How to Start an Herb Garden: A Guide to the Essentials 

There's nothing more satisfying than harvesting fresh herbs from your own garden and adding them to a home-cooked meal.  Whether you have a spacious backyard or an apartment windowsill, growing herbs is one of the most rewarding (and easiest) ways to start gardening.  In this guide, you'll learn everything from benefits of growing your own herbs to setting up your space and maintaining healthy plants. 

 Why Start an Herb Garden? 

If you're new to gardening and don't know where to start, herbs are the perfect beginner plant. They're forgiving and easy to care for, while offering a variety of uses in your kitchen and around the house.  Plus, growing herbs is a fun way to learn a new hobby and gain practical skills. 

Know Your  Herbs 

Getting to know different types of herbs and what they need to thrive is the foundation for a flourishing garden.  Think about how you plan to use the herbs and choose varieties that best fit your needs. 

Rosemary 

This evergreen perennial loves full sun and well-drained soil. Rosemary is drought-tolerant and adds a piney, aromatic flavor that's great for roasted meats, breads, and sauces. 

Thyme 

With tiny, fragrant leaves, thyme thrives in dry, sunny conditions. It's versatile in the kitchen, complementing everything from roasted vegetables to soups and stews. 

Sage 

Sage's pretty silver-green leaves prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Its earthy flavor is perfect for fall dishes, stuffings, and brown butter sauces. 

Basil 

Known for its sweet, peppery flavor, basil requires warm temperatures and consistent moisture.  It's essential for homemade pesto, Caprese salads, or adding a fresh finish to pastas and pizzas. 

Lavender 

With its distinctive scent and beautiful purple flowers, lavender needs full sun and excellent drainage.  It's perfect in teas and homemade body products thanks to its calming aroma.  

Chamomile 

Loved for its apple-scented flowers that make a soothing tea, chamomile grows well in partial shade.  Plus, the white and yellow flowers add beauty to your garden while attracting beneficial insects. 

 Creating the Perfect Growing Space 

Setting up the right spot for your herbs can make all the difference in how well they grow. Most herbs thrive when planted together in on large container instead of being separated into individual small pots. This setup helps them absorb more nutrients, keeps the soil moist longer, and makes maintenance easier. When you're picking a container, make sure it has proper drainage - herbs don't like soggy roots and can quickly suffer from root rot. 

Cold Frames 

Cold frames are basically mini-greenhouses that protect your herbs while letting in plenty of sunlight. They help extend your growing season and shelter plants from harsh weather, creating a cozy microclimate that herbs love. The Aggie Cold Frame Box is a great choice for herb gardening thanks to features like: 

Windowsill Planters 

Long windowsill planters are perfect for growing herbs indoors, especially if you have a sunny, south-facing window. An herb planter made from food-safe materials can fit easily on a windowsill and allow you to grow a variety of herbs right in your kitchen. Just make sure it has proper drainage holes to prevent soggy roots. 

Food-Grade Metal or Cedar Planters 

For outdoor spaces like patios, decks, or balconies, food-grade galvanized steel troughs or untreated cedar planters work very well. These containers are deep and wide enough for multiple herbs, provide good drainage, and are safe for edible plants. They’re also durable and can be moved to get more sun if needed.