AdewebsSpring is a magical time for gardeners. The soil thaws, the days stretch a bit longer, and the garden almost begs for life to be sown into it. If you’ve ever walked outside in early spring, rubbed your hands through fresh soil, and thought, “What should I plant first?”—then herbs are your best bet. They’re easy to grow, smell wonderful, and add flavor to your kitchen in ways no supermarket spice jar can match.
Now, I’ve been farming and gardening for decades, and let me tell you: herbs are like the friendly neighbors of the plant world. They don’t ask for much, they play nice with veggies, and most of them come back year after year if you treat them kindly. And the best part? You don’t need a fancy greenhouse or loads of equipment. A pot, some soil, sunlight, and a little patience is all it takes.
20 Must-Grow Herbs For Your Spring Garden
So grab your gloves—or don’t, I know some folks like the feel of dirt under their nails—and let’s walk through 20 must-grow herbs for your spring garden. I’ll share some growing tips, watering tricks, fertilizing advice, and a pinch of farm wisdom along the way.
1. Basil
Ah, basil—the king of herbs. Whether it’s for pasta, pesto, or just to freshen up a salad, basil is a must-have. Start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost, then move them outside once the weather warms up. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and pinch the tops regularly so the plant grows bushy instead of leggy. A little compost tea every couple of weeks keeps it happy.
2. Parsley
Flat-leaf or curly, parsley deserves a spot in every garden. It’s a slow starter, so don’t panic if it takes a while to germinate. Parsley loves cool spring weather and grows well in pots or directly in the ground. Give it a balanced organic fertilizer once a month, and it’ll reward you with lush leaves all season.
3. Mint
Mint is the wild child of herbs—it grows like it’s got somewhere to be. Plant it in containers unless you want it taking over your whole garden. Keep the soil damp and give it morning sun. Mint doesn’t need much fertilizer, but a splash of compost tea now and then keeps the leaves fragrant and full.
4. Rosemary
This woody herb thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. In spring, it perks up after winter’s chill. Don’t drown it—rosemary prefers drier soil, so water only when the top inch feels dry. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats and potatoes, making it a kitchen favorite.
5. Thyme
Thyme is as tough as old boots. It loves full sun, thrives in poor soil, and needs minimal watering once established. Trim it lightly in spring to encourage new growth. Thyme spreads slowly, so plant it at the edge of beds where it can creep happily without crowding other herbs.
6. Oregano
This Mediterranean classic practically begs to be sprinkled on pizza and pasta. Oregano prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Pinch off flowers to keep the leaves flavorful. Give it a slow-release fertilizer in early spring, and it’ll thrive without fuss.
7. Chives
Chives are like little onion cousins—easy to grow and cheerful with their purple blossoms. They come back every year, so plant them once and enjoy them for seasons to come. Keep them watered, and every few weeks give them a trim to keep new shoots sprouting.
8. Dill
If you love pickles, dill is your herb. Plant it in early spring because it doesn’t handle heat well. Dill prefers well-drained soil and full sun. It grows tall and wispy, so tuck it at the back of beds. Harvest leaves before it flowers for the best flavor.
9. Cilantro (Coriander)
Cilantro is a tricky fellow—it bolts quickly in heat. That’s why spring is the best time to grow it. Sow seeds directly in the soil, water regularly, and harvest young leaves. If it bolts, don’t fret—the seeds (coriander) are just as useful.
10. Sage
Sage is hardy, reliable, and aromatic. Plant it in well-draining soil with full sun. Water sparingly—it hates soggy roots. Sage thrives with a bit of neglect, making it perfect for busy gardeners. Just give it a prune in spring to keep it bushy.
11. Lemon Balm
Part of the mint family, lemon balm adds a citrusy zing to teas and desserts. Plant it in partial sun and keep the soil evenly moist. Like mint, it spreads fast, so containers are your best friend. Snip leaves often to encourage new growth.
12. Tarragon
French tarragon is a spring gem with a subtle anise flavor. It likes sunny spots and well-drained soil. Water moderately and avoid over-fertilizing, which dulls its flavor. Trim it back in spring to encourage fresh shoots.
13. Marjoram
Often mistaken for oregano, marjoram has a sweeter taste. Plant it after frost danger passes in rich, well-draining soil. Water regularly but don’t let it sit wet. A gentle feeding of compost tea once a month keeps it vibrant.
14. Lovage
A lesser-known herb, lovage tastes like celery with a kick. It grows tall, so give it space. Plant in moist, fertile soil, and water consistently. Harvest leaves young for the best flavor, and save stalks for soups and stews.
15. Fennel
With feathery leaves and a slight licorice taste, fennel is both ornamental and useful. It enjoys full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly but lightly. The bulbs can be harvested later, but the fronds are great for flavoring dishes in spring.
16. Catnip
Not just for cats! Catnip makes a soothing tea and grows easily in spring. Plant in sunny spots with average soil. Water when dry, but don’t fuss too much—it’s a hardy herb. Keep it in containers if you don’t want it spreading.
17. Bay Laurel
Bay leaves are a kitchen staple, and the plant grows well in pots. Start in spring, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Bay laurel enjoys full sun but tolerates partial shade. Fertilize lightly with organic feed once a month.
18. Chamomile
Chamomile brings delicate flowers and calming tea. Sow seeds in early spring, in full sun or light shade. Water regularly but avoid soaking the soil. Harvest flowers when they’re fully open, and dry them for tea.
