If you are new to gardening, you might be wondering which herbs are the easiest to grow. Thankfully, the fragrant world of herbs is filled with low-maintenance options that can flourish with minimal effort. Forget about the grocery store; explore some of these best herbs for beginner gardeners, so you can grow your own.

Herbs For Your Home

Whether you have a sprawling garden or a cosy windowsill, these herbs will thrive and provide a fresh, home-grown touch to your meals.

Basil

One of the most forgiving and easiest herbs to grow for novice gardeners is basil. This refreshing herb thrives in warm, sunny conditions and well-drained soil.

Simply plant the seeds or seedlings in a pot or directly in your garden bed, ensuring they receive at least six hours of sunlight a day. Basil’s versatility in the kitchen, from pesto to pasta, makes it a must-have in any herb garden. Regular harvesting of the leaves will encourage new growth, keeping your plant lush and productive.

Make the most of your basil; try this recipe for Gnocchi in a Creamy Basil Pesto Sauce. 

Chives

These slender, grass-like herbs are incredibly easy to grow and can thrive in both garden beds and pots. Chives prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. They are perennials, meaning they will come back year after year with minimal care. Snip the green tops to use in salads, soups and garnishes, and watch them regrow quickly. Their beautiful purple flowers are also edible and will add a pop of colour to your dishes.

Garnish these Irish Boxty with fresh chives

Mint

Mint can grow almost anywhere, but it’s best to plant it in a pot to prevent it from taking over your garden. Mint loves a sunny spot but can tolerate partial shade. It’s perfect for adding a fresh twist to cocktails, desserts and fresh salads. Be sure to water it regularly, and you’ll have a constant supply of fragrant leaves.

Chop fresh mint for this Mint, Lemon & Olive Oil Marinated Zucchini Salad, or this recipe for Chilli Rocket Pesto Lamb Chops with Yoghurt.  

Parsley

Parsley is a biennial; it’s incredibly hardy and one of the easiest herbs to grow. There are two main types: curly leaf and flat leaf. Both varieties prefer a sunny location, but can also grow in partial shade.

Parsley is great for garnishing and adding a fresh, green flavour to many dishes. Start with seeds or small plants, water them consistently, and you’ll soon have a flourishing patch. Parsley also has the added benefit of attracting beneficial insects to your garden.

Top this Roasted Red Pepper & Mussel Tagliatelle with heaps of parsley

Thyme

For a herb that’s virtually foolproof, consider thyme. This drought-tolerant herb loves sunny, dry conditions and poor soil, making it perfect for those who might forget to water their plants (you’re trying and that counts).

Thyme’s tiny leaves pack a punch of flavour, ideal for seasoning meats, soups, and stews. Plant thyme in a pot or garden bed, give it plenty of sun, and it will reward you with an abundant bush and a great-smelling garden.

Bake this fragrant Naartjie, Thyme & Marigold Cake

Rosemary

If you’re a bad plant mom (or dad), rosemary is another sun-loving herb that thrives on neglect. This woody perennial prefers well-drained soil and can withstand dry spells, making it ideal for beginners who might occasionally forget to water their plants. Rosemary’s pine-like aroma and flavour enhance roasted vegetables, meats and homemade bread.

Braai these Rosemary Lamb Kebabs; the stalks are used as skewers to infuse more flavour. 

Origanum

Origanum is a robust herb that grows well in a variety of conditions. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but can tolerate poor soil and dry conditions. Origanum is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, perfect for pizza, pasta and grilled meats. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming too woody.

Enjoy this Fresh Marinara Sauce Pasta filled with fragrant origanum, basil and parsley.

Coriander

Also known as ‘dhanya’ or ‘cilantro,’ coriander is another fantastic herb for beginners. This fast-growing annual prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Coriander can be sown directly into the ground soil or potted, making it versatile for any garden space. It has a unique, fresh flavour that’s essential in many cuisines, from South African to Indian and Mexican.

Harvest the leaves regularly to encourage growth. The seeds can also be harvested and used as a spice – coriander truly is one of the best and easiest herbs to grow.

Want more? Check this guide to kitchen herbs, from A to Z, and start your own compost garden at home. Subscribe to our newsletter for more cooking tips and recipe inspiration.