Which herbs are easiest for beginners in shade?

Beginning with shade-tolerant herbs such as chives, mint, and parsley ensures success in a low-light garden. Chives quickly pop up and are very tolerant of watering errors. Mint will grow in almost any condition and does not require much attention. Parsley grows consistently and will not bolt in the shade. These were the three herbs in my first herb garden, and they thrived, despite my novice status.

Once chives are established, they require minimal care. Plant seeds or start with starter pots in early spring. They're drought-tolerant and love poor soil. In as little as six weeks, harvest outer leaves by snipping them off. I find that kitchen scissors provide easy and clean cuts. Their subtle onion flavor enhances salads, eggs, and potatoes with no effort!

Mint is highly prolific in containers and does not take over. Use a potting mix that has good drainage. Water it when the topsoil is dry to the touch. You can harvest the leaves at any time to make teas or use them in desserts. My potted mint kept giving me all summer long, without any fertilizer. Just turn the pots weekly for even growth.

Parsley grows well in light shade with even moisture. I usually start from nursery plants for a quicker harvest. Curly varieties tend to perform better in shade than flat-leaf varieties. Harvest outer stems often to promote new growth. I add chopped parsley to soups, salads, and sauces almost every week.

For a starter shade garden, get these herbs. Plant chives next to your mint to keep pests away. Plant parsley in different pots for easy picking. Use a good-quality potting mix and only water when dry. My trio thrived on a north-facing balcony, receiving three hours of sunlight each day.

Resolving typical novice issues is straightforward. For example, yellowing leaves indicate overwatering, so water less. Leggy growth indicates insufficient light, so move the pots closer to the sun. Pests will happen infrequently, so remove them manually. My first parsley's leaves turned yellow, but the parsley improved once I adjusted the water levels. Begin small, have fun, and learn before trying to expand next growing season.

Read the full article: 10 Shade Loving Herbs for Your Garden