The 15 Best Herbs To Grow And Growing Tips

If there’s one thing I recommend to every new gardener—especially if you’re short on space or time—it’s growing herbs. Herbs are forgiving, productive, and incredibly rewarding. There’s something magical about snipping fresh basil for pasta or mint for tea and realizing, I grew this.

The best part? You don’t need a huge garden or a green thumb. Many herbs thrive in pots, windowsills, raised beds, or even small balcony spaces. Once you get the hang of a few basics, herbs practically grow themselves.

Let’s walk through 15 of the best herbs to grow, why they’re worth it, and how to keep them happy without overthinking it.

Why Herbs Are Perfect for Beginners

Before we dive in, here’s why herbs are such a great place to start:

• They grow fast

• Most are low-maintenance

• You can harvest continuously

• Many repel pests naturally

• They thrive in containers

Even better, harvesting herbs actually encourages more growth, which makes them very forgiving if you make a mistake or two.

A Few Herb-Growing Basics (Don’t Skip These)

No matter which herbs you grow, these tips apply to almost all of them:

• Sunlight: Most herbs love 6–8 hours of sun

• Soil: Well-draining soil is essential

• Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry

• Harvest often: It keeps plants healthy and full

Now let’s get to the fun part.

1. Basil

Basil is a must-have if you cook at all. Fresh basil tastes nothing like store-bought—and once you grow it, you’ll never go back.

Why it’s great:

• Fast-growing

• Perfect for beginners

• Amazing flavor

Growing tips:

• Loves warm weather and full sun

• Pinch the top leaves regularly to keep it bushy

• Remove flowers as soon as they appear

Basil thrives in pots and grows beautifully indoors near a sunny window.

2. Mint

Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow—but it comes with a warning.

Why it’s great:

• Extremely hardy

• Great for tea, desserts, and cocktails

• Smells amazing

Growing tips:

• Always grow mint in a container

• Likes consistent moisture

• Tolerates partial shade

Mint spreads aggressively, which is why it’s perfect for pots but risky in garden beds.

3. Rosemary

Rosemary is a woody herb that looks just as good as it tastes.

Why it’s great:

• Drought-tolerant

• Long-lasting

• Fantastic with roasted vegetables

Growing tips:

• Loves full sun

• Needs excellent drainage

• Water sparingly

Rosemary prefers to dry out slightly between waterings, making it perfect if you sometimes forget.

4. Thyme

Thyme is small but mighty. It’s flavorful, compact, and incredibly easy to care for.

Why it’s great:

• Low-growing

• Great ground cover

• Cold-hardy

Growing tips:

• Full sun is best

• Don’t overwater

• Prune lightly to keep it tidy

Thyme is ideal for edging garden beds or growing in shallow containers.

5. Parsley

Parsley gets overlooked, but once you grow it fresh, you’ll appreciate how versatile it is.

Why it’s great:

• Packed with nutrients

• Works in many dishes

• Grows well indoors

Growing tips:

• Prefers partial to full sun

• Keep soil evenly moist

• Harvest outer leaves first

Parsley grows slowly at first, so patience pays off.

6. Cilantro (Coriander)

Cilantro can be tricky—but when you get it right, it’s worth it.

Why it’s great:

• Essential for many cuisines

• Dual-purpose (leaves and seeds)

Growing tips:

• Prefers cooler weather

• Plant successively every few weeks

• Harvest often before it bolts

Once cilantro flowers, it produces coriander seeds—which are delicious too.

7. Chives

Chives are one of the most beginner-friendly herbs out there.

Why it’s great:

• Perennial

• Mild onion flavor

• Beautiful purple flowers

Growing tips:

• Full sun to partial shade

• Water consistently

• Cut back regularly

Chives come back year after year with very little effort.

8. Oregano

Oregano is a staple herb that’s easy to grow and hard to kill.

Why it’s great:

• Strong flavor

• Thrives in poor soil

• Perennial in many climates

Growing tips:

• Full sun

• Let soil dry between watering

• Prune often

Oregano actually tastes better when slightly stressed, so don’t baby it too much.

9. Sage

Sage adds bold flavor and beautiful texture to any herb garden.

Why it’s great:

• Hardy perennial

• Silvery-green leaves

• Great for fall cooking

Growing tips:

• Needs good airflow

• Avoid wet soil

• Full sun preferred

Sage does best when left alone once established.

10. Dill

Dill grows quickly and adds fresh flavor to salads, fish, and pickles.

Why it’s great:

• Fast-growing

• Attracts beneficial insects

• Easy from seed

Growing tips:

• Full sun

• Stake if needed

• Harvest before flowering

Dill doesn’t transplant well, so plant it where it will stay.

