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In my ideal world, I would have a full garden: raised beds full of tomatoes, greens, and herbs that I could pop out and chop while I make dinner. But right now I live in an apartment in Portland with very little outdoor space, which means my gardening ambitions have had to get a little more creative.
Luckily, herbs are incredibly forgiving. You don’t need a backyard, or even much space, to grow them. A single pot on a balcony, a few pots by the kitchen window or a small corner of a garden bed can produce more fresh herbs than you will know what to do with. And once you start cooking with herbs you’ve grown yourself, it’s hard to go back. A handful of basil tossed with pasta, mint tossed with sparkling water, or dill sprinkled over roasted vegetables somehow makes everyday meals feel a little more special.
If you’ve been curious about what herbs you can grow at home, here are five of the easiest ones to get you started, whether you’re planting them in your backyard garden, a patio planter, or a sunny kitchen window.
The best herbs to grow at home, even in a small space
If you’re starting an herb garden at home, the goal is simple: choose herbs that are easy to grow and that you can actually use in your kitchen. These five herbs are incredibly versatile, forgiving for beginners, and adaptable whether you’re planting a bed, filling a pot, or growing herbs indoors.
Basil
If there’s one herb that makes summer cooking feel complete, it’s basil. It thrives in warm climates and grows quickly, meaning you can harvest it frequently throughout the season.
Best for: Garden beds or sunny outdoor planters
How to use it: Basil is best enjoyed fresh. Think pesto, caprese salads, sandwiches and pastas dressed with olive oil and tomatoes.
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Mint
Mint is one of those herbs that almost grows too well. In the garden bed it will happily spread anywhere it can reach, which is why many gardeners prefer to grow it in containers. The advantage? Once it gets going, you’ll have more mint than you know what to do with.
Best for: Outdoor planters or pots
How to use it: Mint instantly brightens drinks and salads. I love adding it to citrus sparkling water, pouring it into cereal bowls, or using it in sauces like tzatziki.
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Rosemary
Rosemary is one of the hardiest herbs you can grow. It is woody and bushy, meaning that once established it can last for years with very little maintenance.
Best for: Backyard gardens or large outdoor pots.
How to use it: Rosemary shines when cooked. Add it to roasted vegetables, marinades, or infuse it in olive oil or honey.
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Cilantro
Cilantro is a bit polarizing: some people love it, others think it tastes like soap (not their fault… genetics play a role), but if you’re in the first group, it’s one of the most useful herbs to grow at home.
Best for: Small garden beds or outdoor planters
How to use it: It is best to add fresh cilantro at the end of cooking. Sprinkle it over tacos, grain bowls, soups or hummus.
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Dil
Dill seems very spring-like to me. It is light, fresh and combines very well with vegetables, fish and creamy sauces.
Best for: Garden beds or sunny kitchen windows
How to use it: Chop dill into yogurt sauces, sprinkle it on roast potatoes, or add it to salads and seafood dishes.
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How to Grow Herbs at Home (No Matter the Space)
If you have a garden: Plant herbs along the edges of raised beds or next to vegetables. Most herbs love full sun and well-draining soil.
If you have a small outdoor space: A single pot can hold several herbs. Basil, mint and cilantro grow especially well in pots.
If you grow herbs indoors: Choose a sunny window and pots with drainage holes. Basil, mint and dill tend to adapt well to growing indoors.
The takeaway
Growing herbs at home is one of the easiest ways to bring more freshness to everyday cooking. Even a few small plants can completely change the way you cook: Suddenly you’re reaching for fresh basil, slicing mint for drinks, or sprinkling dill over dinner.
Start with one or two herbs that you use most often. Once you see how easy they are to grow, it’s hard not to keep adding more.
This post was last updated on March 21, 2026 to include new insights..
