How to Grow an Herb Garden (with Pictures) (2024)

Explore this Article

Co-authored byLauren Kurtz

Last Updated: February 11, 2023References

1. 1

   Choose an area in full sun. To be considered full sun, an area needs to get at least six hours of sunlight per day. If you live in an area where summer temperatures frequently rise above 90°F (32°C), choose an area that gets sun in the morning but not in the afternoon. You can also choose an area that gets filtered light, like under a large tree.

2. 2

   Make sure you have enough space. How much space you need for your herb garden will depend on which herbs you're growing. You'll need a 1ft (0.30m) to 4ft (1.2m) diameter per plant, depending on the type.

   • Rosemary, sage, mint, oregano, and marjoram all need a 3ft (0.91m) to 4ft (1.2m) diameter per plant.
   • Basil, thyme, tarragon, and savory all need a 2ft (0.61m) diameter per plant.
   • Cilantro, chives, dill, and parsley only need a 1ft (0.30m) diameter per plant.
3. 3

   Create garden barriers. Herb roots won't grow too far, but creating a barrier around your herb garden prevents other plant life – like grass – from invading. Once you've determined how much space you need for your garden, install garden barriers around the perimeter. You can use actual garden barrier or planks of wood. They should extend about 2in (5.1cm) above the ground.

4. 4

   Break up the soil to promote root growth. Use a large garden fork to dig about 12in (30cm) into the soil where you're planting your herbs. As you dig down, turn the fork slightly to loosen the soil. Loose soil allows the herbs' roots to grow and for water to get to the roots.^[1]

   See Also

   The Herb Garden: The Complete Guide for Beginners - whataboutgardening.comGrowing Herbs in the Garden: Best Herbs for BeginnersHow to design the best layout for your herb garden35+ Creative Herb Garden Ideas for Indoors and Outdoors (With Pictures)

5. 5

   Check your soil's pH and add compost if needed. Once you've loosened the soil, check the pH level using a soil test kit, available at most hardware stores. The best pH level for an herb garden is between 6 and 7. If you need to raise or lower the pH of your soil, use compost that will allow you to do that. Add about 3in (7.6cm) of compost to the top of the soil. Then gently mix the compost into the soil.^[2]

   • If you need to raise the soil pH, look for compost with oyster shell lime in it. To lower the pH, look for compost with elemental sulfur.
6. 6

   Plant your garden shortly after the last spring frost. Depending on where you live, the exact timing for planting your herb garden will vary. You should generally plant your herbs after the last spring frost.^[3]

   Advertisem*nt

1. 1

   Group similar herb types together. If you're planting a variety of herbs, group your herbs by type. They have different water requirements, and having them separated by type can make caring for them easier on you.^[4]

   • Rosemary oregano, marjoram, sage, lavender, thyme, and tarragon are “dry herbs” that need low amounts of water.
   • Basil, mint, cilantro, dill, arugula, and chives are “wet herbs” that need high amounts of water.
2. 2

   Follow the packet instructions if you're planting from seed. Each herb has different depth and diameter requirements when you're planting from seed. Check the packets of each herb you're planting, and dig holes according to the instructions.^[5]

3. 3

   Dig a hole as deep as the seedling's root ball. If you're planting from a seedling, each hole should be as deep as the root ball of the plant. The hole should also be just wide enough for the root ball to fit.^[6]

4. 4

   Remove the seedling from the container. Hold the seedling at the root ball and gently pull it from the soil. If it doesn't move, flip the container upside down and tap on the bottom of the container. This should loosen up the roots and let you remove the seedling.^[7]

5. 5

   Place the seedling in the hole and press down on the soil. Pull at the roots just a bit to loosen them up. Then place the seedling in the hole you've already dug. Fill in the rest of the hole with soil until the existing soil and the soil of the root ball are level. Then tap down on the soil to compact it a little.^[8]

6. 6

   Water the soil after you're finished planting. Once you've got all your herbs planted, water the soil well. It should feel damp to the touch. The water will help the herbs' roots take hold.^[9]

   Advertisem*nt

1. 1

   Water your herbs according to type. How often you should water your herbs will depend on if they are dry or wet herbs. Dry herbs should be watered so that the soil is damp, and then the soil should be allowed to dry completely before the next watering. Wet herbs should have soil around them that is constantly moist. Check the soil by picking a bit up and running it through your fingers. If your fingers don't feel moist, it's time to water again.

