Starting an herb garden is an easy and practical way to garden. It offers maximum flexibility as you can start small with a few pots on a sunny windowsill or patio garden. It’s hard to beat the ease of walking out to your backyard for a quick snip of basil to make a flavorful pesto or harvest fresh chives for a last-minute morning scramble.
An herb garden is a perfect way to build confidence as a gardener too. You’ll get a feel for what it takes to nurture your plants from seed to harvest. So if you don’t feel ready to graduate from low-maintenance houseplants yet, trust you have what it takes to make an herb garden flourish.
If you’re still on the fence about starting an herb garden, read on to discover the seven reasons why this is one of our favorite ways to garden!
1. Hone Your Green Thumb
Suppose you have your heart set on growing your fruits and vegetables but don’t feel prepared for any ambitious gardening. In that case, an herb garden can help you build your confidence. Growing herbs in your garden is a cinch, and getting started with an herb garden kit makes it even easier.
2. Save Time and Money
Skip last-minute trips to the grocery store, and put more green in your wallet when you DIY. How many times have you picked up herbs at the store only for them to get lost in the refrigerator or spoil before you get a chance to use them? Having to throw money away stinks, but it’s avoidable with a home herb garden.
Having herbs on demand means you harvest what you need, and you never have to worry about waste. Whether that’s a sprig of rosemary to garnish a cocktail or a few basil leaves to finish a home-baked pizza, you can always grab the perfect amount.
3. Spend Time Learning in Nature
Tending your herb plants is a perfect excuse to spend more time outdoors. Turn it into an opportunity to unwind and relax — even if it’s only for a few minutes sipping coffee in the morning. Keep in mind, that a home garden is an excellent learning opportunity for kids too. Your children can learn about photosynthesis and how insects can help plants grow through pollination. Less obvious lessons, such as patience, mindfulness, and improved self-esteem, make time spent gardening with kids even more worthwhile.
4. Give Plants a Proper Foundation
When you tend your garden, you get to be in charge of the environment your plants grow in, so you can give them the best. Nutrient-rich soil is essential for your plants to grow well, so it’s wise to look for high-quality organic potting soil. Good soil can improve drainage, and with a high amount of organic matter, you can expect to see your plants thrive. To give your plants even more of a boost, consider planting your herb garden in raised beds.
5. Wave Goodbye To Chemicals and Pesticides
Having an organic garden means you get to make sure it’s organic from the ground up, and that starts with banishing chemicals and pesticides from your garden. Start by switching to more natural means of pest and weed control. Spreading mulch can go a long way in managing weeds, preventing you from resorting to toxic sprays. Pest control is simpler than you think. Insecticidal soap is easy to make at home, and releasing plant-friendly insects into your yard can keep bugs at bay.
6. Embrace Quality Food Season After Season
Enjoying higher-quality and nutritious homegrown fresh herbs starts with selecting the right seeds. When you’re picking out herb seeds, we recommend looking for the best seeds you can find. You’ll notice when you’re shopping for seeds, you have a choice between hybrid and heirloom seeds.
Hybrid seeds are a cross between two different plants and typically have better resistance to diseases and pests than heirloom seeds. The downside to hybrid plants is you can’t harvest seeds after the growing season is over, so if you find a plant variety you enjoy, you’ll have to buy more seeds next season.
Heirloom seeds are from plants and vegetables more than 50 years old, so when you choose heirloom seeds, you’ll be able to grow the same plants your grandparents did. Unlike hybrids, you can save your heirloom seeds so you can plant your favorites season after season. Before you know it, you’ll be putting together your seed packets for future gardening.
7. Garden Indoors and Out
You can grow herbs indoors and out, making them perfect for urban environments or gardening in a small space. Try and keep your indoor herb garden near windows where they can get hours of sun. If not, think about picking up some grow lights to mimic what they would be getting from sunshine. Another option is to use a hydroponic gardening system. These systems are entirely self-contained for fuss-free gardening. And since they’re indoors, pests usually aren’t an issue.
Here are some of our favorites, along with an idea of how you can use them in your kitchen adventures!
Oregano: Oregano, along with other Mediterranean herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, and sage, makes a delicious addition to pasta sauces, pizzas, soups, and stocks.
Chives: Chives are part of the allium family, so if you’re already a fan of leeks, garlic, and onions, you’ll love chives. Use freshly chopped chives as a garnish on salad or roasted vegetables.
Cilantro: Sometimes called coriander, cilantro is a must-have ingredient for fresh, homemade salsa or for adding a twist to savory ramen bowls. If you love making sauces, use your fresh cilantro in your next batch of chimichurri.
Marjoram: Marjoram makes a lovely addition to socca. These chickpea pancakes are customizable and are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Add some garlic and greens for a delicious and healthy meal.
Tarragon: With a flavor similar to licorice or fennel, tarragon isn’t for everyone. Delicious with potatoes and chicken, it’s best to wait until the end of cooking before adding tarragon to your dish. Make sure you don’t cook it too long either — otherwise, it’ll become bitter.
Lemon balm: With its lemony flavor, lemon balm is a delightful addition to any herb garden. Use it as a garnish on roasted or steamed vegetables, or make a delicately flavored herbal tea.
Lavender: Like lemon balm, you can learn how to grow lavender to make your tea, but it’s surprisingly multi-purpose in the kitchen. Lavender pairs well with poultry and makes a delicious addition to chocolate desserts and caramel sauces.
Nourish Your Family With an Herb Garden
Starting your herb garden this spring is the perfect way to grow your confidence as a gardener and learn everything you need to have a happy and thriving garden. From saving time and money to having outdoor learning adventures, tending an herb garden can be a thoroughly rewarding experience.
For more gardening tips, check out our step-by-step guide on how to grow an herb garden.
