They can flower or fruit year after year.

If we are using the plants for their leaves or stems, regular harvesting or pruning is beneficial for preventing flowering.

• Chives | Allium schoenoprasum -Leaves and flowers- zones 3-9 (4-6 hours sun per day)
• Lemon balm | Melissa officinalis – leaves- invasive- zones 4-9
• Marjoram, sweet | Origanum majorana -tender perennial, -leaves – zones 9-10
• Mint | Mentha spp. – leaves – invasive – grow in containers in-ground or above-ground – zones 4-9
• Oregano | Origanum spp. – leaves – zones 4-8 (8 hours sun per day)
• Rosemary | Salvia rosmarinus – tender perennial– leaves (8 hours sun per day)
  Can grow from seed or cuttings. Careful not to over-water.
• Sage | Salvia officinalis – leaves – zones 5-9
  Can take a long time to grow. Try dwarf varieties indoors. Prone to death from over-watering.
• Tarragon, French | Artemisia dracunculus – sprigs – zones 4-8
• Thyme | Foeniculum vulgare, Thymus vulgaris – leaves and seeds – lots of varieties (8 hours sun per day)

How to Grow Herbs Indoors

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During the COVID pandemic, bare shelves and picked-over products became the visual reminder that nothing was normal or typical, and some shoppers simply purchased whatever meats, canned goods, and other essentials were available.

For some, though, a home garden, backyard chickens, or flourishing fruit trees might have provided easy access to foods that were lacking on store shelves. Even during typical times, though, embracing self-sufficiency can save you money at the store…especially when demand soars over supply. Herbs are one of the easiest gardens to grow, and you don’t even need a backyard! Here’s how to grow herbs indoors!

What Herbs Grow Best Indoors?

Before you start picking out cute pots are planters for your seeds, you need to know what herbs grow best indoors. Some plants require lots of sunlight, others don’t need much light at all. Some rooms of your home may be more—or less—ideal for plant life. When you’re looking to begin an indoor herb garden, Gardeners.com recommends choosing these herb varieties:

What Do I Need to Grow Herbs Indoors?

Sun, water, and soil are the key ingredients for happy plants. However, how much water and sun each plant requires is dependent on the variety. Oregano, parsley, rosemary, and mint love strong light (or, in some cases, moderate light). Other herbs—like basil–need sunny placement, too.

For plants that need strong sunny rays, locate your indoor garden in a room where sunlight is optimal. If there isn’t a place where the sun will shine directly on plants that need the light, then you might opt for a grow light.

Watering needs may be unique to each herb; research all plants so you know how much water to provide and how frequently you need to provide it. Watering too much or not enough could cause your plants to wilt or die. The benefit of an indoor garden, though, is that you may save money on watering, as you won’t be dependent on using sprinklers (which can get costly!).

How Do You Grow Herbs Indoor All-Year Round?

Our homes remain a fairly consistent temperature throughout the year, although this depends on the area. During the winter, the thermostat may drop to 68 degrees, but in the summer our indoor temps may be adjusted closer to 80.

Plants thrive in different temperatures. According to Gardeners.com, “Rosemary tolerates hot, sunny, dry locations in the summer months, but prefers cooler temperatures (40 to 65 degrees F) in the winter, as long as the light is strong.” If you’re concerned about how your plants will thrive indoors, talk to a gardening expert at your local nursery.

How Do I Start an Indoor Herb Garden?

You might only use certain herbs in your recipes or meals. The best way to decide on how to start an indoor herb garden is to evaluate what herbs you actually use. The smell of mint might be refreshing, but it might not be the best herb for your garden if you never plan to use it.

If you’re completely unsure what herbs are useful for certain dishes, here’s a bit of a cheat sheet for each indoor-compatible herb:

Basil

This is a favorite herb for dishes like margherita pizza (basil, tomato, and mozzarella), pesto, and, lots of pasta recipes (use it in spaghetti and lasagna), and toss it in some soups, too!

Bay Laurel

The bay leaf is dropped into many recipes for added taste and dimension. Soups and stews commonly call for bay, and Taste of Home breaks down why this little leaf is an important ingredient for these warm comfort foods.

