Starting a Spring Herb Garden
There’s something magical about spring. The sunshine sticks around longer, the birds are back to their morning chatter and your kitchen starts craving fresh, vibrant flavors. What better way to celebrate the season than by planting your very own spring herb garden? Not only will it make your dishes taste incredibly fresh, but it’s also ridiculously satisfying to say, “Oh this? Just some basil I snipped from my garden.”
Whether you’re working with a backyard space, a windowsill box or a tiny balcony, growing herbs is totally doable and totally worth it.
Why Grow Your Own Herbs?
Because grocery store herbs are expensive, wilt after a day and don’t give you that smug sense of accomplishment, obviously. But seriously, homegrown herbs are fresher, more flavorful and cheaper in the long run. Plus, they’re a breeze to grow and they elevate everything from pasta to cocktails.
Herbs That LOVE Spring
Here are a few MVPs that thrive in spring weather and will earn their keep in your kitchen:
Basil – Sweet, peppery and the soul of every good caprese salad. Loves sun and warmth.
Parsley – Fresh and bright, perfect in everything from tabbouleh to chimichurri.
Mint – Refreshing, wildly prolific (aka plant it in a pot unless you want a mint takeover).
Thyme – Earthy and delicate, perfect for meats, stews and roasted veggies.
Chives – Mild onion flavor and those purple blossoms are edible and adorable.
Cilantro – A love-it-or-hate-it herb that brings a zippy punch to tacos, curries and salsa.
Dill – Delicate, mild and made for spring salmon, potato salads and pickling.
How to Start Your Herb Garden
Step 1: Pick Your Spot
Herbs love sun. At least 6 hours a day of it. A sunny windowsill, balcony or outdoor planter is ideal.
Step 2: Choose Your Vessels
Raised beds, window boxes, terra cotta pots are options. Herbs aren’t picky. Just make sure whatever you use has good drainage. Nobody likes soggy roots.
Step 3: Plant ‘Em
Start from seed if you’re patient and love a good transformation story. Otherwise, grab starter plants from your local nursery. Gently loosen the roots and nestle them into nutrient-rich potting mix. Water well, but be careful you don’t drown them.
Step 4: Snip and Savor
Once your herbs have a few healthy leaves, start snipping! Regular harvesting helps them grow fuller and keeps you well-stocked in deliciousness.
Tips for Herb Garden Success
Don’t overwater. They’re not into it.
Give them room. Crowded herbs = sad herbs.
Pinch the flowers. For herbs like basil and mint, flowering can make the flavor bitter.
Label everything. Unless you love a mystery garnish moment.
What to Make First?
Once you’ve got your little herb haven going, you’ll want to throw herbs into everything. Here are a few easy ideas:
Herb compound butter (magic on bread, steak or veggies)
Mint lemonade or mojitos
Chive & dill potato salad
Fresh pesto with basil and parsley
Tabbouleh with parsley overload
Starting a spring herb garden is like giving your cooking a flavorful sidekick. It’s low effort, high reward and makes you feel like the kind of person who definitely drinks lemon water and has their life together (even if you’re eating cereal for dinner).
So grab a pot, some soil and a handful of herbs. Spring’s waiting and your kitchen’s about to smell amazing!
