One of the most common things I get asked is, “how do you start a garden?” My best advice for anyone who wants to start gardening but doesn’t know where to begin is simple: grow some herbs!
Starting with herbs is one of the best ways to build your confidence as a gardener. Herbs are low-maintenance, adaptable, and useful in a variety of recipes. Even if you have limited space, you can grow fresh herbs on a windowsill, balcony, or backyard garden. Plus, they enhance both the flavor and nutrition of your meals.
Some herbs are easier to grow than others, and today, I want to introduce you to four of the easiest and most rewarding herbs to grow for beginners. These herbs are perennials, meaning they will come back year after year, reducing the need for replanting. Once established, they will continue to provide fresh harvests for seasons to come.
Let’s dive into my top four picks for the best herbs for beginners!
Oregano
If you’ve done much cooking, you know oregano is a staple in many dishes, from Italian pasta sauces to Mediterranean marinades. This aromatic herb is one of the easiest to grow, making it my number one recommendation for new gardeners.
Oregano thrives in zones 5-10 and grows well in various soil conditions. It’s a hardy plant that spreads easily, making it ideal for garden beds, but it also grows well in containers if you want to control its spread. You can harvest oregano multiple times a year, drying the leaves for storage or using them fresh in your cooking.
Beyond its culinary uses, oregano has medicinal properties as well. It contains antioxidants, antimicrobial compounds, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great herb for overall wellness. If you keep chickens or other livestock, fresh oregano can be beneficial in their diet, boosting their immune health.
Oregano will establish itself quickly wherever you plant it (even in part shade). It will continue to spread throughout your garden by developing roots on any part of the plants stem that touches the ground. This makes oregano ideal for container gardening in order to keep it from spreading too much.
A great tip for growing oregano is to prune it regularly. Trimming the plant encourages bushier growth and prevents it from becoming leggy. If you let oregano flower, the blossoms are also edible and have a milder flavor that works well in teas or as a garnish.
My second recommendation of what herbs to grow for beginners is:
Chives
Chives were one of the first herbs I ever grew, and they remain one of my favorites for beginner gardeners. They add a mild onion flavor to dishes and are incredibly easy to maintain once established.
Hardy down to zones 2-3, chives grow well in both garden beds and containers, making them perfect for any gardening setup. They begin producing early in the spring and continue growing well into the fall. Regular harvesting encourages continued growth, ensuring a steady supply throughout the growing season.
In addition to their delicious flavor, chives are packed with vitamins, particularly vitamin C and vitamin K, which support overall health. The beautiful purple blossoms that chive plants produce are also edible and can be used to add a pop of color to salads.
One of the best things about chives is how easily they store. Unlike some herbs that require drying, chives can be chopped and frozen for long-term use. Simply dice them into small pieces, place them in an airtight container, and store them in the freezer—they’ll retain their shape and flavor for months.
Coming in at number 3 on my list is:
Thyme
Thyme is another must-have herb for beginner gardeners. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, particularly hearty winter recipes like soups and stews. A staple in roasted meat and vegetable dishes, thyme is a versatile addition to any herb garden.
A hardy perennial, thyme grows well in zones 2 and up, making it suitable for most climates. It prefers well-drained soil and thrives in raised beds or containers. Once established, thyme requires little maintenance, as it is extremely drought-tolerant and can survive with minimal watering.
Thyme grows to about a foot in height and can be harvested throughout the growing season. Like oregano, thyme can be pruned as needed or harvested in bulk and dried for later use. Since a single thyme plant produces a large yield, one plant is usually enough to supply a household with fresh thyme for an entire year.
My last recommendation for beginner gardeners is:
Sage
Sage is often underappreciated, but it is one of the best herbs for beginners. With its earthy, slightly peppery flavor, sage is an essential herb for roasted meats, stuffing, and rich sauces.
This hardy perennial thrives in zones 4-8 and is extremely drought-resistant. Unlike some herbs that lose potency as they mature, sage maintains its strong flavor even after flowering. Sage plants produce beautiful, fragrant purple flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies while also deterring common garden pests.
Sage grows well in containers and is an excellent companion plant in the garden. It pairs well with vegetables like carrots and cabbage, helping to repel harmful insects. One interesting use of sage beyond the kitchen is for cleansing. Dried sage bundles are often burned in a traditional practice known as smudging, which is believed to purify spaces and remove negative energy.
Honorable Mention: Mint
While not on the main list, mint deserves an honorable mention as one of the easiest herbs to grow. However, it is highly invasive and spreads aggressively, making it a better choice for container gardening.
Mint varieties like spearmint and peppermint are perfect for teas, cocktails, and desserts. They also have digestive benefits and can be used to soothe an upset stomach. If you decide to grow mint, keep it in a separate container to prevent it from overtaking your other herbs.
Getting Started with Your Herb Garden
If you’re new to gardening, growing herbs is a fantastic way to gain confidence. Here are a few essential tips to help you get started:
- Choose the Right Location: Most herbs prefer full sun, so choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
- Use Well-Drained Soil: Herbs thrive in soil that drains well. If planting in a garden bed, add compost for extra nutrients.
- Water Wisely: While some herbs like basil require more frequent watering, the ones on this list are drought-tolerant and need minimal watering once established.
- Harvest Regularly: Regular pruning encourages fresh growth and prevents plants from becoming woody or leggy.
- Consider Container Gardening: If you have limited space or want to keep herbs contained, growing them in pots is a great option.
Conclusion
Growing herbs for beginners is a simple and rewarding way to start your gardening journey. By choosing easy-to-grow perennials like oregano, chives, thyme, and sage, you can enjoy fresh flavors year after year with minimal effort. Whether you have a large garden, a small patio, or just a windowsill, these herbs will thrive and provide you with a delicious and sustainable way to enhance your meals.
I hope you enjoyed this growing guide. If you did make sure you check out the other growing guides, seed saving guides and our recipes. We are growing our website with more articles all the time, and we invite you to grow with us. If you have any questions about growing herbs or would like to share some of your knowledge with us please leave a comment below.
