Growing herbs at home is a wonderful idea for many reasons. Gardening can have a therapeutic effect when you’re feeling the stresses of daily life, it can add a touch of nature to any space, and it means you’ll never be short of delicious additions to ramp up the flavor of your favorite meals.
If you think you’d like to add a herb garden to your kitchen or outdoor space, but you’re worried you’re lacking the green fingers necessary to do so, don’t worry. There are tons of easy herbs to grow in pots out there that are simple to cultivate for even the most novice of gardeners. All they need is some sunlight, water, a pot with ample drainage, and a little love and care.
So if you’d like to take your first steps toward a more beautiful kitchen space and more flavor-packed cuisine, read on to learn about eight herbs that are both simple to grow and delicious to eat.
1. Oregano
Oregano is a Mediterranean herb used often in Italian and Greek cooking. It works well with tomato-based dishes and can be added to pasta, stews, and soups for a subtle touch of Southern-European flavor.
Oregano is a perennial herb that’s easy to grow from the tip of an adult plant and does well when it’s trimmed often. One of the reasons it is popular in countries like Italy and Greece is because it does well in their dry climates, needing less water than most other plants. For this reason, it’s essential that you plant your oregano in a pot with very good drainage.
2. Chives
Chive is a spiky plant that’s a close relative of leek, garlic, and spring onion. It’s great when chopped or even cut with scissors and sprinkled over egg dishes, baked potatoes, or into a delicious dip.
Chives have a purple flower on top (which is also edible) when in full bloom. They’re known for their easy-spreading seeds, and as such should not be planted in the same pot along with other herbs. Unlike with oregano, it’s essential that the soil of your chive plant remains moist as it’s growing.
3. Mint
Mint, like oregano, is a perennial herb. It grows best in less intense light and isn’t bothered by a slightly cooler temperature. An east or west-facing window, which lets in sun in only the morning or afternoon, would be a good place for this plant.
Mint is a versatile herb that can be used in savory dishes, desserts, and cocktails. It’s common in Indian and Middle-eastern cooking and has a fresh and vibrant flavor.
4. Basil
One of the easiest herbs to grow, basil is also one of the most widely used in cooking, spanning as it does across various different cuisines, from Mediterranean to Southeast Asian. One of the main ingredients in the classic Italian dish pesto, basil is also popular in salads, on pizzas, and even in drinks, of late.
It’s as easy to harvest and cut basil as it is to grow it. Like Oregano, this herb prefers to dry out in between waterings, so drainage is important. It would do best in a south-facing window, as it’s used to warm and sunny climates.
5. Cilantro
Also known as coriander, cilantro is a zesty and vibrant tasting plant, which people tend to either love or hate. It’s popular in Mexican cooking and is often used as a garnish on top of soups, tacos, or cuts of meat.
Cilantro doesn’t require much water after it has sprouted, which makes it a pretty low-maintenance herb. Too much heat can turn the leaves bitter though, so it’s advisable to leave it out of intense sunlight, perhaps in a cooler part of your kitchen.
6. Rosemary
Rosemary is a herb that enjoys hot and dry conditions, as it comes from a semitropical-climate. For this reason, it would do well in a south-facing window. Rosemary is a herb that you will need to trim on a regular basis in order for it to reach its full potential, and not overtake your herb garden.
It’s an aromatic herb that’s often used as a natural air freshener. It goes well with potatoes, lamb, and is a staple ingredient in many Mediterranean stews. Rosemary, like oregano, is a herb that lends itself well to drying, which is great if you’ve found yourself with too much to use.
7. Parsley
Like many plants on this list, parsley is native to the Mediterranean, and like those other plants, it enjoys warm, dry conditions. Because of their similar temperaments and needs, herbs such as these can all be planted together in one pot, provided there is sufficient room for each.
Parsely is used a lot in sauces, particularly for meat and fish. It’s a staple both in Italian cooking and in many Middle-eastern dishes, as well.
8. Thyme
Thyme is a robust and resilient plant that can grow in many different conditions. Although it prefers direct sunlight, it will also grow on an east or west-facing window. Its soil should be kept moist, so it needs to be checked regularly to ensure this is the case.
Thyme is another herb that can be used fresh or dried. It works well with meats, tomato, and as a base for hearty stews and casseroles. It’s also commonly used in the preparation of roast dinners.
Find Your Own Easy Herbs to Grow in Pots Today
These are just a select few of the easy herbs to grow in pots you can add to your collection, and with a little research, it’s possible to start an entire herb garden from the comfort of your kitchen or backyard. Hopefully, this article has inspired you to take your horticultural skills to new heights. If you’d like more gardening tips and tricks, check out the rest of our content.
