Top 5 Herbs to Grow for Beginners and Why

Starting to grow your own herbs at home is fun and rewarding for beginners. Herbs are easy to care for and add fresh flavors to many dishes. We’ll look at the top 5 herbs for beginners: basil, parsley, oregano, mint, and chives.

These herbs are simple to maintain and versatile in cooking. Studies show that with basic care like sunlight, water, and good soil, beginners can harvest easily. These herbs not only make meals better but also offer health benefits, making them great for any garden.

1. Basil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) has been a favorite of home gardeners for over 5,000 years. It comes in 50 to 150 types, offering many choices for indoor gardening. Genovese Basil, with its sweet flavor, is a key ingredient in many dishes worldwide.

Growing Conditions and Care Tips

For growing basil, warm soil and lots of sunlight are key. It needs 6-8 hours of sun each day. Following basil care tips helps it grow well. Pruning every two weeks keeps it bushy and healthy.

Basil seeds sprout quickly, in 4-5 days, if the soil is warm. This makes starting them easy.

• Space plants about six inches apart when transplanting.
• Good drainage is crucial to avoid waterlogging.
• Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not muddy.

To keep basil fresh, freeze it by blending leaves with olive oil in ice cube trays. This way, you can enjoy it in dishes even after it’s gone from your garden.

Uses in Culinary Dishes

Basil is more than just a flavor in recipes. It’s essential for making pesto, which needs three cups of leaves for one pound of pasta. Its versatility shines in caprese salad and Mediterranean dishes.

By following these basil care tips and knowing how to care for it, you’ll enjoy your indoor herb garden and cooking more.

2. Parsley

Parsley is a key herb in kitchens around the world. It’s loved for its versatility and taste. Knowing about the different types of parsley and how to grow them can make gardening more fun.

Types of Parsley to Grow

There are two main types of parsley: curly leaf and flat-leaf (Italian). Curly leaf parsley is great for garnishes. Flat-leaf parsley is better for cooking because it tastes stronger. Both types add freshness to many dishes.

Growth Requirements and Maintenance

Parsley needs certain conditions to grow well. It likes moist, loamy soil and full sun to partial shade. Here are some parsley care tips for growing it successfully:

• Plant parsley seeds about 9 inches apart.
• Ensure the plants receive at least 6 hours of full sun daily when grown outdoors.
• Water regularly but avoid waterlogged soil to maintain healthy growth.
• Feed with liquid fertilizer every few weeks to promote robust leaf development.

It can take up to six weeks for parsley seeds to germinate. So, be patient. In the first year, harvest the leaves and let the stalks grow. By the second year, you’ll get fewer leaves but edible roots from some varieties. Planting parsley with other herbs can help keep pests away.

With the right care, parsley adds flavor to meals and is nutritious. It’s full of vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals. Use parsley in salads, soups, and sauces like chimichurri. It’s a favorite ingredient, fresh or dried.

3. Herbs to Grow: Oregano for Flavorful Dishes

Oregano is a favorite herb in Italian and Mediterranean cooking. It adds a strong flavor to dishes like pizza and pasta. Each type of oregano has its own special traits, making it a great choice for any garden.

Choosing the Right Oregano Variety

When growing oregano, it’s important to pick the right type. The Growers Exchange has three popular ones:

• Cuban Oregano (Coleus amboinicus) – Known for its succulent leaves and pungent flavor.
• Italian Oregano (Origanum x majoricum) – A hybrid that delivers a sweet and mildly spicy flavor, great for pasta sauces.
• Greek Oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum) – Valued for its spicy taste, essential in dishes like moussaka and souvlaki.

These varieties need 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day. They also need well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Water them about an inch a week, letting the soil dry before watering again.

Harvesting Tips and Best Practices

Harvest oregano when it’s at least 6 inches tall. Cut it in the early morning for the best flavor. Pinching back the tips helps it grow bushier and keeps it producing leaves.

To keep oregano flavorful all year, dry the leaves. Dried oregano has a stronger taste than fresh. Store it in a cool, dark place to keep it fresh.

Growing oregano in your garden adds flavor to your cooking and attracts good bugs. It’s great for both pots and garden beds, offering endless flavor for your kitchen.

4. Mint

Mint is a versatile herb loved for its refreshing taste and many uses in cooking. It’s easy to grow, either from seeds or cuttings. Seeds germinate in 7 to 15 days in the right conditions. Starting mint seeds indoors a few weeks before the last frost gives a head start.

Mint loves warm, sunny spots and well-drained soil. It grows best when the temperature is at least 55°F (13°C). When moving seedlings outside, space them 12 to 18 inches apart. This keeps mint from spreading too much.

Regular pruning is key for mint. Cutting off flower buds makes leaves grow stronger and keeps flavors intense. Mint is great in many dishes, like salads and fruit salads. It’s also a must-have for mint juleps and mint jelly.

Here’s a quick look at some mint varieties and their flavors:

With a little care, mint can make your herb garden even better. It adds wonderful flavors to your meals.

5. Chives

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a favorite among beginners. They have a mild onion taste and are easy to care for. They do well in full sun to partial shade and need well-drained soil.

Plant chives in early to mid-spring for the best results. They grow well in USDA zones 3 to 9. Make sure to space them 4 to 6 inches apart for good growth.

Regularly harvesting chives helps them grow new leaves. Cut the leaves to within 1 to 2 inches of the soil. This can give you 3 to 4 harvests in the first year.

Adding a nitrogen-heavy fertilizer in late spring can boost their growth. Watch out for pests like aphids and diseases like mildew, which can harm them.

Chives are not just for flavor; their delicate pinkish-purple blossoms are also edible. Adding chopped chives to omelets, soups, and salads makes dishes look and taste better. You can also move them indoors during winter for fresh herbs all year.