Growing a herb garden at home

There are more than a few benefits to growing an indoor herb garden. Firstly, there’s the satisfaction of snipping off a few self-grown fronds to throw into a pot of homemade pasta sauce, perfectly garnish a salad or add colour and taste to a cocktail. Then there’s the knowledge that you didn’t need to buy a whole bunch of whatever herb when you only needed a few sprigs. And finally a herb garden looks pretty too! What I’m saying is that we should all, space permitting, try our hand at growing a few herbs at home.

While you can simply buy herb pots from the supermarket and plant them, best results are obtained through a little foreknowledge and a trip to a dedicated plant seller. Not all herbs want to live together in glorious harmony. After some trial and error (killing a few plants is a right of passage, don’t worry) I have a few tips to give and herb garden ideas to share.

How to grow a herb garden—Six Tips for growing herbs

Wondering what to plant in a herb garden? It’s best not to start by growing everything, instead focusing on a few different ones that like to grow together and ones you know you’ll use. Have a think about which herbs you already cook with and often buy from the supermarket in bunches.

2. Head to a garden centre for a pick of the healthiest plants; the herbs in supermarkets are cheaper, but are more likely to die faster.

3. Find the best spot in your home for the pots and planters. While you may want your herbs to live in a corner that needs a bit of green, some herbs need full sunlight to thrive. I’m lucky that my windowsill herb garden gets some decent light in the mornings, keeping the plants happy.

4. Choose a pot large enough to house herbs in as they mature or seek out a dedicated herb garden planter—room to grow is important. Also, look out for drainage holes to stop any chance of overwatering, especially if they’re exposed to the elements and rain.

5. Always take cuttings from the top of the herb plant otherwise you’ll be stunting their growth at the root.

6. Prune regularly as pruning makes your herbs maintain their stage of growth and therefore grow faster. This will also keep the plant producing leaves for longer. If you have too much you can air dry them by tying a bunch together with string and hanging them upside down or dry them in the oven. Store dried herbs in tight-lidded jars for later use.

Herbs that tolerate shade

Chives, parsley, mint, cilantro, tarragon, oregano, and lemon balm

Herbs that can only thrive in sun

Basil, rosemary, dill

Grow these together in a sunny spot and drier soil, taking caution not to overwater

Sage, thyme, rosemary, oregano

Herbs that prefer high levels of moisture, making them ideal for grouping together

Tarragon, coriander, basil, and parsley

And finally be patient with your new herb garden and it’ll reward you. Use your herbs to garnish dishes, add to salads and turn into amazing dressings; chimichurri, pesto and green goddess are just some of the few I love. Happy planting!