   • Dry herbs include rosemary oregano, marjoram, sage, lavender, thyme, and tarragon.
   • Wet herbs include basil, mint, cilantro, dill, arugula, and chives.
2. 2

   Harvest the plant after it's grown to at least 6in (15cm). Once your herbs have reached 6in (15cm) tall, you can start harvesting them. Use a pair of gardening scissors and cut off about 1/3 of the plant. Cutting near a leaf intersection will encourage quicker new growth.

   • You can harvest annual herbs gradually by picking a few leaves at a time, or you can harvest all the leaves at once if you plan to use them up quickly or dry them for later use.
3. See Also

   Planning to Start an Herb Garden? Read These Simple Tips First

   3

   Prune perennial herbs every fall. When the growing season for perennial herbs is over in the early fall, you'll need to prune them. This prevents your herbs from getting too woody (as opposed to leafy) and encourages new growth in the spring. Cut away about 1/3 of the growth in the fall.

   • Common perennial herbs include rosemary, oregano, marjoram, thyme, sage, chives, lavender, lemon verbena, mint, and tarragon.
4. 4

   Treat your herbs for insects. Different herbs will attract (and repel) different types of insects. The exact type of herb and insect will influence the treatment, but most pests can be taken care of with insecticidal soap or an organic insecticide.^[10]

   Advertisem*nt

1. 1

   Choose a sunny spot with at least four hours of sun per day. Windows that face south or southwest are usually best, but you can also choose windows that face east or west. A kitchen window with a good-size ledge that gets four hours of sunlight per day is ideal, since it also keeps your herbs out of the way and reduces the chance that they'll fall.^[11]

2. 2

   Use glazed or plastic pots with good drainage. If the pots don't have a place for excess water to drain, you risk flooding and drowning your herbs. You can find pots specifically for herbs at most home improvement and gardening stores or online.^[12]

   • Don't use clay pots for indoor herb gardens. They can dry out quickly, and if you're growing your herbs indoors in winter, they can ruin the soil and your herbs.
3. 3

   Place the pots on a saucer to collect water. Some herb pots will come with drain pans to catch excess water. If the pots you choose don't, you can use saucers or liners to catch the water and protect the surface of your windowsill.^[13]

4. 4

   Fill your pots with an indoor potting mix. The indoor mixes will have all of the nutrients your herbs need, without you having to add compost or fertilizer. Fill the pots with the potting mix, leaving about 1in (2.5cm) between the top of the soil and the rim of the pot. Don't press down on the soil – your herbs' roots will need plenty of room to put down roots.^[14]

5. 5

   Place a different seed or seedling type in each pot. Once your pots are prepared, plant one seedling per pot. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball of the seedling, then place it in the pot and tap down the soil at the top to compact it.^[15]

   • If you're planting from seeds, follow the instructions on the packets for planting. How many seeds and how deep they should be planted in the pot will vary from herb to herb.
6. 6

   Water each pot and place them in the window. Once you've got the seeds or seedlings planted, water the pot until you see water come out of the bottom. Then place the pots on the liner or saucer in your window.^[16]

7. 7

   Check the moisture level each day and water as necessary. If you touch the soil around your potted herbs and it's dry, you need to water. You should pour water over the soil until it starts to come out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.^[17]

8. 8

   Harvest the plant after it's grown to at least 4in (10cm). Indoor herbs may not grow as quickly or as tall as herbs planted outside. However, once your herbs have reached 4in (10cm) tall, you can start harvesting them. Use a pair of gardening scissors and cut off about 1/3 of the plant. Cutting near a leaf intersection will encourage quicker new growth.

   Advertisem*nt

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question

4 votes - 100%