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6 bunches of different herbs on a wooden table

How to Build a Herb Garden

There’s nothing quite like stepping outside and snipping fresh herbs for dinner. Whether you’re tossing basil into pasta, adding chives to scrambled eggs, or brewing mint tea, having an herb garden makes cooking and gardening so much more rewarding. Plus, herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow, whether you have a spacious backyard or just a few pots on the patio.

If you're thinking about starting or updating your herb garden, here’s what you need to know—plus a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to planting herbs together.

The 10 Best Herbs to Grow

These herbs are flavorful, easy to care for, and perfect for cooking. The key to success is planting them in well-draining soil and ensuring they get at least six hours of sunlight per day.

thai basil herb

1. Basil

  • Tastes like: Sweet, slightly peppery, and a little bit spicy.
  • Best used in: Pesto, tomato-based dishes, salads, and pasta.
  • Growing tip: Start from seeds in early spring or plant nursery-grown seedlings after the last frost.
  • Plant with: Tomatoes, peppers, and oregano.
  • Avoid planting with: Sage and rue.
chives herb

2. Chives

  • Tastes like: Mild onion.
  • Best used in: Eggs, potatoes, salads, and soups.
  • Growing tip: Grows well in both garden beds and containers—snip often to keep them producing.
  • Plant with: Carrots, tomatoes, and roses.
  • Avoid planting with: Beans and peas.
cilantro herb

3. Cilantro (Coriander Seeds)

  • Tastes like: Fresh, citrusy, and slightly peppery.
  • Best used in: Salsa, guacamole, curries, and marinades.
  • Growing tip: Sow seeds directly in the garden every few weeks for a continuous harvest.
  • Plant with: Basil, dill, and mint.
  • Avoid planting with: Fennel.
dill herb

4. Dill

  • Tastes like: Bright, grassy, with a hint of anise.
  • Best used in: Pickling, fish, soups, and potato dishes.
  • Growing tip: Direct-sow seeds in early spring—dill doesn’t transplant well.
  • Plant with: Cabbage, cucumbers, and lettuce.
  • Avoid planting with: Carrots and tomatoes.
fennel herb

5. Fennel

  • Tastes like: Licorice, with a subtle sweetness.
  • Best used in: Fish dishes, soups, and salads.
  • Growing tip: Fennel prefers to be on its own—it doesn’t play well with others.
  • Avoid planting with: Most other herbs, especially cilantro and dill.
mint herb potted in terra cotta planter

6. Mint

  • Tastes like: Fresh, cooling, and slightly sweet.
  • Best used in: Tea, desserts, cocktails, and savory dishes like lamb.
  • Growing tip: Always plant mint in a container—otherwise, it will take over your garden.
  • Plant with: Oregano and rosemary (in separate pots).
  • Avoid planting with: Parsley and chamomile.
parsley herb

7. Parsley

  • Tastes like: Fresh, slightly peppery.
  • Best used in: Salads, soups, and sauces—or as a garnish.
  • Growing tip: Soak seeds overnight before planting to speed up germination.
  • Plant with: Tomatoes and basil.
  • Avoid planting with: Mint.
sage herb

8. Sage

  • Tastes like: Earthy, slightly piney.
  • Best used in: Stuffing, sausage, and roasted meats.
  • Growing tip: Sage loves dry soil, so don’t overwater.
  • Plant with: Rosemary and thyme.
  • Avoid planting with: Basil and onions.
tarragon herb

9. Tarragon

  • Tastes like: Lightly anise-flavored.
  • Best used in: Egg dishes, fish, and sauces.
  • Growing tip: Tarragon doesn’t grow true from seed—buy a plant instead.
  • Plant with: Eggplants and peppers.
  • Avoid planting with: Fennel.
thyme herb

10. Thyme

  • Tastes like: Woody, slightly minty.
  • Best used in: Roasted meats, soups, and sauces.
  • Growing tip: Prefers dry soil, so avoid overwatering.
  • Plant with: Cabbage, strawberries, and rosemary.
  • Avoid planting with: Basil.

Grouping Herbs by Water Needs

Drought-Tolerant Herbsherbs planted in container thyme sage and rosemary with person holding soil in the middle of the herbs

These herbs thrive in dry conditions and prefer to dry out between waterings:

  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Sage
  • Oregano
  • Lavender
  • Marjoram

Moisture-Loving Herbs

These herbs prefer consistently moist soil:

  • Basil
  • Parsley
  • Chives
  • Mint
  • Cilantro

Best Ways to Grow Herbs

raised bed herb gardenRaised Beds

Great for well-draining soil and easy access. Keep herbs with similar water needs together.

ContainersHerbs in container growing outdoors

Perfect for patios and small spaces. Use well-draining soil and avoid overcrowding.

vertical herb gardenVertical Herb Gardens

Ideal for maximizing space. Best for trailing herbs like oregano and thyme.

Indoor Herb Gardensassorted herbs grown in containers indoors

Use a sunny windowsill and self-watering pots for best results.

Quick Herb Gardening Tips

  • Group herbs by water needs to make care easier.
  • Harvest often to keep plants producing.
  • Mulch helps retain moisture in hot climates.
  • Provide afternoon shade in warm areas for delicate herbs.

Start Growing Fresh Herbs Today

A well-planned herb garden isn’t just useful—it’s a game-changer in the kitchen. Whether you grow them in the ground, in containers, or on your windowsill, fresh herbs will add incredible flavor to your meals year-round.