6 Easy Herbs for Beginning Gardeners

I am no master gardener, especially when it comes to growing herbs outdoors. In the past they’ve either bolted too quick or not done so great. So, this year I’ve done a bit of research and have decided to grow my herbs in patio pots. I figure this will be an easy way to stay on top of their growth and change their location if needed.

There are lots of different types of herbs to choose from, but a few are especially good for beginners. Listed below are six I’ve chosen to try this year. I like them because they’re generally more hardy plants and don’t require a lot of fertilizer or special work.

6 easy herbs for beginning gardeners

Parsley

Parsley is a relatively hardy annual in zones 2-11. Both flat-leaf and curly varieties are easy to care for and don’t take a lot of extra work to grow well. They can take full sun to light shade, and need rich, moist soil that is well-drained. I’m growing the flat leaf variety. And since Parsley doesn’t do well in heat, I’ll move it to the shade once the weather starts to get hot.

Cilantro/Coriander

This annual herb doesn’t need exceptionally rich soil, and can do well in full sun or light shade. It’s easy to care for and does well in almost all zones, so I’m pretty optimistic about this one.

Chives

Chives are a perennial herb, and can grow well in almost any soil and conditions. It’s hardy in zones 3-9, and prefers full sun. Chives have a rich, oniony flavor, and does better in rich soils, but doesn’t need it to survive. Not too sure how well they’ll do in a pot, but we’ll see how it goes.

Basil

Basil is a warm-weather annual. It’s hardy in most zones, but needs full sun, very rich, moist soil, and hot, dry conditions to reach peak flavor. The only major issues with growing basil are slugs and cool conditions. So, as long as it gets enough light and heat and the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings, it shouldn’t need much extra care. I’ll keep my basil in the sunniest spot on my patio.

Oregano

Hardy in zones 5-9, oregano does well in raised beds, rock gardens, alongside roads or pathways, or just about anywhere! It needs full sun and well-drained soil, but actually does better in poor, rocky soil. I’ll keep this in a sunny spot with my basil, but won’t worry too much about fertilizing.

Thyme

Thyme is a small, shrub-like herb that requires full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It’s a perennial herb, hardy in zones 4-6, and doesn’t require much care at all. I’ll group this in full sun with my basil and oregano, and look forward to see how it does. I’m pretty optimistic about this one too.

Herbs are easy to grow

As long as you meet their needs, most of the herbs listed will be very easy to care for and shouldn’t need a whole lot of extra work. One last note; I am starting my seeds in peat pots rather than directly sowing, just to give them the best start I can. I’ll give an update on my progress later in the season.

Do you have a favorite herb I haven’t mentioned? Let me know in the comments below!

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