11. Lavender

Lavender is as beautiful as it is useful.

Why it’s great:

• Calming scent

• Drought-tolerant

• Attracts pollinators

Growing tips:

• Needs excellent drainage

• Full sun is essential

• Avoid overwatering

Lavender thrives in pots with gritty, well-draining soil.

12. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm smells like citrus and grows easily—almost too easily.

Why it’s great:

• Calming herbal teas

• Fast-growing

• Hardy perennial

Growing tips:

• Grow in containers

• Partial sun works well

• Prune often

Like mint, lemon balm spreads quickly if left unchecked.

13. Bay Laurel

Bay leaves straight from the plant are a game changer.

Why it’s great:

• Evergreen shrub

• Long-lasting harvest

• Grows well in containers

Growing tips:

• Bright light

• Moderate watering

• Bring indoors in cold climates

Bay laurel grows slowly, but it’s incredibly rewarding.

14. Tarragon

Tarragon adds a subtle licorice flavor that elevates dishes.

Why it’s great:

• Perennial

• Unique taste

• Low-maintenance

Growing tips:

• Full sun

• Well-draining soil

• Avoid overwatering

French tarragon is best grown from cuttings rather than seed.

15. Fennel

Fennel is both an herb and a vegetable, making it extra fun to grow.

Why it’s great:

• Feathery foliage

• Licorice flavor

• Attracts beneficial insects

Growing tips:

• Full sun

• Plenty of space

• Water consistently

Fennel doesn’t like competition, so give it room.

Growing Herbs in Containers vs. Garden Beds

Herbs grow well in both—but containers offer more control.

Containers are great for:

• Small spaces

• Invasive herbs (mint, lemon balm)

• Indoor growing

Garden beds are great for:

• Perennial herbs

• Larger plants

• Companion planting

You can even mix and match based on your space.

Harvesting Herbs the Right Way

The key rule: never harvest more than one-third of the plant at once.

• Cut just above a leaf node

• Harvest in the morning for best flavor

• Use clean scissors or snips

Regular harvesting keeps herbs productive and healthy.

Common Herb-Growing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

• Overwatering

• Poor drainage

• Not enough sunlight

• Letting herbs flower too early

Most herb problems come from doing too much, not too little.

Herbs are confidence-boosting plants. They grow fast, forgive mistakes, and reward you with flavor, fragrance, and beauty. Whether you grow one pot of basil or a full herb garden, you’ll quickly see why herbs are such a joy.

Start small. Snip often. And most of all—enjoy the process.

 

Fresh herbs have a way of making everyday life feel a little more special.

Taking Your Herb Garden From “Trying” to Thriving

Once you start growing herbs, something funny happens—you stop seeing them as plants and start seeing them as little companions. You notice when basil looks thirsty, when rosemary wants more sun, or when mint is plotting to take over the world.

Herbs teach you how to pay attention. And the more attention you give them, the easier they become.

This next section is all about helping you move from “I hope this works” to “I’ve got this.”

Annual vs. Perennial Herbs (Why This Matters)

Understanding whether an herb is annual or perennial helps you plan better—and stress less.

Annual Herbs

These grow for one season and then finish their life cycle.

Examples:

• Basil

• Cilantro

• Dill

They grow fast and produce quickly, which makes them incredibly satisfying.

Perennial Herbs

These come back year after year once established.

Examples:

• Rosemary

• Thyme

• Oregano

• Sage

• Chives

They may grow slower at first, but they reward patience with long-term abundance.

Think of annuals as instant gratification and perennials as long-term investments.

Sunlight: The Make-or-Break Factor for Herbs

If herbs struggle, sunlight is usually the reason.

Most herbs want:

• 6–8 hours of sunlight daily

• Bright, direct light

• Protection from harsh afternoon sun in very hot climates

If your herbs are:

• Tall and floppy → not enough light

• Pale green → not enough sun

• Not growing → likely a light issue

When in doubt, move them closer to the light.

How to Group Herbs Successfully

Not all herbs like the same conditions, so grouping matters.

Mediterranean Herbs (Dry Lovers)

These prefer sun and drier soil:

• Rosemary

• Thyme

• Oregano

• Sage

• Lavender

Plant these together so you don’t accidentally overwater them.

Moisture-Loving Herbs

These enjoy consistent moisture:

• Basil

• Parsley

• Cilantro

• Mint

Keeping similar herbs together simplifies care.

Soil Secrets for Healthier Herbs

Herbs aren’t picky—but they do hate soggy soil.