Chives

Sour cream and chives! So good on baked potatoes and for creating the perfect dip for chips. Use chives to top soups, too!

Perfect for adding a refreshing zest to tea, topping desserts, drinks (the Mint Julep) and more!

Oregano

Most of us add oregano to pasta sauces to add flavor, but MasterClass states that this herb also is used in olive oil dishes, too.

Parsley

This herb is more than just that cute garnish to make a dish look pretty and finished. The Cooking Channel notes that this herb has a “slightly peppery” flavor and offers a list of recipes that call for pops of parsley.

Rosemary

Add rosemary to pot roasts, chicken, potatoes and more. The herb has a unique and distinct flavor that can elevate even basic dishes. Just don’t add too much…a little does go a long way!

Thyme

You can add thyme to many dishes, per Taste of Home, which includes a list of 30 recipes that call for thyme. Meats, veggies and even fruit can be elevated with a little thyme!

Growing an indoor garden allows you to embrace self-sufficiency and rely less on the availability of store offered products (which may still be in low supply). Herbs may be an easy option for those who are new to gardening. Many herb varieties can be grown indoors, but it’s important to research water, soil and sunlight needs to ensure that they thrive…and survive. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a gardening expert at your local nursery if you have questions about starting your garden or need help finding the right supplies.

Low temperatures during Fall and Winter can wreak havoc on your outdoor herb garden, especially if you live in an area that sees temperatures drop below 40 degrees.

The good news is that there are plenty of herbs you can grow indoors, and growing herbs in water requires very little maintenance.

This means you’ll be able to enjoy fresh herbs all year round without having to drive to the grocery store to get them!

You’ll save money in the long run, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to grow your favorite herbs.

Herbs That Grow In Water

You can grow delicious and medicinal herbs in a jar or vase that contains nothing more than water. You won’t need any soil, just a little H20. Plus, you’ll always have fresh, organic, and nutritious herbs at your disposal for making delicious and healthy vegan recipes.

The following herbs will all keep growing for months when you place them in water:

Growing herbs in water isn’t complicated . Just follow a few simple steps and you’ll be set for all of Winter, or for the entire year if you prefer to grow them this way.
Let’s get down to business:

1. Pick out the best and healthiest herb stems from your garden, and cut them at about six inches in length. Make sure to use sharp scissors to ensure a clean cut.

If you don’t have a garden, you can use the herbs that are sold in the refrigerated produce section of the grocery store. Simply snip off a small section at the bottom of the plant.

Make sure to take off all of the leaves from the very bottom of the stem – you’ll want the stem to be naked when it hits the water, it’ll help it grow faster.

2. Place your herb cutting in a jar or bottle that contains 1 to 2 inches of water. It’s important to note that the actual roots of an herb do not do well with direct sunlight. Remember, roots grow under the soil, so they need to be protected from the sun.

You can accomplish this by placing your herb cuttings in a dark container that blocks the light, and also has a narrow enough tip to support the herb and keep it upright. Blue tinted mason jars are perfect for this.

3. Find a room in your house that gets plenty of sunlight. Since the herbs themselves need to be exposed to sunlight in order to grow, you will need to place the container, vase, or jar near a window.

The herbs will need around 6 hours of sunlight a day.

You can expect your herbs to begin growing roots in about two weeks, though the time can vary for each herb. Make sure to replace the water once a week to avoid mildew growth.

4. Move the herbs away from the window at night during an especially cold night, as the cold can harm or even kill your plant.

5. Harvesting. You’ll know when it’s time to harvest your herbs when you see several tiers of leaves growing from your cutting.

Aim to tear leaves that are directly above another tier of leaves, as this will ensure that new leaves will grow and replace the ones that were cut.

That’s it! That’s all there is to it. I hope this post made you realize that growing herbs is not as high-maintenance as you might have thought!

Plus, all of these herbs can be replanted in soil once the weather gets warmer, as long as you’ve given them the nutrients they need.

