Growing your own herbs at home is a rewarding way to enhance your cooking while saving money. Fresh herbs add vibrant flavors and aromas to your dishes, making even simple meals taste special. They’re also packed with nutrients and cost much less than store-bought options.
You don’t need to be an expert gardener to grow herbs successfully. Many varieties are surprisingly easy to care for, even if you’re just starting out. Whether you have a spacious outdoor garden, a small balcony, or just a sunny windowsill, there’s an herb that will thrive in your space. With minimal effort, you can enjoy the satisfaction of snipping fresh herbs for your kitchen creations year-round.
In this article, we'll cover
1. Mint
Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow in your kitchen garden. It grows so well that you might need to keep it contained to prevent it from taking over your garden!
Several types of mint are available, including spearmint, peppermint, and chocolate mint. You can plant mint in early spring and enjoy harvesting it throughout the growing season.
Mint will go dormant during winter but returns strong in spring. This hardy herb is perfect for beginners and adds fresh flavor to drinks, desserts, and savory dishes.
2. Basil
Basil is one of the most popular herbs to grow in a kitchen garden. You can choose from about 150 different varieties to suit your taste preferences.
This herb features broad, shiny leaves with slightly jagged edges. It’s a low-maintenance annual plant that grows well in containers or garden beds.
You can grow basil year-round on your kitchen windowsill with proper care. It adds fresh flavor to many dishes, especially Italian cuisine.
3. Oregano
Oregano is a fantastic herb for beginner gardeners because it’s very hardy and grows well with minimal care. You’ll find it’s one of the most rewarding herbs to have in your kitchen garden.
Greek oregano is known for its intense flavor, making it perfect for Italian and Mediterranean dishes. Once established, this perennial herb grows quite prolifically, so one plant will provide plenty for your cooking needs.
You might want to start with a small transplant rather than seeds for quicker results. In summer, oregano produces tiny white or mauve flowers that add a touch of beauty to your garden.
4. Thyme
Thyme is a super easy herb to grow in your kitchen garden. It’s forgiving and doesn’t demand much sun or space. With about 150 varieties available, it adds a robust, earthy flavor to many dishes.
You can use thyme in beans, chilis, and seasoning bases. It pairs well with oregano, sage, and savory herbs. Like other perennial herbs, it’s best to start with a transplant rather than seeds.
5. Rosemary
Rosemary is one of the easiest herbs to grow at home. This fragrant herb thrives in containers, making it perfect for kitchens and patios.
You can bring rosemary indoors during winter in cold climates. It doesn’t need much water – actually, overwatering is its enemy.
Plant rosemary seedlings in early spring if they’re under natural sunlight. This hardy perennial is a “plant and forget” type of herb that will reward you with aromatic leaves for your cooking.
6. Chives
Chives are one of the easiest herbs to grow at home. They produce bright green, slender leaves with a mild onion flavor that’s perfect for garnishing dishes.
You can grow chives from seeds or by dividing existing plants. They don’t need much attention and will come back year after year.
Chives do well on a sunny windowsill or in your garden. They even produce pretty purple flowers that are also edible!
7. Parsley
Parsley is a versatile herb that’s perfect for beginners. You can choose between flat-leaf (Italian) parsley, which is preferred for cooking, or curly parsley, which makes a pretty garnish.
This biennial herb is packed with vitamins A and C, making it nutritious as well as flavorful. Parsley helps with digestion and adds a fresh taste to many dishes.
You can grow parsley from seeds or starter plants in moderate to bright light. It doesn’t take up much space and can thrive indoors near a sunny window.
8. Cilantro
Cilantro is a pungent herb with a taste like parsley mixed with citrus. It’s popular in Mexican cooking and grows well from seeds.
You can expect cilantro seeds to sprout in about 10-15 days. For a steady supply, plant new seeds every 3-4 weeks as long as temperatures remain moderate.
Cilantro grows nicely alongside other herbs with similar needs, such as basil, parsley, and chervil. They all enjoy full sun and regular watering.
9. Sage
Sage is a tough herb that’s hard to kill. You can grow it in full sun or partial shade. This pretty plant has gray-green leaves and a strong, earthy flavor.
Sage is perfect for beginners because it doesn’t need much attention. It can grow well in pots or in your garden.
You’ll love using fresh sage in stuffing, with poultry, or in pasta dishes.
10. Spearmint
Spearmint is one of the easiest herbs to grow in your kitchen garden. It grows so well that you might need to keep it in a pot to stop it from taking over your garden!
You can start spearmint seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. The tiny seeds do best in peat pots where you can control the environment.
Plant your spearmint in early spring and you’ll enjoy fresh leaves all season. The plant goes dormant in winter but returns strong the following spring.
11. Peppermint
Peppermint is one of the easiest herbs to grow in your garden. It’s actually so easy to grow that you might need to contain it so it doesn’t take over your entire garden!
You can plant peppermint in early spring for a harvest that lasts all season. It will go dormant during winter but will come back strong the following spring.
Peppermint can be used in teas, desserts, and even savory dishes. It’s refreshing and adds a cooling sensation to any dish you use it in.
12. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a super hardy herb that’s perfect for beginners. It has a lovely citrus scent and flavor that makes it great for teas and adding to salads.
You can easily grow lemon balm from seeds, cuttings, or by dividing mature plants. It’s quite tolerant of different conditions and can handle heat and some drought.
Your kitchen windowsill is an ideal spot for growing this mood-boosting herb. The fresh leaves can be used in cooking or brewed into a delicious tea that supports your immune system.
13. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a tropical herb that adds a fresh, citrusy flavor to Asian dishes. You can easily grow this tall, grass-like herb in your kitchen garden.
If you live in zones 10-11, you can grow lemongrass as a perennial in the ground. In colder areas, you’ll need to grow it in pots and bring it indoors for winter.
This herb loves heat and sun. Plant it in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. It can grow up to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide, making it a striking addition to your garden.
14. Marjoram
Marjoram is a delightful herb that’s perfect for your kitchen garden. It has a mild, sweet flavor similar to oregano but gentler, making it great for meats, soups, and sauces.
You can grow marjoram in full sun with well-draining soil. It does best in loose, sandy or loamy soil that doesn’t stay wet.
In warm climates, marjoram grows as a perennial. If you live somewhere with harsh winters, you’ll need to grow it as an annual or bring it indoors.
You can harvest marjoram leaves often. They’re easy to use both fresh and dried in your cooking.
15. Lavender
Lavender is a gorgeous Mediterranean herb known for its calming scent and pretty purple flowers. You can easily grow it in your kitchen garden if you provide well-draining soil.
Unlike many herbs, lavender thrives in drier conditions. Make sure not to overwater it, as too much moisture can cause root rot.
Besides its beauty, you can use lavender in cooking, potpourri, or homemade sachets. It adds a lovely floral flavor to desserts and teas.