5 Easy Herbs Every Beginner Should Grow

Growing your own herbs is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to start gardening — even if you’ve never touched soil before. Herbs are fast-growing, space-efficient, and incredibly useful in the kitchen. Whether you live in an apartment or have a backyard garden, these five beginner-friendly herbs are perfect for getting started.

They require minimal care, thrive in pots or beds, and give you a steady supply of fresh flavor all season long.

1. Basil
Basil is a favorite among beginner gardeners — and for good reason. It grows quickly, loves warm weather, and adds incredible flavor to everything from pasta to salads.

Why it’s great for beginners:

Grows easily in pots or raised beds
Fast germination and harvest (in 3–4 weeks)
Pinching the tops encourages more growth

Pro tip: Harvest regularly to prevent flowering and keep the plant producing leaves.

2. Mint
Mint is one of the hardiest herbs out there — just be careful where you plant it! It spreads quickly and can take over a garden bed.

Why it’s great for beginners:

Thrives in partial sun or full sun
Grows well in containers (ideal for control)
Adds refreshing flavor to drinks, desserts, and teas

Pro tip: Grow mint in a pot to keep it from invading other herbs.

3. Parsley
Parsley is more than just a garnish — it’s packed with nutrients and flavor. It grows slowly at first, but once it’s established, it thrives.

Why it’s great for beginners:

Prefers cooler weather (spring or fall)
Can be grown indoors or out
Flat-leaf (Italian) parsley has stronger flavor than curly types

Pro tip: Soak seeds overnight before planting to speed up germination.

4. Rosemary
Rosemary is a woody herb with a wonderful aroma and long shelf life. It’s slightly slower to grow but incredibly hardy once established.

Why it’s great for beginners:

Drought-tolerant once mature
Can be grown in large pots or garden beds
Ideal for roasting, bread, and infused oils

Pro tip: Don’t overwater — rosemary likes dry feet and good drainage.

5. Thyme
Thyme is a low-maintenance, creeping herb that adds subtle flavor to many savory dishes. It’s also a beautiful ground cover!

Why it’s great for beginners:

Needs very little attention once established
Thrives in rocky, poor soil and full sun
Comes in several tasty varieties (lemon thyme is a favorite!)

Pro tip: Let it flower — bees love thyme blossoms!

Wrap-Up: Start Small, Grow with Confidence
These five herbs offer the perfect entry point into home gardening. They’re forgiving, fast-growing, and bring your cooking to life. You don’t need a large garden — just a sunny windowsill, balcony, or corner of your yard.

By growing your own herbs, you save money, avoid waste, and enjoy fresh flavor at your fingertips.

Free Download: Weekly Garden Checklist for Beginners
Want a simple system to stay on track with your herb or veggie garden?

Download our free Weekly Garden Checklist — a printable planner that helps you:

Track what to plant and harvest each week
Stay consistent without stress
Build your confidence, season after season

📅 Grab your free checklist here