If you prefer to grow your herbs in a pot of soil, check out this post I wrote about how to grow herbs in containers. This method if perfect for people who live in an apartment and don’t have any outdoor garden space.

With the right tools and supplies, anyone can have access to the plants they need to live a healthier, greener lifestyle!

Keep these plants on a kitchen windowsill to take your cooking to the next level.

Add that just-picked taste to your meals — even when snow is drifting up against the kitchen window — by growing herbs indoors all year long. You won’t even need special any special equipment as long as you give them plenty of water and sunshine.

How to Grow Herbs

As a general rule of (green) thumb, place your herbs in a spot that gets at least six hours of sun daily. To test the strength of sun, Bonnie Plants suggests that you turn off all lights on a sunny or partly sunny day, and periodically check to see how natural sunlight there is.

In addition to sunlight, all herbs need to be planted in pots with good drainage. If you’re concerned that the drainage holes will ruin your tabletop or windowsill, use a saucer or liner to catch any excess water. For specifics on watering and sun exposure, follow this guide.

Basil

Start basil from seeds and place the pots in a south-facing window; it likes lots of sun and warmth.

It’s a perennial that does best using the container gardening method. Place the pot in an east- or west-facing window, but be sure it does not get crowded. Bay needs air circulation to remain healthy.

Chervil

Start chervil seeds in late summer. This herb, also called French parsley, grows well in low light but needs temperatures between 65 degrees and 70 degrees to thrive.

Chives

At the end of growing season, dig up a clump of chives from your garden and replant it in a pot . Leave the pot outside until the leaves die back. In early winter, move the pot to your coolest indoor spot (like your basement) for a few days. Then place it in your brightest window.

Oregano

Your best bet is to start with a tip that has been cut from an outdoor oregano plant. Once you’ve then planted that tip in a pot, place it in a south-facing window.

Parsley

You can start parsley from seeds or dig up a clump from your garden at the end of the season. Parsley likes full sun, but will grow slowly in an east- or west-facing window.

Rosemary

Start with a cutting of rosemary and keep it in a moist soilless mix until it roots. It grows best in a south-facing window. Expect your kitchen to smell fresh throughout the cooler seasons thanks to the pungent scent of this herb — it acts like a natural air freshener !

Take a tip that was cut from an outdoor plant to start an indoor sage plant. It tolerates dry, indoor air well, but it needs the strong sun from a south-facing window.

Tarragon

A dormant period in late fall or early winter is essential for tarragon to grow indoors. Pot a mature plant from your outdoor garden and leave it outside until the leaves die back. Bring it to your coolest indoor spot for a few days, then place it in a south-facing window for as much sun as possible. Feed well with a liquid fertilizer.

Thyme

You can start thyme indoors by either rooting a soft tip that was cut from an outdoor plant or digging up and repotting the entire thing. Thyme likes full sun but will grow in an east- or west-facing window.

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Learn how to grow herbs in containers—and which herbs grow best in pots. Grow several different types together and you’ll enjoy fresh pickings time and again. A herb planter looks gorgeous and makes a unique, personal gift for your gardening or cooking-obsessed loved ones.

How to Grow Delicious Herbs in Containers

Many herbs are are low maintenance plants that will grow well in containers. They can really transform your cooking, so they’re well worth growing. Herbs will look fantastic growing in any style of container, from terracotta pots and urns to galvanized tubs and wicker-framed planters.

Grow a single herb or type of herbs in a container, or grow several together in a large planter. Mint is ideally suited to being grown on its own in a pot because it is very vigorous and tends to spread and overwhelm other plants.

When growing herbs together, make sure they are suited to the same growing conditions. For instance, drought-tolerant Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, lavender and thyme need plenty of sun and very well-drained potting soil, while chives and parsley will be happy together in a shadier spot.

Plant Up a Herb Container

Make sure your container has drainage holes in the base. If not, you’ll need to drill some. Position two or three broken pieces of pot over the drainage holes to stop the potting soil from washing out, then add your potting soil. As you fill, you can mix in a few generous handfuls of grit or fine gravel to aid drainage.

