Starting to grow your own food doesn’t need to be intimidating…

I love growing herbs because they’re not only versatile in the kitchen, but they also come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and scents. They’re packed with health benefits and are perfect for cooking, garnishing, or even mixing into cocktails. Despite my love for them, going across our one-acre homestead to gather some herbs for a meal or a drink was inconvienent. That’s why I started a kitchen herb garden right off my back patio. For those of you who are just starting your homestead journey, I think starting a herb garden is a wonderful and easy way to get into things!

My garden right outside my kitchen features a mix of ornamental plants such as grasses, wildflowers, roses, flowering perennials, and an agave. As for herbs, I’ve got rosemary, basil, chives, lemon thyme, parsley, and lemon balm growing nearby. I love how these edible plants complement the ornamental ones, and it’s convenient to have them just a few steps away for easy harvesting.

If you’re new to growing herbs, don’t worry—they’re among the easiest plants to care for. Here are a few simple tips:

1) Water consistently, but don’t let the soil dry out completely between waterings. I typically water deeply about once a week, although newly planted herbs might need more frequent watering until they’re established. Remember, climate and conditions vary, so adjust your watering schedule as needed to find the right balance.

2) Select a location with full sunlight. Herbs flourish with up to 8 hours of direct sun each day. A bit of dappled shade occasionally is okay, but avoid full shade.

3) Ensure proper drainage in your soil. If your soil is clay-heavy or rocky, you’ll need to add organic matter to help it retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.

4) Skip the fertilizer. Other than regularly adding organic material to the soil, additional feeding isn’t necessary.

Happy herbing 😉 –and let me know what you think!

-Molly