19. Horseradish
A root crop with bite, horseradish thrives in spring. Plant in rich, well-drained soil, giving it space to spread underground. Water consistently and harvest roots in late fall. Be warned—it can be invasive, so dedicate a corner just for it.
20. Sorrel
This leafy herb brings a tangy, lemony flavor to soups and salads. Plant sorrel in cool spring weather—it loves it. Keep the soil moist, and cut leaves regularly to encourage new growth. Sorrel is perennial, so once planted, it comes back year after year.
FAQs About Growing Herbs in Spring
1. What herbs grow best in spring?
Spring is the perfect time to plant herbs that thrive in cooler weather and gentle sunshine. Basil, parsley, dill, cilantro, and chives are top choices since they germinate quickly and adapt well as the season warms. Starting with these also gives beginner gardeners an easy win, as they don’t require too much fussing. If you want a mix, plant both annuals like basil and perennials like chives so you get instant harvests and long-term value.
2. Can I grow herbs in pots instead of the ground?
Yes, many herbs actually thrive in pots and containers, making them a great option for patios, balconies, or small backyards. Mint, for example, does better in pots because it tends to spread aggressively if planted in the ground. Container gardening also lets you control soil type, drainage, and mobility—so if the weather turns chilly, you can move them inside. Just remember to pick pots with good drainage holes to avoid soggy roots.
3. How often should I water my herbs?
Herbs don’t like sitting in soggy soil, so the trick is to keep the soil lightly moist without drowning the roots. A simple test is to stick your finger an inch into the soil—if it feels dry, it’s time to water. During spring, watering every few days is usually enough, though pots may need a little more attention. Be mindful that overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering leads to droopy leaves.
4. What type of fertilizer is best for herbs?
Unlike heavy-feeding vegetables, herbs are happiest with a lighter touch when it comes to fertilizer. Organic options like compost tea, fish emulsion, or worm castings add gentle nutrients without overwhelming delicate roots. If you prefer store-bought fertilizer, choose a balanced all-purpose blend with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Keep in mind that too much fertilizer can actually dull the flavor of herbs, which is the last thing you want.
5. Can I start herbs indoors before moving them outside?
Yes, many gardeners start seeds indoors to give herbs a head start before spring planting. Herbs like basil, parsley, and thyme grow well in small pots or seed trays on a sunny windowsill. After the last frost has passed, you can move them outside, but remember to harden them off first. That simply means slowly exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week so they don’t go into shock.
6. Which herbs come back every year?
Perennial herbs are a real blessing because they return each year without replanting. Rosemary, thyme, oregano, chives, and sage are all great perennials for spring gardens in both the US and UK. With just a little pruning and feeding in spring, they’ll bounce back with fresh growth. Think of them as your garden’s dependable old friends who keep showing up year after year.
7. Do herbs need full sun?
Most herbs love full sun and do best when they get at least 6 hours of direct light daily. However, some herbs like parsley, cilantro, and mint are more forgiving and can handle partial shade. If your garden is a bit shaded, don’t worry—you can still grow a healthy herb patch by choosing varieties suited to lower light. The main thing is avoiding spots that stay damp and dark, as that encourages disease.
8. How do I stop herbs from bolting?
Bolting happens when herbs like basil, cilantro, or dill rush into flowering, often because of rising temperatures. Once they bolt, leaves can turn bitter, so the best prevention is regular harvesting. Pinch off flower buds as soon as you see them, and don’t let the plant sit too long without cutting. Keeping the soil evenly moist and giving some partial shade in hotter months also helps.
9. Can I grow herbs indoors year-round?
Yes, herbs like basil, mint, and chives can thrive indoors if they have the right setup. A bright windowsill that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight works, but if natural light is limited, consider using grow lights. Indoors, herbs may need more frequent watering since household air can be dry, especially in winter. With a little care, you can enjoy fresh herbs for cooking even when it’s snowing outside.
10. What’s the best way to harvest herbs?
The golden rule for harvesting herbs is “little and often.” Snip leaves in the morning after dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot, which is when oils and flavor are strongest. Always cut just above a leaf node (where new leaves form), so the plant branches out and grows bushier. Harvesting regularly not only gives you fresh herbs for meals but also keeps the plant productive all season long.
A Few Farming Insights
One thing I’ve learned after years in the garden: herbs don’t like being smothered with fertilizer. A little feeding goes a long way. Overdo it, and you’ll end up with weak growth and less flavor. Homemade compost tea is a personal favorite—it gives plants just the right boost without overwhelming them. Store-bought fertilizer works too, but always go easy on the dosage.
Watering? Well, most herbs prefer “less and steady” over “lots and seldom.” Let the soil dry slightly between waterings to keep roots strong. Think of it like training—plants grow tougher when they’re not pampered every day.
Wrapping It Up
Planting herbs in spring is one of the simplest joys of gardening. They don’t just make your meals taste better—they fill your garden with fragrance, attract pollinators, and make you feel more connected to the land. And the truth is, even if you mess up a little—maybe water too much, maybe forget to prune—they’re forgiving.
So why not give a few (or all 20) of these herbs a try this spring? Your kitchen, your garden, and maybe even your neighbors will thank you.
After all, isn’t gardening about experimenting, learning, and enjoying every little sprout that breaks through the soil?