With your herbs still in their pots, take time arrange them on top of the potting soil. For the best effect place creeping or trailing herbs to the front and taller herbs to the back or middle of the container, with bushier plants in between. Once you’ve decided where you will position your herbs, remove the plants from their pots and place them back onto the potting soil. Add more potting soil around the rootballs of the herbs, firming it in as you fill, then water the pot to help settle them into position. The level of the potting soil will sink once you’ve done this, so you may need to top up with a little more potting soil.

You can leave the planted container as it is, or you could finish the display off with a moisture-retaining mulch of gravel, pebbles or shells. Raise the container off the ground to ensure good drainage, for instance by placing it onto large pebbles, bricks, or purpose-made pot feet.

Looking After Your Potted Herbs

Different herbs have different watering needs. Fleshy-leaved herbs like parsley and basil need regular watering, while drought-tolerant aromatic herbs with smaller leaves such as rosemary or thyme need little water once established. Water your herbs with an organic liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season to encourage them keep producing plenty of leaves for you to pick.

If winters are harsh where you live, wrap pots in bubble wrap or burlap stuffed with scrunched-up newspaper or straw to help prevent the roots from freezing solid. You could also move containers under cover, for example into a greenhouse.

Remember to pick your herbs regularly. Regular picking will stimulate the plants to produce lots more shoots, keep in you in a steady supply of delicious fresh herbs!

Enjoy this? If you wish to garden this year, check out our easy and fun Almanac Garden Planner!

Growing your own herb garden in your home or yard is a good project that also makes food taste better.

Rosemary is one of the easiest herbs to grow, dry and use.

If you’re spending plenty of time at home while under self-quarantine during this coronavirus outbreak , I have the perfect at-home project for you: Plant some herbs. They grow well indoors and outdoors, they’re cheap to grow and it gives you — and maybe the kids — something to do other than endlessly scan the news and stare at Netflix (although here are other fun things you can do ).

Plus, a hit of fresh basil or rosemary on your pasta, poultry, roasted meats and veggies will punch up the flavor on any dish. Growing your own herbs isn’t difficult. All that’s required are proper materials, planting pots and a workable plan.

And remember, if you can’t or don’t want to go to the store, you can order pretty much everything you need online. Here’s what you need to do.

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Step 1: Pick some pots

One huge appeal of a home-grown herb garden is it’s always ready for action. Need to spice up that pasta or chicken roast? Just grab a few leaves of basil, sage or a sprig of thyme. With a pot, you can place your herbs in convenient locations, like on your porch, your deck or your kitchen counter.

The material of your container can vary. Clay, wood, resin and metal are all options. What’s most important is that it provides enough drainage. Any pot or planter you use must let excess water escape, which is why most planting container bottoms have holes in them.

Mason jars are pretty to look at, but they don’t make the best herb gardens. Without proper drainage, your herbs will eventually experience root rot.

Pick a container that matches the size of the herbs you’ll grow. Choose something too large and your plants will spend excess energy growing their roots. A cramped planter will cause your herbs to become root-bound (in other words, pot-bound). That’ll hamper their nutrition, stress them or even kill them.

Flat leaf parsley is easy to grow and has lots of flavor.

Step 2: Choose your herbs

If this is the first time you’ve tried growing herbs, start simple. Parsley, mint and basil are good options for pot-growing. They all tend to grow prolifically and don’t mind frequent harvesting. Here are some examples of staple herb varieties and their characteristics.

Basil

Relatively easy to grow, basil prefers sunny locations. It also does best in rich soil that’s well-watered.

With an aggressive growth rate, mint is best in its own container and above ground. It can handle shade but it’s better suited to strong sunlight.

Oregano (Greek)

This herb has small and flavorful leaves. It requires full sunshine and lots of drainage. Greek oregano is also a tender perennial that you’ll have to bring inside during winter months.

Parsley (flat-leaved)

Chefs prefer flat-leaved parsley over curly since it has more flavor. Parsley does best in moist, well-drained soil and can grow in partially shaded areas.

Thyme

This herb has heavily scented leaves and prefers less water. You do need to give thyme exposure to full sunlight and well-drained soil.

