Inside: Discover creative ideas for growing your own herbs at home. Get inspired by these 21 herb garden concepts that fit any space.
Growing your own herbs can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. If you have a big backyard or just a small apartment balcony, you can incorporate an herb garden into your life.
These ideas will help you bring fresh flavors to your cooking while adding a touch of greenery to your space.
Explore unique DIY projects and tips that make herb gardening fun and easy.
1. Start with a Compact Pot
Starting with a compact pot is a smart choice for your herb garden. A smaller pot makes it easy to manage and place almost anywhere in your home or balcony. It also encourages healthy growth, as herbs don’t need too much space to thrive.
Make sure the pot has good drainage. This prevents overwatering, which can harm your plants. You can find small pots in various materials like clay or plastic at your local store.
_Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Choose a pot that is at least 6 inches deep for a good root system. Herbs like basil and thyme do well in these sizes!”*
2. Try a Vertical Herb Garden
A vertical herb garden is a great way to save space while growing your favorite herbs. You can use walls, fences, or any unused vertical space to create a garden that’s both beautiful and functional.
Hang pots, use wooden pallets, or even repurpose old furniture like dressers. These ideas let you organize your herbs easily and keep them within reach for cooking.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Make sure to choose herbs that thrive in your local climate. Water them regularly, but ensure they have good drainage for the best growth.”
3. Mix Perennials like Rosemary and Thyme
Mixing perennial herbs like rosemary and thyme is a great way to add flavor and beauty to your garden. These herbs thrive together and complement each other in the kitchen.
Rosemary offers a strong aroma, while thyme adds a subtle, earthy taste. Plant them in well-drained soil and give them plenty of sunlight.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Combine rosemary and thyme for a stunning herb garden. They not only look great together, but they also make your dishes more delicious!”
4. Create a Kitchen Windowsill Garden
A kitchen windowsill garden is a great way to have fresh herbs at your fingertips. You can use small pots or even mason jars to grow your favorite herbs like basil, parsley, or chives.
Make sure your pots have good drainage and place them where they can get plenty of sunlight. Rotate them regularly for even growth.
Water your herbs when the soil feels dry. With a little care, you’ll enjoy fresh herbs while cooking.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Start with easy herbs like basil and parsley. They grow well and are useful in many dishes.”
5. Use Hanging Planters for Mint
Hanging planters are a fun and creative way to grow mint. They save space and look great on porches or fences. Plus, mint trails down beautifully, adding a nice touch to any area.
Using hanging planters keeps mint contained. It also prevents the plant from spreading too much. You can enjoy fresh mint for cooking or drinks without taking up much ground space.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Mint loves sunlight, so place your hanging planters in a bright spot. Make sure to water them regularly to keep your mint healthy and fresh.”
6. Incorporate Herbal Spirals
Creating a herb spiral is a great way to make the most of your garden space. This design features a spiral shape that allows for different growing conditions in a small area.
At the top, you can plant herbs that love the sun and have good drainage, like rosemary and thyme. The lower part is perfect for herbs that enjoy more moisture, such as mint.
Herb spirals not only look unique but also help with accessibility. You can easily reach plants at different heights without bending over too much.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Make sure to use sturdy materials to build your spiral. A well-constructed spiral can last for years and improve your gardening experience.”
7. Grow Herbs in Recycled Containers
You can easily grow herbs in recycled containers. Old items like plastic bottles, mason jars, and even milk cartons can turn into great planters.
Just make sure to clean them well and add drainage holes. This way, your herbs will have enough space to thrive.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Be creative with your containers and paint them to brighten up your garden. Just ensure they are safe for your plants!”
8. Plant Fast-Growing Basil
Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow. It thrives in warm weather and can be ready for harvest in just a few weeks.
Plant it in a sunny spot, with well-draining soil. Regular watering promotes healthy growth, but don’t let it sit in water.
Pruning the leaves often encourages new growth. You can also plant different varieties for more flavor and color.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Basil loves warmth, so wait until after the last frost to plant. Keep the soil moist for the best results!”
9. Opt for Edible Flowering Herbs
Growing edible flowering herbs adds beauty and flavor to your garden. Herbs like nasturtiums and borage not only taste great but also produce vibrant flowers. These flowers can be used in salads or as colorful garnishes.
Chive flowers are another tasty option. They have a mild onion flavor and can add a nice touch to dishes. Consider incorporating these herbs to create a visually appealing and delicious garden.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Mix flowering herbs in your garden beds for a stunning look. They’ll not only attract pollinators but also enhance your meals!”
10. Grow Cilantro in Shaded Areas
Cilantro thrives in cooler conditions, so planting it in shade can help you grow a better crop. If you’re in a hot area, place your cilantro where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade. This setup helps prevent the plants from wilting.
You can plant cilantro near vegetables, especially brassicas and legumes. This method not only saves space but also allows other plants to provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Cilantro loves companionship! Pair it with taller plants to maximize shade and create a productive garden.”
