Growing your own herbs is one of the easiest ways to bring fresh flavors to your kitchen while saving money. Many herbs thrive with little care, making them perfect for beginners or busy gardeners. Whether you have a garden bed, a patio container, or just a sunny windowsill, these herbs are practically foolproof.
1. Basil Brings Instant Flavor
Basil is a must-have for any backyard herb garden. It thrives in warm weather, grows quickly, and produces fragrant leaves that are perfect for pasta, pesto, and salads. Pinch off the flowers to keep it growing longer, and you’ll have fresh basil for months. Just don’t forget to water—it wilts dramatically when thirsty.
2. Mint Spreads Like Crazy
If you want a plant that requires almost no effort, mint is the answer. It grows so aggressively that it’s best kept in a pot unless you want it to take over your yard. Perfect for tea, cocktails, and desserts, mint comes in different varieties like spearmint and peppermint, each with its own fresh, crisp flavor.
3. Chives Keep Coming Back
Chives are one of the easiest herbs to grow because they return year after year. They require little maintenance, and their mild onion-like flavor makes them great for soups, eggs, and salads. Their purple flowers are edible too, adding a fun pop of color to dishes. Just snip what you need and watch them regrow.
4. Parsley Handles Neglect
Parsley is forgiving, making it ideal for beginners. It grows well in sun or partial shade and doesn’t need much water. Whether you choose curly or flat-leaf parsley, it’s perfect for garnishing dishes or adding freshness to soups. A friend once forgot about her parsley for weeks, and it was still standing strong.
5. Thyme Thrives on Neglect
Thyme is one of those plants that actually prefers to be ignored. It grows well in dry, sandy soil, making it perfect for those who forget to water. Use it in roasted meats, stews, or as a fragrant ground cover. Plus, brushing against it releases a fresh, earthy aroma that makes any garden smell amazing.
6. Oregano Loves the Heat
Oregano thrives in warm, dry conditions and requires little attention. It’s a staple in Mediterranean and Italian cooking, adding bold flavor to pizzas and pastas. My first oregano plant survived a heatwave that wiped out most of my garden, proving that it’s one of the hardiest herbs out there.
7. Rosemary is Nearly Indestructible
If you need a low-maintenance herb, rosemary is the way to go. It prefers dry soil, can handle drought, and even survives mild winters. With its pine-like aroma, it pairs well with roasted meats and potatoes. If you live in a warm climate, rosemary can grow into a full bush, giving you fresh herbs year-round.
8. Cilantro Grows Fast and Furious
Cilantro grows quickly and can handle a bit of neglect. It does best in cooler months, so plant it in early spring or fall. The leaves are great for salsa, guacamole, and curries, while the seeds (coriander) can be harvested for a spice rack bonus. Just know it bolts quickly in hot weather, so enjoy it while it lasts.
9. Dill Adds a Fresh Kick
Dill is a fast-growing herb that requires little effort to maintain. It’s great for pickling, seasoning fish, and adding a fresh twist to salads. Butterflies love it, so if you want to attract pollinators, dill is a fantastic choice. Just plant it once, and you’ll likely see it reseed itself next season.
10. Sage is Tough as Nails
Sage is one of the hardiest herbs you can grow. It thrives in dry conditions and requires little care beyond occasional pruning. Its slightly peppery flavor works well in stuffing, meats, and even butter sauces. A single plant can provide leaves for years, making it a staple for any low-maintenance herb garden.
11. Marjoram is the Underrated Superstar
Often mistaken for oregano, marjoram has a milder, sweeter taste. It’s perfect for seasoning meats, soups, and Mediterranean dishes. It thrives in dry, sunny conditions and is one of those herbs that gets better with neglect. If you’ve ever forgotten to water a plant, marjoram won’t hold it against you.
12. Tarragon: The French Favorite
Tarragon is a staple in French cooking, adding a hint of anise flavor to sauces and chicken dishes. It grows well in warm climates and needs very little attention once established. If you love making homemade vinaigrettes, adding fresh tarragon takes them to a whole new level.
13. Bay Laurel for Endless Flavor
Bay laurel is a slow-growing shrub, but once you have a plant, you’ll never need to buy dried bay leaves again. It prefers warm weather and does well in containers. The leaves add depth to soups, stews, and sauces. If you have patience, it’s one of the best long-term herb investments you can make.
14. Winter Savory is a Cold-Weather Champ
Winter savory is an underappreciated herb that’s easy to grow and great for seasoning meats and bean dishes. It thrives in poor soil and can handle cold weather better than many other herbs. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to extend their herb harvest into the cooler months.
15. Chamomile for a Soothing Cup of Tea
Chamomile is perfect for anyone who loves herbal tea. It’s easy to grow, thrives in poor soil, and produces delicate daisy-like flowers that can be dried for tea. A friend once planted it without even trying—she just scattered some seeds, forgot about them, and months later, had a patch of fragrant chamomile flowers.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.