Rosemary

The resinous leaves of rosemary are highly aromatic. The herb requires cool climates with plenty of sun and moist (not wet) soil. It’s also best to bring rosemary indoors for the winter.

Step 3: Forget seeds, use starter plants

Unless you’re an experienced gardener, use starter plants for your herbs. This will save you two to three weeks of grow time and increase your chances of a successful harvest.

Step 4: Get the right soil

When it’s time to plant, use potting soil — not garden soil. Potting soil drains water more effectively. The former is lighter and porous, while the latter is dense and traps (or blocks) moisture inside containers. If you don’t have one, pick up a garden trowel. They’re good digging holes, handling soil and removing weeds when necessary.

Don’t forget to water your herbs regularly.

Step 5: Care and harvesting

It takes constant, regular care for herbs to flourish. That means you must water them on a consistent schedule. You’ll need to harvest them often, too, since this primes them for new growth. Just be sure to match any treatment of your herbs to their specific variety.

Aromatic herbs adapt very well to all kinds of soils and environments, so they’re a great choice to grow at home. You’ll be able to use aromatic herbs in the kitchen, making your dishes richer and tastier, and to use them as natural remedies for all kinds of illnesses and pains. Moreover, you’ll be able to enjoy their scent!

Whether you have a garden or you plant them in pots, this oneHOWTO article will be very useful to learn how to grow aromatic plants at home.

How to grow rosemary at home

Rosemary is an aromatic herb that has many beneficial properties. It’s a kitchen favorite to enhance roasts and stews, and it’s also used as a mosquito repellent and to give a delightful scent to cupboards and drawers.

This aromatic plant is easy to sow and grow at home, in pots or as a bush. It requires little care and adapts to all kinds of weather and environments, although it’s true that rosemary prefers dry and hot temperatures. In order to learn more on how to care for rosemary, take a look at our article.

How to grow thyme at home

Thyme is a very popular natural remedy for plenty of ailings. This evergreen shrub has been used from ancient times to give flavor, to burn and create pleasant scents and ease sleep. Thyme grows best on sunny and dry soil, like in the Mediterranean area. This aromatic herb can be grown at home, in a pot or directly on the soil of our garden – it doesn’t require much care, and it grows very fast.

If you want to enjoy all the properties of this plant, take a look at our article on what are the properties of thyme?

How to grow oregano at home

Oregano is an incredibly popular condiment for many kinds of dishes, from pasta and salad to fish and meat; it can easily be found in most supermarkets and local stores, already dried, crushed and ready to use. However, it will be way tastier if it is homegrown.

Oregano is a very resilient aromatic herb, and growing it at home is not complicated at all – it is sure to grow strong and healthy. Here you can learn how to grow oregano from seed.

How to grow aromatic herbs indoors

While thyme, rosemary and oregano will grow indoors, some aromatic herbs grow better inside than others. In this article you can find a guide of the best aromatic houseplants. It includes:

• Basil: This aromatic herb is the base of pesto, a very popular condiment for pasta and salads. It requires direct sunlight and frequent watering, and must be replanted each year.

• Parsley: Another kitchen favorite, it is at its best when freshly cut from the plant. It only requires a small pot, frequent watering and good doses of sunlight.

• Mint: Not only it makes desserts and tea delicious; it’s also used in natural remedies and it keeps ants and other common plant pests away. It can be planted at any time of the year.

• Spearmint: Very similar to mint, spearmint is used in herbal teas and to make cocktails – it’s the main ingredient in the classic mojito. It adapts well to all climates, requiring light and lots of humidity.

• Lavender: Another popular Mediterranean plant, lavender is resilient and adaptable. It’s used for many things, from perfumes to condiments, but it’s especially used to scent drawers, cupboards and soaps. Moreover, the lavender flower – between purple and blue – is notably pretty.

As you can see, learning how to grow aromatic herbs at home will enrich your kitchen, natural remedies and decoration. Aromatic plants are a great addition to any urban or indoor garden; you only need to know how to dry them to make the most of their properties.

If you have any gardening tips or ideas, please tell us in the comments section.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Grow Aromatic Herbs at Home, we recommend you visit our Gardening & plants category.

