Easy Herb Garden Starter Guide for Beginners: Step-by-Step

By Jem Hanan, Contributing Blogger

Summertime means summer sun! And a great way to ring in the season is by undertaking a new endeavor. Why not start with an herb garden? Both forgiving to beginners and providing delicious rewards, an herb garden, even if it just lives on your window sill, is a great project to kick off your summer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get started. 

Step 1: Learn About Different Herbs

Before you start planting, it’s helpful to learn a little about the herbs you want to grow. Firstly, think about what you like: do you want herbs for cooking, like basil or parsley? Or maybe herbs that smell nice or help with health, like mint or chamomile? Write down a few you’re interested in. Then, make a short list of 5 or 6 herbs that you think you’ll use often and are easier to grow. Some great beginner herbs are basil, mint, parsley, chives, thyme, and oregano.

Step 2: Find a Sunny Spot

Herbs love sunlight! Make sure to choose a plot that gets at least 6 hours of sun each day. This could be anywhere from a spot in your garden, a balcony, or even just a sunny windowsill. As long as your herbs will get that sweet, sweet sunlight. 

Step 3: Choose Pots or a Garden Bed

With herbs, you have the option to grow them in pots or directly in the ground. If you don’t have much space, pots are the perfect pick! If you do choose to plant in pots, just make sure they have holes at the bottom so water can drain out.

Step 4: Get Good Soil

Soil type is easy to overlook, but essential to a great herb garden. Herbs need soil that drains well so their roots don’t get too wet. If you’re using pots, buy a good-quality potting mix. Alternatively, you could mix garden soil with some compost and sand. 

Step 5: Pick Your Plants

You can start with seeds or small plants (called seedlings). If you want more immediate results, seedlings are the way to go, because they’re already started. They’re also more beginner friendly. However, if you want to take up the challenge and test your patience, try your hand at some seeds. There’s no wrong pick, just your goals and preferences!

Step 6: Plant Your Herbs

This step will differ depending on if you’ve chosen to plant seedlings or seeds. 

• If you have seedlings, water them before planting. Dig a hole the same size as the pot they came in, put the plant in, cover with soil, and press gently. Water again.

• If you’re planting seeds, your best bet is to follow the instructions found on the seed packet. However, usually it's just a matter of sprinkling them on top of the soil and covering lightly.
  
  

Step 7: Water and Feed Your Herbs

Consistently watering your herbs is essential to their growth. Water your herbs when the top of the soil feels dry. Don’t soak them too much—most herbs like the soil to dry out a bit between waterings. This will differ depending on which herbs you choose. You can also feed them with a little plant food every few weeks.

Step 8: Take Care of Your Herbs

Herb maintenance is also an important part of keeping your plants healthy. Pinch off the tops of your herbs regularly to keep them bushy and lush. This also stops them from flowering too soon, which can make the leaves taste bitter. Harvest your herbs often by snipping leaves to use in your everyday life!

Step 9: Problems to Watch Out For

Gardening is not an exact science, so experimentation is always necessary. However, there are some steps you can take to prevent some potential problems along the way. Here are some helpful tips: 

1. Plant herbs with similar water needs together.

2. Keep mint in its own pot because it can spread quickly.

3. Check your plants for bugs and remove any yellow or dead leaves.
   
   

Step 10: Enjoy Your Fresh Herbs!

Use your herbs in cooking, teas, or just to make your home smell great. As you get more comfortable, try growing new herbs and have fun experimenting! Starting an herb garden is easy and rewarding. With a little care, you’ll soon have fresh herbs ready whenever you need them!