11. Contain Aggressive Growers like Mint
Mint is a popular herb, but it can grow very quickly and take over your garden. To control this, consider planting mint in a separate pot. This method keeps its roots contained and prevents it from spreading too much.
Using pots also allows you to move the mint around easily if needed. You can choose pots that match your garden style while keeping your mint in check.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Plant mint in a large container with drainage holes. This way, it thrives while staying contained!”
12. Design Raised Bed Herb Gardens
Designing raised bed herb gardens is a great way to maximize your space and keep your herbs organized. You can choose different shapes, like rectangular or square, depending on your available area.
Think about using materials like wood or stone for the borders. This not only helps define the space but also adds a nice touch to your garden’s look.
You can plan your layout based on the sunlight your herbs need. Group herbs with similar light and water requirements together for easier care.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Consider adding a trellis for climbing herbs to save space. It also creates a unique vertical garden!”
13. Plant Lemon Balm for a Refreshing Scent
Lemon balm is a great addition to your herb garden. It has a lovely, fresh scent that can make your garden even more inviting.
You can grow lemon balm easily from seeds or cuttings. It’s a hardy plant that thrives in many conditions.
This herb pairs well with others, like mint and bee balm. Together, they create a fragrant and colorful space.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Lemon balm does well in pots, making it easy to move around your garden. Keep it near your kitchen for quick access to its fresh leaves.”
14. Use Self-Watering Pots
Self-watering pots are a great way to keep your herbs healthy. They provide a consistent water supply, so you don’t have to worry about over or under-watering. You can create your own with simple materials like soda bottles and cotton string.
These pots can be especially handy if you’re busy or travel a lot. Just set them up, and your herbs will thrive with little effort.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Use a small plastic container at the bottom to hold water. This simple trick can help keep the soil moist longer.”
15. Experiment with Dill in Sunny Spots
Dill loves full sun, so pick a sunny spot in your garden. It thrives in well-drained soil, allowing the roots to breathe. Plant dill seeds directly in the ground and cover them lightly.
Don’t forget to thin the seedlings to give each plant room to grow. Dill can add great flavor to salads and dishes, so enjoy your fresh harvest!
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Make sure to water dill regularly, especially as it grows. Dill can wilt quickly in dry soil, so keep an eye on moisture levels.”
16. Create a Herb-Themed Patio Corner
Transform a small area of your patio into a charming herb garden. Use containers like pots or baskets to create layers of different herbs. This setup makes it easy to care for them while keeping your outdoor space inviting.
Choose herbs you frequently use in cooking, like basil, mint, or thyme. Arrange them in a way that allows easy access while enjoying the aesthetics. You can add small decorative items like garden signs or colorful stones for extra flair.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Mix herbs with flowers for a vibrant look. Ensure you have enough sunlight for the herbs to thrive.”
17. DIY Herb Wall with Shelves
Creating a DIY herb wall is a smart way to save space and enjoy fresh herbs. You can mount shelves on a wall and use pots to display your herbs. It adds a decorative touch and keeps your herbs within easy reach.
Use sturdy materials for the shelves, like wood or metal, to support your plants. Arrange the pots in a way that allows sunlight to reach all the herbs. This setup not only looks great but also makes it easy to care for your garden.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Choose herbs that grow well together, like basil and parsley. This way, you can create a thriving and attractive herb wall.”
18. Incorporate Chive Blossoms for Color
Chive blossoms add a pop of vibrant purple to your garden and dishes. You can use them in salads or as a garnish to brighten up meals. Their unique appearance will impress your guests and make your cooking stand out.
Try making chive blossom vinegar by steeping the blossoms in vinegar for a week. This not only enhances the color but adds a mild onion flavor to dressings and marinades.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Chive blossoms are edible, so don’t hesitate to use them in your cooking. They bring both beauty and flavor to your table!”
19. Try Hydroponic Herb Gardening
Hydroponic gardening lets you grow herbs without soil. This method uses water and nutrients, making it cleaner and easier for indoor spaces. It’s perfect for small apartments or kitchens.
You can grow herbs like basil, mint, and parsley all year round. A simple setup can give you fresh herbs whenever you need them.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Start with easy herbs like basil and mint. They grow fast and are great for beginners!”
20. Add a Fragrant Lavender Border
Adding a lavender border to your herb garden can create a beautiful, fragrant edge. Lavender’s lovely purple flowers attract pollinators and can help keep harmful pests away.
You can plant lavender along pathways or around herb beds. Its strong scent adds a calming touch, perfect for relaxing in your garden.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Choose varieties that suit your climate. Regular pruning will keep your lavender healthy and encourage more blooms!”
21. Plant Parsley Under Taller Plants
Planting parsley under taller plants is a smart move. The taller plants provide shade and protect parsley from strong sunlight. This way, parsley can thrive without getting stressed from too much heat.
You can pair parsley with plants like tomatoes or peppers. These plants grow high and won’t compete for space.
Having a mix of plants can deter pests and enhance flavors.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Plant parsley near taller veggies for a win-win. It enjoys some shade while the taller plants benefit from the extra companion.”