Little work, high reward! How to plant a thriving herb garden, no experience required!

Little work, high reward. It’s just one of the reasons herb gardens deserve more attention. No green thumb required, either! Herb gardens are easy to grow and bring so many of nature’s benefits to your doorstep.

Carly Wood shares a few things to know to get your own herb garden started.

Herb gardens are beginner-friendly. They can thrive in most soils and require little water, but being easy to grow isn’t the only reason to love them. They give you tons back, so you put in a little bit of effort, you reap the big reward!

Herbs aren’t just for adding flavor in the kitchen. Many herbs serve as host plants for pollinators, providing a habitat for caterpillars and a food source for butterflies and bees. Many herbs also have medicinal properties, providing a natural remedy for various ailments.

Annuals vs. Perennials

Just like other plants and flowers, some herbs are annuals, while others are perennials. Understanding the difference is important for successful herb gardening. For example, lavender is a perennial that will return year after year, while basil, cilantro, and dill are annuals that complete their lifecycle in one growing season.

Growing Conditions

Most herbs thrive in sunny conditions, but a few can tolerate part sun and some shade. Chervil and mint, for example, can handle part shade.

You can incorporate herbs into your existing garden; they don’t require a designated garden box. Planting them with your flowers can attract pollinators to your garden.

Carly’s Favorite Herbs

Sun-Loving

• Basil: delicious for pesto, but is also a great cut flower.
• Chives: early spring herb with edible flowers.
• Cilantro: use in salsa, and the seeds in coriander.
• Lavender: dry, make sachets, or bouquets.
• Oregano: you can find different varieties of oregano to plant.
• Parsley: biannual. It will grow the first year, and seed and flower the next year.

Partial Shade

• Mint: plant mint in a container to prevent it from taking over your garden.
• Beebalm: really beautiful. Grown more for its flower.

General Care

Herbs are low-maintenance plants. They don’t need to be babied with fertilizers, excessive water, or fertile soil. As long as they get enough sun, they’re happy. Perennial herbs can be planted anytime, while annual ones should be planted at the beginning of summer to enjoy them all season.

Find more garden advice from Carly on Instagram, @thegardenspot, or at thegardenspotblog.com.