It’s super-easy to grow herbs and chillies indoors – no garden required! All you need is a windowsill and a few top tips.

Follow our easy guide and you’ll be making home-grown basil pesto and chilli sauce in no time!

For our windowsill herb garden, we’ve gone for a mixture of soft herbs and chillies, as these tend to respond well to being indoors, and they don’t take up too much space.

If you’re a total novice, sage , chives or mint are a great place to start. These herbs are pretty resistant and should bounce back from a little over- or under-watering (but don’t take it for granted!).

Basil is a tropical plant and so can be challenging to grow in the UK. It needs a lot of sunlight to really flourish, so if you give it a go, make sure you’ve got a particularly sunny spot for it.

Finally, we couldn’t start a Jamie Oliver HQ garden without chilli plants! We’ve gone all out with Scotch bonnets. Chillies can be grown successfully on a sunny windowsill – they just might be smaller than the ones you see in the supermarket. The flavour will be epic though.

What we’ve done

You can plant herbs from seed if you feel confident, or start with young plants instead, as we’ve done with ours. If you do decide to start from scratch with seeds, then spring is the best time to do this. As you’re keeping the herbs inside, though, it doesn’t matter too much as they will be protected from any bad weather.

It’s a little easier to start with young plants than seeds, and it’s also quicker. You can either pick up young plants at a garden centre, or simply start with pots of herbs from the supermarket.

Thinking about pots

We’ve used upcycled containers, and you can really get creative with this. Anything that’s sturdy and opaque will work – roots don’t like daylight. They’re also great for decorating and customising with kids.

We’ve chosen a mix of yoghurt pots, egg boxes, tin cans, and even cardboard drinks cartons. Think outside the box! Try not to re-pot a plant too often, as it can be stressful for them – yep, plants get stressed out too!

Spend the first few weeks working out how often your plants need watering. This will depend on how warm it is, the humidity, how big or small the plant is.

It’s a good idea to check on the plants every morning. Lift up the pots to feel if they’re heavy (which means there’s still a good amount of water in the soil), and feel the soil to see if it’s dry or not. Over time, you’ll be able to recognise when they need a drink.

Once established, your plants might need to move to bigger pots as they grow, so that the roots have enough space. Bigger pots are also good for drainage so that your plant doesn’t get waterlogged.

Take your chosen pot and make some drainage holes in the bottom of it (if it doesn’t have them already) – it’ll need about 3 to 5 holes, depending on the size of the pot. The easiest way to do this is with a screwdriver or a drill, and sturdy kitchen scissors will do the job with upcycled packaging and boxes – just watch those fingers!

Carefully place the plant into the new, larger pot and add loose soil around the edges to fill the pot.

Feeling inspired? Check out the Vegepedia for loads of tips, tricks and veggie recipes.

How to. grow herbs

If you’re new to gardening, herbs are a great way to start. You can grow them with very little space, in pots, window boxes or growbags, and keep cutting and coming back all season. A good trick for planting seeds is to cut a loo roll tube into 5cm (2 inch) sections, place in a tray and fill each one with compost – instant modules. Many herbs can be sown in April and kept in a sheltered spot to protect from frost, or even inside the house. Plant out or pot up seedlings in May, either into a bed or large pot.
There are few things in life as good as herbs, grown by yourself at home, and having them to hand can really step up your cooking. Here is a quick guide to some of our favourites and how to get growing!

BASIL – FROM SEED
Everyone loves basil – Ollie, our Group Head Kitchen Gardener loves it so much that it’s his son’s middle name. Sow seeds in spring and pot out in May into rich, composty soil. Keep well-watered and fed. Make sure you nip out the leaves at the top to encourage it to bush out. Keep harvesting and it should get you through the whole summer. Perfect for home-made pesto!

ROSEMARY – FROM CUTTINGS
Plant in spring. Don’t let it get too leggy – keep harvesting throughout the summer but don’t cut into the woody growth. Rosemary is a perennial, so it will survive the winter, and it tolerates dry soil so it doesn’t need too much watering. We love using rosemary as a garnish for a cocktail or to infuse vodka!

