A beginner gardener may have a hard time choosing the first few herbs for growing in their garden. To make this easier, we have put together this list of some of the easiest herbs to grow from seed.
Herbs are a great addition to any garden or windowsill. Not only do they add a fresh burst of flavor to recipes, but many herbs also have medicinal properties. Growing herbs from seed is a cost-effective and rewarding way to ensure a steady supply of fresh herbs.
Novice gardeners usually don’t like getting their hands completely dirty until they’ve had their first few successes and really develop a love for their herb gardens. Most beginner gardeners want an easy herb garden to start with.
While some herbs can be difficult to grow from seed, there are several varieties that are easy for even novice gardeners to cultivate. These herbs are also versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.
In this article, we will explore some easy herbs to grow from seed. Whether you have a large outdoor garden or a small windowsill, these herbs are sure to thrive and provide you with a bountiful harvest.
Choosing the right herbs to grow in your garden
Before starting an herb garden, it’s important to choose the right herbs to grow. This will depend on several factors, including the climate, soil type, and available sunlight where you live.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing which herbs to grow:
- Climate: Some herbs prefer a cooler climate, while others thrive in warmer temperatures. Research the ideal climate for the herbs you’re interested in growing to ensure they will grow well in your area.
- Soil Type: Different herbs require different soil types, ranging from well-drained to moist soil. Consider the soil type in your garden and choose herbs that will grow well in that type of soil.
- Available Sunlight: Most herbs require at least six hours of sunlight per day. Consider the amount of sunlight your garden receives and choose herbs that will thrive in that amount of sunlight.
It’s also important to consider which herbs you will actually use in cooking or other applications. Some herbs are more versatile than others and can be used in a wide variety of dishes, while others are more specific in their uses.
Finally, consider the ease of growing the herbs from seed. Some herbs are easier to grow from seed than others, making them a good choice for beginner gardeners.
Easy herbs to grow from seed
1. Basil
Basil is an annual herb, which means that it will need to be replanted each year. Luckily it is very easy to grow from seed.
Basil seeds can be sown directly into the soil after the cold season has ended or started indoors and then transplanted outside.
Basil seeds are quick to germinate, usually within 5 to 10 days, and the seedlings grow quickly into mature plants within a few weeks.
Basil plants require a sunny location, well-draining soil, and regular watering to thrive.
>> Related article: Growing basil from seed
2. Marjoram
Growing marjoram from seed is an easy and rewarding gardening project, as marjoram is a hardy herb that is well-suited to a variety of growing conditions.
Marjoram seeds can be sown directly into the soil in the spring or started indoors a few weeks before the last frost date.
Once established, marjoram plants are easy to care for, requiring only moderate watering and occasional fertilization.
Marjoram plants are also resistant to most pests and diseases, making them a low-maintenance addition to any herb garden.
3. Dill
Growing dill from seed is a simple and rewarding gardening experience, even for beginners. Dill seeds are small and easy to handle, making them ideal for planting directly into the soil or in pots.
Like basil, you can plant dill straight into the ground once the frost is gone, or start them inside.
Dill is also a fast-growing herb that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and it requires little maintenance beyond regular watering.
Plus, dill is a self-seeding herb, which means it will come back year after year without much effort on your part.
4. Thyme
Growing thyme from seed is a simple and rewarding process. Thyme is a hardy herb that is known for its delicate leaves and aromatic flavor, and it is easy to cultivate from seed.
Thyme seeds are widely available and can be sown indoors or outdoors, depending on your climate. Thyme seeds germinate easily, and the seedlings grow quickly, producing a healthy and robust plant in just a few weeks.
Thyme needs a good amount of water, but never allow the soil to get overly wet as it is prone to root rot. It needs the soil to almost dry out completely in between waterings.
Thyme is also a low-maintenance herb that requires little attention once it is established, making it an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
>> Related article: How to grow thyme from seed.
5. Parsley
Parsley is an herb that is easy to grow from seed, making it a great option for beginner gardeners.
Parsley seeds are readily available and can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors. However, parsley doesn’t do very well when being transplanted, so you have to be very careful when doing so.
If the weather is warm enough, you can plant the parsley seeds directly into the ground, that way you won’t have to worry about transplanting.
The seeds are small and can be planted shallowly, covered with a light layer of soil, and kept moist until they germinate, which typically takes 2-3 weeks.
Once the seedlings are established, they require minimal care. Just keep it in soil with a lot of moisture, and fertilizer is good for it too. Prune the stalks that grow outward and your parsley will grow strong and healthy.
>> Related article: How to Harvest Parsley without killing the plant
6. Oregano
Oregano is a hardy and low-maintenance herb that is easy to grow from seed.
Oregano seeds can be sown directly into the soil in the spring or fall, or they can be started indoors and transplanted outside once the seedlings are strong enough.
Oregano seeds germinate quickly and easily, making it a great herb for novice gardeners. Once established, oregano plants require very little care and can thrive in a variety of soil types and growing conditions.
Oregano is also a perennial herb, which means it will come back year after year, providing a reliable source of fresh herbs for your culinary creations.
>> Related article: How to Grow Oregano from Cuttings
7. Sage
Growing sage from seed is a relatively easy process, even for beginner gardeners. Sage seeds are readily available and can be sown directly into the ground or started indoors in pots.
Sage is a hardy herb that can tolerate a wide range of soil types and conditions, making it an ideal choice for novice gardeners.
Additionally, sage seeds germinate quickly, typically within 2-3 weeks, and require minimal care and maintenance once established.
With its distinctive flavor and attractive foliage, growing sage from seed can be a rewarding and easy way to add a delicious and versatile herb to your garden.
>> Related article: Growing Sage Indoors from Seed
8. Cilantro
Growing cilantro from seed is an easy and rewarding experience, as the herb is fast-growing and relatively low-maintenance.
Cilantro seeds can be planted directly in the soil or in a container, and will typically germinate within 7-10 days.
Once the seedlings have sprouted, they require regular watering and occasional fertilization, but are otherwise easy to care for.
With the right conditions, cilantro can grow up to 2 feet tall, providing a bountiful harvest of fresh, flavorful herbs for your culinary creations.
9. Rosemary
Rosemary is a hardy herb that can be easily grown from seed, making it a great option for novice gardeners or those who want to expand their herb garden.
Rosemary seeds can be planted indoors in a seed tray or outdoors in a sunny location with well-draining soil.
Once planted, rosemary seeds typically germinate in about 2-3 weeks, and the plants can grow up to 3 feet tall over time.
Rosemary is also a low-maintenance plant, requiring little water and minimal fertilization.
It is also drought-tolerant and can withstand a range of temperatures, making it a versatile herb that can be grown in many different climates.
>> Related article: How to Grow Rosemary From Cuttings
Easy herb garden
An easy herb garden can be truly easy, you just have to pick the right herbs. With a little bit of work (and we do mean very little), you’ll find you have a flourishing little garden, and hopefully you’ll be geared up to take on bigger challenges!
For instant gratification, you can purchase some seedlings and replant these into your garden. To really learn the ins and outs of herb gardening though, you may want to just purchase a few seedlings and plant seeds of the same plant alongside it.
This will help you see and watch the progression of your new plants, and you can make sure that they are growing healthy and normally.