If you’re just getting started with gardening, herbs are one of the best places to begin. They grow quickly, don’t require much space, and reward you with fresh flavor throughout the growing season.
Whether you’re planting a dedicated herb garden, filling a few containers on your patio, or tucking herbs between your vegetables, these plants are both practical and beautiful. Many herbs also attract pollinators, make excellent companion plants, and can even be preserved for later use.
Here are my favorite herbs for beginner gardeners.
1. Basil
Basil is one of the easiest and most productive herbs you can grow.
It thrives in warm weather and rewards regular harvesting by producing even more leaves.
Perfect for:
- Pasta
- Pizza
- Salads
- Pesto
- Tomato dishes
Why beginners love it:
- Fast-growing
- Highly productive
- Easy to harvest
- Excellent in containers
2. Chives
Chives are incredibly forgiving and one of the first herbs to return each spring.
Simply snip what you need, and the plant continues growing.
Perfect for:
- Eggs
- Soups
- Salads
- Baked potatoes
Why beginners love them:
- Perennial in many climates
- Low maintenance
- Continuous harvests
- Beautiful edible flowers
3. Parsley
Parsley is a versatile herb that’s easy to grow from seed or transplants.
It grows well in containers and raised beds and provides fresh harvests over a long season.
Perfect for:
- Garnishes
- Soups
- Salads
- Pasta
- Sauces
4. Cilantro
Cilantro grows quickly during the cool seasons of spring and fall.
Although it bolts in hot weather, succession planting every few weeks provides continuous harvests.
Perfect for:
- Salsa
- Tacos
- Soups
- Rice dishes
- Asian recipes
5. Dill
Dill grows rapidly from seed and attracts beneficial insects to the garden.
Its feathery foliage and bright flowers make it both useful and ornamental.
Perfect for:
- Pickles
- Fish
- Potatoes
- Salads
6. Thyme
Thyme is a hardy perennial herb that requires very little maintenance once established.
Its small leaves are packed with flavor, and the plant tolerates dry conditions well.
Perfect for:
- Roasted vegetables
- Chicken
- Soups
- Stews
7. Oregano
Oregano is another dependable perennial that thrives in sunny locations.
It’s productive, drought tolerant, and comes back year after year in many climates.
Perfect for:
- Pizza
- Pasta
- Italian dishes
- Marinades
8. Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant herb that grows beautifully in containers and raised beds.
In colder climates, it can be overwintered indoors or grown in containers that can be moved to a protected location.
Perfect for:
- Potatoes
- Chicken
- Bread
- Roasted vegetables
9. Mint
Mint is one of the easiest herbs you’ll ever grow.
However, it’s also one of the most vigorous.
To keep it from spreading aggressively, grow it in a container rather than directly in the garden.
Perfect for:
- Tea
- Desserts
- Fruit salads
- Drinks
10. Garlic Chives
Garlic chives have flat leaves and a mild garlic flavor that’s different from common chives.
They’re especially popular in many Asian dishes and are just as easy to grow.
Perfect for:
- Stir-fries
- Dumplings
- Soups
- Noodle dishes
Why Herbs Are Perfect for Beginners
Growing herbs offers many advantages:
- Take up very little space.
- Grow well in containers.
- Harvest repeatedly.
- Save money on grocery store herbs.
- Add fresh flavor to everyday meals.
- Many attract pollinators.
- Easy to preserve by freezing or drying.
They’re one of the highest-value crops you can grow in a small garden.
My Favorite Herbs to Grow
In my Maryland garden, herbs are always within easy reach because I use them regularly in the kitchen.
Some of my favorites include:
- Basil
- Chives
- Garlic chives
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Rosemary
- Thyme
I love planting herbs throughout my vegetable garden instead of keeping them in one dedicated area. They’re easy to harvest while I’m picking vegetables, and many also help attract pollinators that benefit the rest of the garden.
Tips for Success
- Give most herbs at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.
- Harvest regularly to encourage fresh growth.
- Avoid overwatering, especially Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and thyme.
- Remove flower buds from basil to extend the harvest.
- Grow mint in containers to prevent it from spreading.
- Preserve extra herbs by freezing or dehydrating them.
Final Thoughts
Herbs are one of the easiest ways to experience success as a new gardener. They don’t require much space, they’re simple to grow, and they provide fresh flavors that can elevate everyday meals.
Whether you start with a single pot of basil or create a small herb garden filled with your favorites, you’ll quickly discover just how rewarding these plants can be. They’re a wonderful introduction to gardening and a crop you’ll continue growing for years to come.
Related Articles
Continue growing your herb garden with these beginner-friendly guides.
Growing Herbs
- Why Basil Is the Best Herb for New Gardeners
- Why Chives Are an Underrated Beginner Crop
- How to Grow Basil
- How to Grow Chives
- How to Grow Garlic Chives
- How to Freeze Herbs Without Losing Flavor
- How to Dehydrate Herbs at Home
- The Best Way to Store Fresh Herbs
Beginner Gardening
- Gardening for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started
- The 4 Things Every Plant Needs to Thrive
- Beginner-Friendly Vegetables That Grow Well in Containers
- Raised Beds vs. Containers: Which Is Better?
- How to Build Healthy Garden Soil from the Start
- The Best Vegetables for Beginner Gardeners
Kitchen Garden
- Why Green Onions Belong in Every Beginner Garden
- Why Lettuce Is the Perfect First Vegetable to Grow
- Why Mini Tomatoes Are Perfect for Beginners
- The Best Crops to Grow If You Have Limited Space
- The Best Vegetables for Busy Gardeners
- Beginner-Friendly Crops That Are Worth Growing Every Year
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