MINT – FROM CUTTINGS
Another easy one. Keep it in a pot, though, or it’ll take over your garden. It’s perennial – it dies back in winter and grows back from its roots in spring. We have 20 varieties at THE PIGs. We especially like apple mint, which we use in our signature mocktail. Make your own Applemint mocktail.

CORIANDER – FROM SEED
Follow the same drill as basil. Once frost has passed, pot out in May. As with all these herbs, cut and it’ll come back, but make sure you leave a bit of new growth and some stems at the base of the plant.

LEMON VERBENA – FROM CUTTINGS
A lovely, fragrant plant, it grows similarly to rosemary. Keep cutting throughout the summer by nipping off soft growth. It’s perennial, so should survive the winter, but bring inside if it’s very frosty. Why not try our Lemon and Lime Basil Posset with Lemon Verbena?

WINTER SAVORY – FROM CUTTINGS
This is one of our favourites, but it’s not quite as easily available – you’ll have to buy it online or from a good nursery. Follow the same planting advice as for rosemary; it’s also a perennial and you can keep cutting all year as long as you don’t go too hard on it in the winter. It’s one of the oldest cultivated herbs, used by the Romans and ancient Egyptians. Once you have it, it is very easy to grow and a handy alternative to thyme as it survives snow and frost. It has a strong, peppery flavour that goes well with meats.

How to. grow herbs

If you’re new to gardening, herbs are a great way to start. You can grow them with very little space, in pots, window boxes or growbags, and keep cutting and coming back all season. A good trick for planting seeds is to cut a loo roll tube into 5cm (2 inch) sections, place in a tray and fill each one with compost – instant modules. Many herbs can be sown in April and kept in a sheltered spot to protect from frost, or even inside the house. Plant out or pot up seedlings in May, either into a bed or large pot.
There are few things in life as good as herbs, grown by yourself at home, and having them to hand can really step up your cooking. Here is a quick guide to some of our favourites and how to get growing!

BASIL – FROM SEED
Everyone loves basil – Ollie, our Group Head Kitchen Gardener loves it so much that it’s his son’s middle name. Sow seeds in spring and pot out in May into rich, composty soil. Keep well-watered and fed. Make sure you nip out the leaves at the top to encourage it to bush out. Keep harvesting and it should get you through the whole summer. Perfect for home-made pesto!

ROSEMARY – FROM CUTTINGS
Plant in spring. Don’t let it get too leggy – keep harvesting throughout the summer but don’t cut into the woody growth. Rosemary is a perennial, so it will survive the winter, and it tolerates dry soil so it doesn’t need too much watering. We love using rosemary as a garnish for a cocktail or to infuse vodka!

MINT – FROM CUTTINGS
Another easy one. Keep it in a pot, though, or it’ll take over your garden. It’s perennial – it dies back in winter and grows back from its roots in spring. We have 20 varieties at THE PIGs. We especially like apple mint, which we use in our signature mocktail. Make your own Applemint mocktail.

CORIANDER – FROM SEED
Follow the same drill as basil. Once frost has passed, pot out in May. As with all these herbs, cut and it’ll come back, but make sure you leave a bit of new growth and some stems at the base of the plant.

LEMON VERBENA – FROM CUTTINGS
A lovely, fragrant plant, it grows similarly to rosemary. Keep cutting throughout the summer by nipping off soft growth. It’s perennial, so should survive the winter, but bring inside if it’s very frosty. Why not try our Lemon and Lime Basil Posset with Lemon Verbena?

WINTER SAVORY – FROM CUTTINGS
This is one of our favourites, but it’s not quite as easily available – you’ll have to buy it online or from a good nursery. Follow the same planting advice as for rosemary; it’s also a perennial and you can keep cutting all year as long as you don’t go too hard on it in the winter. It’s one of the oldest cultivated herbs, used by the Romans and ancient Egyptians. Once you have it, it is very easy to grow and a handy alternative to thyme as it survives snow and frost. It has a strong, peppery flavour that goes well with meats.