herb gardening

Start These Herbs From Seed For A Robust Herb Garden This Year

Spring is the perfect time to embark on a gardening journey, and there’s nothing quite like cultivating your own herb garden from scratch. Starting herbs from seed not only allows you to choose from a wide variety of flavors and fragrances but also ensures a robust and thriving garden throughout the growing season. Imagine waking up to the delightful scent of fresh herbs and having a steady supply of ingredients right at your fingertips—it’s a gardener’s dream come true!

However, I know how overwhelming it can be to select the right herbs and get started, especially if you’re new to gardening. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of essential herbs that are perfect for starting from seed. These herbs are not only easy to grow but also offer a range of culinary and medicinal benefits. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy balcony, these seeds will help you create a lush and productive herb garden that you can enjoy all year round. Let’s dive into the top herbs you should consider planting this spring!

Basil

sweet basil
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Basil is a quintessential herb that adds a burst of flavor to countless dishes, making it a must-have for any herb garden. Native to tropical regions of Central Africa and Southeast Asia, basil thrives in warm, sunny environments with well-drained soil. Planting basil seeds in a sunny spot ensures that the plants receive at least six hours of sunlight each day, promoting vigorous growth and abundant foliage. The vibrant green leaves are perfect for fresh pesto, salads, and a variety of Italian and Mediterranean dishes!

In addition to its culinary uses, basil attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing the overall health of your garden ecosystem. While basil is not considered invasive, it does require regular harvesting to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plants from flowering too early. Pinching off the flowers will keep the leaves tender and flavorful. With its aromatic scent and versatile uses, basil is a fantastic choice for starting your herb garden from seed, ensuring a bountiful and fragrant harvest throughout the summer!

Mint

harvested mint cuttings
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Mint is a wonderfully aromatic herb that can quickly become a staple in your garden, offering refreshing leaves perfect for teas, cocktails, and culinary dishes. Native to Europe and Asia, mint thrives in moist, partially shaded areas with rich, well-drained soil. Planting mint seeds in containers or designated garden beds helps control its vigorous growth and prevent it from becoming invasive. The lush, green foliage and sweet fragrance make mint an attractive and functional addition to any herb garden!

However, it’s important to note that mint can be highly invasive if not properly managed. To keep mint in check, consider growing it in pots or using barriers to contain its spreading roots. Regular trimming and harvesting will also help maintain its shape and prevent it from overtaking other plants. Despite its aggressive nature, mint’s delightful aroma and versatile uses make it a rewarding herb to cultivate. Enjoy the fresh, cooling flavor of mint while keeping its growth under control with these simple gardening techniques!

Cilantro

cilantro plants
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Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a vibrant herb beloved for its fresh, citrusy flavor that enhances a variety of dishes, from salsas to curries. Native to the Mediterranean region and Western Asia, cilantro thrives in cool weather with partial shade and well-drained soil. Planting cilantro seeds in early spring or fall allows the plants to mature before the intense summer heat, which can cause them to bolt prematurely. The delicate, feathery leaves add a pop of green and a burst of flavor to your culinary creations!

In addition to its culinary benefits, cilantro attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies, which help control garden pests naturally. While cilantro is not invasive, it has a relatively short growing season, so regular planting of new seeds ensures a continuous supply of fresh leaves. Harvesting cilantro regularly encourages more growth and prevents the plants from going to seed too quickly. With its unique flavor and ability to support garden biodiversity, cilantro is an excellent herb to start from seed for a thriving and productive herb garden!

Rosemary

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Rosemary is a hardy, evergreen herb known for its fragrant, needle-like leaves and robust flavor, making it a favorite for Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Native to the Mediterranean region, rosemary thrives in warm, sunny locations with well-drained soil and minimal watering once established. Planting rosemary seeds in a sunny spot with good air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases and promotes healthy, vigorous growth. The woody stems and aromatic foliage add both beauty and functionality to your herb garden!

Beyond its culinary uses, rosemary is excellent for attracting pollinators such as bees and beneficial insects, enhancing the overall health of your garden ecosystem. While rosemary is not invasive, it does require well-drained soil and can benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too woody. Its drought-tolerant nature makes it a resilient addition to any garden, requiring minimal maintenance once established. With its stunning appearance and versatile uses, rosemary is a fantastic herb to start from seed for a long-lasting and fragrant herb garden!

Parsley

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Parsley is a versatile herb that adds a fresh, mild flavor to a wide range of dishes, from salads to sauces. Native to the Mediterranean region, parsley thrives in cool weather with partial shade and rich, well-drained soil. Planting parsley seeds directly in the garden or starting them indoors early ensures a steady supply of vibrant green leaves throughout the growing season. Its lush, curly or flat-leaf varieties provide both aesthetic appeal and culinary value, making parsley a staple in any herb garden!

