Easy Herbs for Gardening Beginners: The Best Herbs to Grow at Home

Growing herbs is the perfect place to start if you’re ready to dip your toes into gardening. Why, you might ask? Herbs are incredibly easy to care for once you know the basics.

They also have multiple uses: You can use them in your cooking and to make a dull outdoor space look more lush and fresh.

Perhaps the best part about herb gardening is that herbs don’t require a lot of space to grow. This means almost anyone can grow their own herbs if they have access to sunlight.

Bring on the balcony and patio gardening!

Whether you have a small outdoor space, a patio, or just a sunny kitchen windowsill, herbs are an excellent choice for beginners.

In this guide, I’m sharing the best herbs for beginners and provide simple tips for growing them successfully.

Homegrown and aromatic herbs in old clay pots. Set of culinary herbs. Green growing sage, oregano, thyme, basil, mint and oregano.

Why Grow Herbs?

Before we dive into the best beginner-friendly herbs, let’s look at why growing your own herbs is such a great idea:

✅ Low-Maintenance – Herbs are generally easy to grow and don’t require much attention.
✅ Versatile Growing Options – Many herbs thrive in pots, raised beds, or garden spaces.
✅ Year-Round Use – You can grow herbs indoors during colder months and outdoors in warmer seasons.
✅ Better Flavor & Aroma – Fresh herbs add incredible flavor to dishes, teas, and cocktails.
✅ Health Benefits – Many herbs have medicinal properties and can be used in home remedies.
✅ Attract Pollinators – Herbs like lavender and thyme attract bees and butterflies, helping your garden thrive.

Now, let’s explore the easiest herbs to grow, even if you have little gardening experience!

Best Herbs for Beginners

These herbs are perfect for first-time gardeners because they are hardy, low-maintenance, and grow well in a variety of conditions.

1. Basil 🌱

Ideal for: Salads, pesto, pasta, and sandwiches.
Growing tips: Loves warm weather and full sun. Water regularly but avoid soggy soil.
Extra tip: Pinch off the flowers when they appear to encourage more leaf growth.

2. Mint 🌿

Ideal for: Teas, cocktails, desserts, and fresh garnishes.
Growing tips: Grows aggressively, so keep it in a container to prevent spreading. Prefers partial shade or full sun.
Extra tip: Regular harvesting helps keep mint healthy and prevents it from getting too leggy.

3. Rosemary 🌞

Ideal for: Roasted meats, potatoes, bread, and soups.
Growing tips: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant.
Extra tip: Rosemary can be grown as a perennial in warm climates but should be brought indoors in colder regions.

4. Thyme 🍲

Ideal for: Soups, stews, roasted vegetables, and seasoning blends.
Growing tips: Loves full sun and dry, well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering.
Extra tip: Thyme makes a great ground cover and can even be used in rock gardens.

5. Parsley 🌿

Ideal for: Garnishing dishes, soups, and fresh salads.
Growing tips: Grows well in partial shade or full sun. Needs consistent watering.
Extra tip: Italian flat-leaf parsley has more flavor than curly parsley and is better for cooking.

6. Chives 🧅

Ideal for: Eggs, soups, baked potatoes, and salads.
Growing tips: Perennial in most climates and easy to grow in pots. Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Extra tip: The purple flowers are edible and add a beautiful touch to dishes!

7. Oregano

Ideal for: Pizza, pasta, marinades, and Mediterranean dishes.
Growing tips: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Does well in containers or garden beds.
Extra tip: Harvest often to keep the plant from becoming too woody.

8. Cilantro (Coriander) 🌿

Ideal for: Mexican and Asian dishes, guacamole, and salsas.
Growing tips: Grows quickly but bolts in hot weather. Best planted in cooler seasons.
Extra tip: If it bolts (flowers), let the seeds dry—these are coriander seeds and can be used as a spice!

9. Lavender 💜

Lavender is one of the best-smelling and most fragrant flowers you can plant in your garden!

Ideal for: Teas, desserts, DIY beauty products, and home fragrance.
Growing tips: Needs full sun and well-draining soil. Prefers dry conditions.
Extra tip: Harvest flowers when they start to open for the best fragrance and oil content.

How to Start Growing Herbs

Starting your own herb garden is simple, even if you’re a beginner! Here’s how to get started:

1. Choose the Right Location

Most herbs love full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight daily).
If growing indoors, place herbs near a sunny south-facing window or use a grow light.
Some herbs, like mint and parsley, can tolerate partial shade.

2. Pick Containers or Garden Beds

Pots & Containers – Great for small spaces, balconies, or kitchens. Ensure they have drainage holes.
Raised Beds or Garden Plots – Ideal if you have more outdoor space. Herbs thrive in well-drained, fertile soil.
Vertical garden walls – Perfect for packing in lots of smaller pots filled with herbs

3. Use Well-Draining Soil

Herbs don’t like sitting in soggy soil. Use a potting mix with good drainage, or mix sand or perlite into your garden soil.

4. Water Properly

Most herbs prefer consistent moisture but not soggy soil.
Overwatering can cause root rot, so allow the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings.

5. Harvest Often

Regular harvesting encourages fuller growth and prevents plants from becoming leggy.
Pinch or snip the tops of the plant to promote new leaves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Overwatering – Let soil dry slightly between watering to prevent root rot.
🚫 Poor Drainage – Always use pots with drainage holes or well-draining soil.
🚫 Planting Mint in the Ground – It spreads aggressively; keep it in a container.
🚫 Not Harvesting Enough – Regular cutting encourages growth and prevents flowering.
🚫 Ignoring Sunlight Needs – Herbs need at least 6 hours of sun for optimal growth.

Starting an herb garden is an easy and rewarding way to bring fresh flavors and greenery into your home. Whether you’re growing basil for homemade pesto, lavender for relaxation, or mint for refreshing summer drinks, herbs are a beginner-friendly way to enjoy gardening.

🌿 Start small – Pick 2–3 herbs that you’ll actually use in cooking.
🌿 Experiment with growing indoors and outdoors – See what works best for your space.
🌿 Enjoy the process – Gardening is a learning experience, and herbs make it fun and flavorful!

Are you ready to start your own herb garden? Which herbs wi