Whether you have a large space, a few planter boxes, or a couple of terracotta pots, planting herbs is a great way to start gardening. Backyard herb gardens can bring a lot of pleasure, even for the very beginner gardener. Easy to Grow Herbs like the five listed in this article are a great place to start!
Herbs are easy to grow, pest-resistant, drought-tolerant, and deer hate them. They add a touch of color to your outdoor living space, and they are a hardy edition for families with children and pets. Plus, their enjoyment extends into your kitchen when they are added to r culinary creations as garnishes and spices.
1. Thyme
Thyme is a versatile herb that is a classic for a reason. It’s forgiving and drought-tolerant, and as long as it has plenty of sunlight it will put up with just about anything. Thyme is compatible with most herbs and is a great addition to patios, walkways, and high-traffic areas. Depending on your garden needs, there’s a variety of Thyme that will match, as it includes varieties that creep, vine, and bush. When it’s time to harvest your thyme, make this gardener’s hand scrub.
USDA Growing Zones: 5-9
Sun Exposure: Full
Soil: Loamy, well-drained
Grow herbs indoors with a beautiful herb garden from Veritable.
2. Rosemary
In need of a perennial herb that will never let you down? Rosemary is the herb you’ve been looking for! Pest and deer resistant, this herb adds a burst of beautiful blooms to your herb garden several times of the year and gives back tenfold when it’s pruned. Perfect for cooking and excellent for creating borders and hedges. Drought-resistant and easily propigated, this is one herb to add to any backyard garden that is perfect for those who like to plant it and forget about it.
USDA Growing Zones: 7-10 (and great in pots indoors)
Sun Exposure: Full
Soil: well-drained, sandy soil
3. Oregano
Easy to plant and quick to grow, Oregano is another wonderful addition to any backyard herb garden or container garden. Oregano is hardy and handles less water well. In fact, in some cases, it prefers less water, as it can be susceptible to root rot when left in containers that do not drain well. Ideal for beginner gardeners as this plant provides quick success and can be used easily in everyday cooking.
USDA Growing Zones: 4-10
Sun Exposure: Full, partial sun
Soil: well-drained, sandy, dry to medium moisture
4. Dill
Even if you are not a fan of making pickles, Dill offers so many culinary options from adding flavor to soups to salads. Dill can grow very tall and is often a wonderful herb to plant in the spring and enjoy in the early summer. Let it go to seed, and dill will return the following year without much effort. Direct seed dill when planting the first time, as it is not a fan of transplanting.
USDA Growing Zones: 9-11
Sun Exposure: Full
Soil: well-drained, rich with compost
5. Chives
With their milder onion flavor, Chives are a fun herb to grow in the garden as they are a delight to add to salads, pizzas, soups, and rice dishes. Simple to grow in a garden bed or container, and such a joy to harvest. Chives enjoy moister soil and thrive in sunlight.
USDA Growing Zones: 3-9
Sun Exposure: Full
Soil: well-drained, rich with compost
If you’re thinking about starting to garden, herbs are a wonderful place to start, and these easy-to-grow herbs won’t let you down. The above five varieties are easy to grow and do well in both in-ground and container gardens. The best part about growing your own herbs is the added culinary benefits and beauty they add to life. Enjoy planting your next herb garden!
Julia
Julia Linsteadt lives in the Sierra Foothills of Northern California on a small homestead named Little Hilltop Farm with her husband and two children. She is an art and creativity educator, budding herbalist, and mindfulness and yoga teacher in training. She enjoys helping families embrace and learn about seasonal living
I enjoyed this post so much! Of all the things to grow, herbs are my favorite. I haven’t tried dill yet, but will be sure to now!
All I need is chives! But honestly I’ve had my rosemary bushes for going on three years and it’s never bloomed like that. I wonder if only a certain type blooms? I’m in zone 6 and it’s a perennial for us as well. Great list! I actually have chive seeds I need to plant!
That’s fascinating, Julie! I always thought all varieties bloomed, however, now I must look into the specifics of the varieties. Thank you!
I need this so much! Excited to start my own herb garden this year. Thanks for the tips and ideas!
Great information! I will try dill and chives this year. Thank you for sharing!
That’s wonderful, Ada! Dill and chives are great choices to start with. They are quick to grow and you will be enjoying their delicious flavors in no time. Happy gardening!