What herbs are easiest for beginners?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Mint, chives, and oregano are excellent starter herbs that are perfect for the beginning container gardener. They forgive the occasional missed watering or the wrong location in terms of light. You'll meet with success regardless of experience. The fresh tastes are a ready enhancement to any dish! With these three items, you'll build confidence.
Mint
- Resilience: Recovers quickly from underwatering or neglect
- Adaptability: Grows in sun or shade conditions
- Propagation: Easily regrows from stem cuttings in water
Chives
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning or fertilizing
- Cold Tolerance: Survives light frosts in containers
- Regrowth: Rapidly regenerates after harvesting
Oregano
- Drought Resistance: Thrives with occasional watering
- Pest Resistance: Naturally repels common garden insects
- Versatility: Grows well in various soil types
Plant mint in isolated containers to prevent spreading. Use plastic pots, which help retain moisture. Water when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. Harvest sprigs often to keep the plant from becoming straggly. My mint survived a period of neglect without effort and bounced back in just a few days.
Grow chives as clusters for a visually impactful garden; they will multiply each year by division of bulbs. Cut the leaves of each clump two inches above the ground, leaving them to regrow. Apply a light dressing of fertilizer in the spring. The soft, purple flowers of the plant are edible and serve as a good food source for bees and other pollinators.
Oregano. Oregano is a plant that does well under "neglected" conditions. It can be grown in well-draining soil within practically any container. Do not water again until the area is arid. Prune growing plants to prevent legginess. Dried oregano intensifies flavor. Hang upside-down in the shade to dry, then store in hermetically sealed jars.
Read the full article: 10 Best Herbs for Container Gardening Success
