How To Grow Culinary Herbs

Growing culinary herbs at home enhances cooking with fresh flavors while beautifying your living space. Whether you have a spacious garden or a small kitchen windowsill, growing and maintaining an herb garden is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

In the video above, Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook and horticulturist Carrie Kelly share their tips for curating your own herb garden at home.

Benefits of Growing Culinary Herbs

There are so many reasons to start your own herb garden:

• Freshness: Nothing compares to the fragrant taste of herbs harvested straight from your own garden. They’ll outshine any dried herb from the grocery store.
• Cost savings: Growing your own herbs is much more budget-friendly than constantly buying fresh bunches.
• Convenience: Having herbs readily available encourages you to use them more often in your everyday cooking.
• Versatility: Many herbs serve multiple purposes, from culinary to medicinal to ornamental.

Plus, by growing your herbs organically, you can avoid the pesticides and chemicals often found in store-bought varieties. And using your own homemade compost is a great way to nourish your plants while reducing waste.

Choosing the Right Herbs

Select herbs based on your cooking preferences and growing conditions. Popular culinary herbs include basil, chives, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, tarragon, and thyme.

Each has its own sunlight, water, and soil requirements, so figure out what each of your plants needs to grow ahead of time. For example, basil thrives in warm and sunny conditions with well-draining soil, while mint prefers partial shade and slightly moist soil.

Container Gardening and Herbs

Container gardening is a great option for growing herbs, even if you have limited outdoor space. Follow these steps to set up a successful herb container garden:

1. Choose a container with enough drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. There should be 3–4 inches between each drainage hole.
2. Fill your container halfway with a mix of soil, compost, and perlite.
3. Plan the layout and avoid overcrowding. Know how much lateral space each herb needs—some herbs like 3 inches of free space, others require 3 feet. Mark where each plant will go.
4. Gently remove each plant from its starter pot and loosen the roots, knocking away old or excess soil. Plant them in their designated spots, deep enough to cover their roots completely.
5. Gently water your container garden. Double-check that any excess water drains out of the planter; if it doesn’t, check that the drainage holes are unobstructed and the soil isn’t too compacted.
6. Place your container garden in a spot that gets enough sunlight to keep your herbs happy.

Be sure to group herbs with similar growing requirements together. This will prevent one plant from out-competing another for resources. Adding a layer of mulch can also help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Indoor Herb Gardening

Growing herbs indoors allows for year-round access to fresh flavors. Follow these tips for successful indoor herb gardening:

• Air circulation: Aerate your soil every few months to prevent fungal diseases.
• Humidity: Increase humidity around your herbs by placing pots on trays filled with pebbles and water.
• Light: Place herbs in a south-facing window for maximum natural light. If natural light is insufficient, supplement with grow lights.
• Temperature: Most herbs prefer temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Indoor herb gardening also allows you to enjoy the greenery and fragrances of fresh herbs during colder months. Some herbs, like cilantro, thrive better indoors because of their sensitivity to extreme heat. Regularly rotate your pots for even growth and to prevent the plants from leaning toward the light source.

Proper Care and Maintenance

To keep your herb garden happy and growing no matter its location, we recommend these tips:

• Fertilizing: Use organic fertilizer sparingly to promote healthy growth without compromising flavor.
• Watering: Most herbs prefer well-draining soil and moderate, consistent moisture. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
• Pruning: Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents herbs from becoming leggy.
• Sunlight: Provide adequate sunlight based on each herb’s requirements. Many culinary herbs need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Closely monitor your herbs for any signs of stress, like yellowing leaves or drooping, and address any issues quickly.

Harvesting and Using Your Herbs

Proper harvesting techniques help plants grow with maximum flavor. Here are some guidelines for harvesting common herbs:

• Basil: Pinch off the top leaves to encourage bushier growth.
• Chives: Trim leaves about 2 inches away from their base, like giving a haircut.
• Parsley: Cut outer stems at the base, allowing new growth from the center.

Wait until your herbs reach about 6 inches high before harvesting. Even if you’re not using them for cooking, regular pruning promotes fuller growth.

Tip: For more robust aromas and flavors, harvest your herbs in the morning when their essential oils are most concentrated.

Transitioning Herbs From Indoors to Outdoors

As the seasons change, you may want to move your herbs outdoors. Follow these steps for a smooth transition:

1. Gradually acclimate plants to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days.
2. Start by placing herbs in a shaded area for a few hours daily.
3. Slowly increase exposure to direct sunlight and outdoor temperatures.
4. Monitor plants closely for signs of stress during the transition.
5. Reverse the process when bringing herbs back indoors for the winter.

Gradually acclimate the plants to help them adjust to the new environment without shocking them. This type of transition can make or break a plant, so be patient and attentive throughout the process.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Even those with experienced green thumbs can encounter issues when growing herbs. Here are some common problems and solutions:

• Bolting: Prevent herbs from flowering prematurely by watering and harvesting regularly.
• Leggy growth: Increase light exposure and prune regularly to promote bushier growth.
• Pest infestations: Use natural pest control methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.
• Yellowing leaves: This may indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiency. Adjust watering habits and consider fertilizing.

Seasonal Care

Different seasons require different care approaches for your herbs. During the summer, be sure they receive enough water—especially during heatwaves. Shield them from excessive afternoon sun to prevent scorching.

In the winter, indoor herbs might need additional lighting because of the shorter days. Using insulating materials around the pots can help maintain soil temperature, protecting the roots from cold drafts and fluctuations in indoor temperatures.