In addition to its culinary uses, parsley attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which help control garden pests naturally. While parsley is not invasive, it does require regular harvesting to encourage continuous growth and prevent the plants from becoming leggy. Deadheading spent flowers can also promote more leaf production and enhance the overall health of the plant. With its rich flavor and ability to support garden biodiversity, parsley is an essential herb to start from seed for a robust and productive herb garden!

Thyme

thyme
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Thyme is a hardy, aromatic herb that adds a savory depth to a variety of dishes, from roasted vegetables to soups and stews. Native to the Mediterranean region, thyme thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an ideal choice for sunny garden spots or herb gardens. Planting thyme seeds in a well-prepared bed ensures strong, compact growth and abundant foliage. Its small, fragrant leaves and delicate flowers provide both culinary and ornamental benefits, enhancing the beauty and functionality of your garden!

Beyond its culinary uses, thyme is excellent for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which contribute to a healthy garden ecosystem. While thyme is not invasive, it does prefer well-drained soil and can benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too woody. Its drought-tolerant nature makes thyme a resilient and low-maintenance herb that can thrive even in less-than-ideal conditions. With its robust flavor and attractive appearance, thyme is a fantastic herb to start from seed for a thriving and resilient herb garden!

Oregano

oregano
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Oregano is a flavorful, aromatic herb that is a staple in many cuisines, particularly Italian and Greek dishes. Native to the Mediterranean region, oregano thrives in warm, sunny environments with well-drained soil, making it perfect for sunny garden beds or container gardens. Planting oregano seeds in a sunny location ensures robust growth and a plentiful supply of leaves for your culinary creations. Its sturdy stems and dense foliage make oregano a visually appealing and practical addition to any herb garden!

In addition to its culinary uses, oregano is excellent for repelling garden pests such as aphids and beetles, making it a valuable companion plant for other vegetables. While oregano is not invasive, it does prefer well-drained soil and can benefit from occasional pruning to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy. Its drought-tolerant nature makes oregano a resilient and low-maintenance herb that can thrive with minimal care. With its bold flavor and pest-repelling properties, oregano is a must-have herb to start from seed for a productive and harmonious herb garden!

Sage

sage
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Sage is a robust, aromatic herb known for its earthy flavor and numerous medicinal benefits, making it a valuable addition to any herb garden. Native to the Mediterranean region, sage thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for sunny garden spots or raised beds. Planting sage seeds in a well-prepared bed ensures strong, bushy growth and abundant foliage. Its silvery-green leaves and delicate flowers add both beauty and functionality to your garden, enhancing the aesthetic and practical value of your herb collection!

Beyond its culinary uses, sage attracts beneficial insects such as bees and predatory wasps, which help maintain a healthy garden ecosystem. While sage is not considered invasive, it does prefer well-drained soil and can benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Its drought-tolerant nature makes sage a resilient and low-maintenance herb that can thrive even in less-than-ideal conditions. With its versatile uses and attractive appearance, sage is a fantastic herb to start from seed for a thriving and sustainable herb garden!

Dill

dill flower
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Dill is a delightful, feathery herb that adds a fresh, tangy flavor to a variety of dishes, from pickles to salads and seafood. Native to the Mediterranean region and Western Asia, dill thrives in cool weather with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Planting dill seeds directly in the garden or starting them indoors early ensures a healthy and productive harvest. Its delicate, fern-like foliage and charming yellow flowers not only enhance the beauty of your garden but also attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies!

In addition to its culinary uses, dill is excellent for attracting beneficial insects such as predatory wasps and hoverflies, which help control garden pests naturally. While dill is not invasive, it does prefer well-drained soil and can benefit from regular harvesting to encourage continuous growth and prevent the plants from bolting too quickly. Allowing some plants to flower and go to seed can also help promote new dill plants for future seasons. With its unique flavor and ability to support garden biodiversity, dill is an essential herb to start from seed for a vibrant and productive herb garden!

Chives

garlic chives
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Chives are a charming, perennial herb that adds a mild onion flavor to a variety of dishes, from salads to soups and baked potatoes. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, chives thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making them suitable for a wide range of garden settings. Planting chive seeds in a sunny spot with adequate spacing ensures robust growth and a continual supply of fresh, green stalks for your culinary needs. Their slender, tubular flowers add a splash of color and attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies!

In addition to their culinary uses, chives are excellent for repelling garden pests such as aphids and Japanese beetles, making them a valuable companion plant for other vegetables. Chives are not invasive and can be easily managed with regular harvesting and occasional division to promote healthy growth. Their perennial nature means that chives will return year after year, providing a reliable and low-maintenance addition to your herb garden. With their versatile flavor and pest-repelling properties, chives are a fantastic herb to start from seed for a productive and harmonious herb garden!

Cody Medina
Small Scale Farmer
Hi there! I'm Cody, a staff writer here at The Garden Magazine and a small-scale farmer living in Oregon. I've been gardening most of my life and now live on a quarter-acre farmstead with chickens, ducks, and a big garden.