How to Grow Herbs
A kitchen herb garden is one of the most rewarding things a beginner gardener can grow — most culinary herbs are forgiving, fast, and useful the moment they're a few inches tall.
Starting from Seed or Nursery Plants
Basil, cilantro, and dill grow quickly from seed, while perennial herbs like rosemary, thyme, and mint are often easier to start from small nursery plants, since some are slow or fussy to germinate. Whichever way you start, well-draining soil and a spot with at least six hours of sunlight suit most culinary herbs well.
Herbs generally prefer to dry out slightly between waterings rather than staying constantly moist, which also helps concentrate their flavor.
Regular harvesting actually encourages bushier, more productive growth in most herbs — don't be shy about pinching or cutting stems often, especially with basil and mint.
Containing Spreaders
Mint in particular spreads aggressively through underground runners and can quickly overtake a garden bed if planted directly in the ground — growing it in a container, even one sunk into the soil, keeps it in check.
