Grow Herbs at Home: A Friendly Guide for Every Gardener
If you can remember to water a houseplant (most of the time), you can grow your own herbs. This guide walks you step-by-step through growing basil, rosemary, and thyme—indoors on a windowsill or outside in containers and garden beds. No matter where, herbs are the perfect plants to go in your home garden!
Basil
Basil is a great plant to grow in your garden. Click the arrow to learn how to grow it!
Sun: 6-8 hours
Season: Wait until temperatures are above 50 degrees before you plant your basil.
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil
Water: Basil only needs about one inch of water every week, but it may need a bit more if it is in a container. Make sure you water it at the base, not the leaves.
Harvest: Harvesting your basil plant encourages new growth, so it’s a good idea to harvest regularly.
Tips & Tricks: Plant your basil in a large planter with good drainage. Pinch off any buds you may find on your basil plant, as they make the leaves taste bitter and shorten your plant’s lifetime.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a great plant to grow. Click the arrow to learn more!
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Season: Plant in spring when all frost is gone
Soil: Rich, organic, well-drained soil
Water: Keep your plant moist. Water it at least once a day, but make sure to let the soil dry between waterings.
Harvest: Harvest by snipping the stems with gardening shears. Only harvest once the plant is fully established, and avoid snipping more than one third of the plant at a time.
Tips & Tricks: Using compost or mulch is a good idea with rosemary plants.
Thyme
Thyme is the perfect herb for your garden. Click the arrow to learn how to grow it yourself!
Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
Season: Plant thyme outside once temperatures reach 70 degrees or higher. You can also get a head start by planting them indoors 6-10 weeks beforehand, and then moving them outside.
Soil: Plant in very well-drained soil
Water: Water deeply, but wait until the soil is completely dry in between waterings.
Harvest: Harvest by cutting off the top 5-6 inches of growth. Make sure to leave the tough, woody parts. It is best to harvest in the morning after the dew has dried, and try to harvest just before the plant flowers. You can also trim thyme a bit at a time whenever you need it.
Tips & Tricks: Use a clipping from your thyme plant to grow a new one if you want to. Grow next to cabbage or tomatoes. Because thyme and rosemary have such similar needs, it can be a good idea to grow them close together as well. Make sure to prune your plant in the spring and summer to contain its growth. You can also burn thyme to get rid of bugs in your house.
