Herbs for Beginners

What are Herbs?

Herbs are normally defined as leafy, green, or flowering parts of a plant, excluding vegtables. Herbs are used for garnishing food, flavoring, medical purposes or fragrence.

Spices vs. Herbs

These terms are sometimes interchangeable. Herbs are typically derived from the leafy parts of a plant, whereas spices are often derived from other parts, like seeds, bark, roots, or fruits.

Common Herbs

These 6 common herbs are often used in cooking and known for their distinct flavors and aromas.

Basil
Parseley
Mint
Thyme
Rosemary
Oregano

You don’t need to plant every single herb out there – unless you plan to become a herbalist! Just grow those you will use the most and keep them within reach so you can simply snip and flavour or garnish your dishes.

Growing Herbs

At home

To successfully grow herbs, ensure they receive ample sunlight, use well-draining soil, and water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Indoor

Choose a sunny location, such as a south-facing window, or use grow lights. Use pots with drainage holes and well-draining potting mix. Rotate pots regularly to ensure even light exposure. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth.

Sunlight

Most herbs thrive in full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight daily). If you're growing herbs indoors, place them near a sunny window or use grow lights. If you're growing herbs indoors, place them near a sunny window or use grow lights. Some herbs, like chives, chamomile, and bay, can tolerate partial shade.

Soil

Herbs generally prefer well-drained soil, as they don't like "wet feet". If you have clay soil, amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to less flavorful herbs. A slightly acidic pH (around 6.5) is ideal for most herbs.

Watering

Water herbs deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Light, frequent watering can lead to shallow root growth. Mulching can help conserve water and suppress weeds.

Planting

Container Gardening: Herbs grow well in containers, making them a great option for small spaces or areas with poor soil. In-Ground Planting: When planting in the ground, give herbs enough space to grow and avoid overcrowding. Choose the Right Herbs: Select herbs that suit your climate and growing conditions. Companion Planting: Some herbs can benefit from being planted near other plants, while others should be kept separate.