What Herbs Love:

• Loose, well-draining soil

• Slightly sandy or gritty texture

• Organic matter mixed in

Avoid heavy, compacted soil. If you’re growing in containers, choose potting mix—not garden soil.

A little compost goes a long way.

Watering Without Guesswork

The best way to water herbs is by touch, not schedule.

• Stick your finger into the soil

• If the top inch is dry, water

• If it’s damp, wait

Overwatering is the most common herb killer—and it’s usually done out of love.

Pruning and Harvesting: The Secret to Bushy Herbs

Herbs love to be harvested.

When you prune:

• Plants grow fuller

• Leaves become more flavorful

• Flowering slows down

Where to Cut

Always cut just above a leaf node. This encourages branching and new growth.

If you let herbs flower too early, they put energy into seeds instead of leaves—and the flavor changes.

What to Do When Herbs Flower

Flowering isn’t a failure—it’s natural.

You have options:

• Pinch flowers to extend leaf growth

• Let flowers bloom for pollinators

• Harvest seeds for next season

Some herb flowers are edible and beautiful, especially chives and lavender.

Seasonal Herb Care (What Changes Throughout the Year)

Herbs shift with the seasons—and so should your care.

Spring

• Plant new herbs

• Increase watering

• Start light feeding

Summer

• Harvest frequently

• Watch for drying soil

• Provide shade in extreme heat

Fall

• Reduce watering

• Harvest heavily

• Prepare perennials for winter

Winter

• Protect outdoor herbs

• Bring tender herbs indoors

• Reduce watering significantly

Growing Herbs Indoors Successfully

Indoor herbs can thrive with the right setup.

Indoor Herb Tips:

• Place near a sunny window

• Rotate pots weekly

• Use well-draining soil

• Avoid cold drafts

South-facing windows work best. If light is limited, a grow light makes a huge difference.

Common Herb Problems (And Simple Fixes)

Even easy plants have hiccups.

Yellow Leaves

Possible causes:

• Overwatering

• Poor drainage

• Nutrient imbalance

Fix by letting soil dry and improving drainage.

Leggy Growth

Usually caused by:

• Low light

• Lack of pruning

Move herbs to brighter light and trim regularly.

Pests

Common culprits:

• Aphids

• Spider mites

Rinse leaves with water or use neem oil if needed.

Why Herbs Are Perfect for Small Spaces

You don’t need a garden to grow herbs.

Herbs thrive in:

• Windowsills

• Balconies

• Patios

• Countertops

Even one pot of basil can change how you cook—and how connected you feel to your food.

Preserving Herbs So Nothing Goes to Waste

Fresh herbs are amazing—but preserving them keeps the harvest going.

Drying Herbs

Best for:

• Rosemary

• Thyme

• Oregano

• Sage

Hang bundles upside down in a dry, dark place.

Freezing Herbs

Best for:

• Basil

• Parsley

• Cilantro

Chop and freeze in ice cube trays with olive oil or water.

Making Herb Oils and Butters

A fun way to preserve flavor:

• Garlic rosemary oil

• Basil butter

• Thyme olive oil

These make fantastic gifts too.

Cooking With Fresh Herbs (Use Them Confidently)

Fresh herbs are milder and brighter than dried ones.

Rule of thumb:

• Use 3x more fresh herbs than dried

Add tender herbs (basil, cilantro, parsley) at the end of cooking for maximum flavor.

Growing Herbs for Wellness and Lifestyle

Herbs aren’t just for cooking.

Many are used for:

• Herbal teas

• Aromatherapy

• Relaxation

• Pollinator gardens

Lavender, lemon balm, mint, and rosemary are especially calming and uplifting.

Why Herb Gardening Builds Confidence

Herbs teach you something important: you don’t have to be perfect to succeed.

They grow fast. They forgive mistakes. And they reward consistency—not obsession.

Every time you snip fresh herbs, you’re reminded that growth happens quietly, over time.

My Favorite Herb-Growing Lesson

The first herb I ever grew was basil—and I overwatered it, under-pruned it, and worried nonstop.

It still grew.

That’s when I realized herbs aren’t fragile. They just want a little sunlight, decent soil, and someone who pays attention.

Final Thoughts: Herbs Make Everyday Life Better

Growing herbs is one of the simplest ways to bring more beauty, flavor, and mindfulness into your daily routine.

They:

• Elevate your cooking

• Make gardening feel approachable

• Create small daily moments of joy

Whether you grow one pot or fifteen, herbs have a way of reminding you to slow down, notice details, and enjoy the process.

Start with what you love to eat. Learn as you go. And trust yourself—you’re more capable than you think.