How to Grow your own herbs at home is one of the easiest and most satisfying gardening experiences. Fresh herbs grow fast, need very little space, and give you healthy, chemical-free leaves for daily cooking. Whether you have a small balcony, terrace, window, or backyard, you can easily grow herbs at home.
I have been growing herbs for many years, and I started just like a beginner—with a few small pots. With time and experience, I learned what works and what mistakes to avoid. In this post, I am sharing my real experience so that you can grow healthy herbs easily, even if you are starting today.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Why You Should Grow Your Own Herbs
From my experience, herbs are the best plants for beginners. They grow fast and show results quickly.
Benefits of growing herbs at home:
- Always get fresh herbs for cooking
- No chemicals or pesticides
- Saves money
- Needs very little space
- Improves air quality
- Reduces stress and gives mental peace
Once you start growing herbs, you will enjoy gardening more and feel confident to grow other plants too.
Best Herbs to Grow at Home (Beginner Friendly)
When I started, I chose herbs that are easy to grow and forgive small mistakes.
Best herbs for beginners:
- Mint
- Coriander (Cilantro)
- Basil (Tulsi / Sweet Basil)
- Oregano
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Parsley
My advice: Start with 2–3 herbs only, not too many at once.
Choosing the Right Pot or Container
You don’t need expensive pots. I have grown herbs successfully in normal containers.
Pot size and type:
- 6 to 8 inch pots are perfect
- Clay pots are best, but plastic pots also work
- Must have drainage holes
From my experience, poor drainage kills herbs faster than anything else. Always check that excess water can come out easily.
Best Soil Mix for Growing Herbs
Healthy soil is the secret behind healthy herbs.
Simple soil mix I use:
- 40% garden soil
- 30% compost or vermicompost
- 30% sand or cocopeat
This soil mix stays light, drains well, and allows roots to grow freely. Herbs do not like heavy or sticky soil.
Sunlight Requirement for Herbs
Most herbs love sunlight.
Sunlight needs:
- 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Morning sunlight is best
- Mint and coriander can grow in partial shade
If you are growing herbs indoors, place them near a bright window or balcony door.
From my experience, less sunlight means slow growth and weak leaves.
How to Water Herbs Correctly (Very Important)
Overwatering is the most common mistake beginners make. I made this mistake in my early days too.
Watering tips from my experience:
- Water only when top soil feels dry
- Do not water daily
- Soil should be moist, not wet
Mint and basil need slightly more water, while rosemary and thyme need less.
Simple rule: Never water just by looking at the plant—always check the soil.
How to Grow Herbs from Seeds and Cuttings
Growing Herbs from Seeds
This method is best for coriander, parsley, and basil.
Steps:
- Fill pot with soil mix
- Sprinkle seeds lightly
- Cover with thin soil layer
- Water gently
Seeds usually germinate in 7–14 days.
Growing Herbs from Cuttings (My Favorite Method)
This method is very easy and fast.
Best herbs for cuttings:
- Mint
- Basil
- Oregano
Steps:
- Cut a healthy 4–5 inch stem
- Remove lower leaves
- Place in water or soil
- Roots appear in 7–10 days
I personally prefer cuttings because success rate is very high.
Fertilizer for Herbs (Less is Better)
Herbs do not need heavy feeding.
What I use:
- Vermicompost once every 20–25 days
- Liquid compost tea once a month
Avoid chemical fertilizers because they reduce the natural flavor of herbs.
Pruning and Harvesting Herbs
Regular cutting helps herbs grow bushy and healthy.
Harvesting tips:
- Never cut more than one-third of the plant
- Always cut from the top
- Harvest regularly
From my experience, the more you cut herbs correctly, the more they grow.
Common Problems and Easy Solutions
Yellow leaves: Overwatering
Slow growth: Less sunlight
Small insects: Neem oil spray once a week
Most problems happen due to watering mistakes or low sunlight.
Indoor vs Outdoor Herb Growing
- Indoor herbs: Mint, basil, parsley
- Outdoor herbs: Rosemary, thyme, oregano
You can grow herbs successfully both indoors and outdoors if sunlight and watering are proper.
Conclusion
Growing your own herbs at home is simple, even if you are a complete beginner. Start small, observe your plants daily, and learn slowly. Herbs are forgiving plants and perfect for learning gardening basics.
From my personal experience, once you start growing herbs, you will feel more connected to nature and enjoy cooking even more with fresh leaves.
