The Best Herbs to Grow for Everyday Cooking (Even If You’re New to Gardening)
One of the things I hear all the time from friends and new gardeners is,
“I’d love to grow herbs, but I wouldn’t even know where to start.”
And I get it—starting a garden can feel like a big leap. But the truth is, herbs are one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to begin.
They grow fast, don’t need much space, and instantly make your meals feel more homemade and nourishing. Whether you’re clipping basil for pasta, tossing thyme onto roasted veggies, or just brushing past lavender on your way out the door—herbs add joy.
At Nest & Bloom, I always recommend herbs as a first step. They’re forgiving, beautiful, and perfect for anyone who’s just dipping their toes into gardening.
So if you’re craving something fresh, simple, and a little soul-filling, here are some of my favorite herbs to grow for everyday cooking—and how to get started, even if you’ve never planted a thing.
🌱 1. Basil
Flavor: Sweet, fresh, slightly peppery — perfect for pastas, pesto, and summer salads.
Light: Needs full sun (6–8 hours).
Planting Tip: Pinch off the top leaves regularly to keep it bushy and prevent it from flowering too early.
Use It: Tear it over tomatoes, blend into dressings, or muddle in a cocktail.
🌿 2. Thyme
Flavor: Earthy and lemony; great for roasted vegetables, soups, and marinades.
Light: Full sun, but tolerant of some light shade.
Planting Tip: Likes dry, well-drained soil. Trim regularly to keep it from getting woody.
Use It: Add to anything savory—especially potatoes, chicken, or mushrooms.
Harvested Thyme
🌿 3. Parsley
Flavor: Bright and slightly peppery; not just a garnish!
Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Planting Tip: Grows slowly at first but takes off later in the season. Flat-leaf is best for cooking.
Use It: Stir into grains, sauces, tabbouleh, or finish over eggs and roasted veggies.
🌿 4. Chives
Flavor: Mild oniony bite; delicate and versatile.
Light: Full sun to light shade.
Planting Tip: Perennial in most climates. Cut often to encourage fresh new growth.
Use It: Snip into salads, eggs, butter, or sprinkle on baked potatoes.
🌿 5. Oregano
Flavor: Bold and savory—perfect for Italian, Greek, and Mexican dishes.
Light: Full sun.
Planting Tip: Drought-tolerant once established. Best grown in containers to prevent spreading.
Use It: Add to sauces, pizza, grilled meats, and homemade dressings.
🌼 Nest & Bloom Tip:
Don’t plant every herb at once. Start with 2–3 you know you’ll use often, and let your garden grow from there. Herbs do best when they’re harvested regularly—so cook with confidence and clip away!
Ready to Add Flavor to Your Garden?
Whether you’re planting in a window box, a balcony pot, or your first raised bed, herbs are the perfect way to start small and grow something useful. They’re low-maintenance, beautiful, and instantly satisfying.
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