Growing Aromatic Herbs

 

How to Grow Aromatic Herbs: Garden Design Ideas and Container Inspiration

Few things bring as much joy to a garden — or kitchen — as a thriving collection of aromatic herbs. Whether you have a sprawling garden or a sunny windowsill, herbs are among the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow. They add fragrance to your outdoor space, flavour to your food, and beauty to your surroundings. In this guide, we’ll explore how to grow aromatic herbs successfully, offer design ideas for herb gardens, and share creative tips for container growing.

 

Getting Started: Choosing the Right Herbs

When selecting herbs to grow, consider your climate, available light, and how you plan to use the herbs.

• Full sun lovers: Rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, basil, lavender.
• Partial shade or cooler climates: Mint, parsley, chervil, coriander.
• Kitchen staples: Basil, parsley, chives, thyme.
• Tea garden favourites: Mint, lemon balm, chamomile.

Some herbs are annuals, like basil and coriander and easily grown from seeds. They will be either sown in pots indoor or directly in the ground depending on the variety. Suitable herbs for sowing include Dill, Parsley, Basil, Coriander, Chamomile and Borage. These are very easy to grow and ideal for budding gardeners of all ages. 

Perennial herbs such as thyme, oregano, lemon balm, sage, and rosemary can be purchased as either small or large plants. These sun-loving varieties are low-maintenance and will reward you with generous harvests for many years.

 

Herb Garden Design Ideas

1. The Classic Kitchen Garden (Potager)

A potager is a formal garden that combines herbs, vegetables, and flowers in symmetrical beds, often edged with low box hedging or bricks. This style works well near the kitchen door for quick access to herbs while cooking. Paths between beds make it easy to maintain and harvest.

Layout Tip: Create raised beds in a cross pattern, with a central feature like a sundial or a pot of lavender.

Photo by Wes Mcfee on Unsplash

2. The Herb Spiral

A permaculture favourite, the herb spiral is a space-saving vertical garden. Built as a raised spiral-shaped mound using bricks or stones, it creates microclimates: hot and dry at the top, cooler and moist at the base.

Planting Tip: Place rosemary and thyme at the top, parsley and basil in the middle, and mint or chives at the base.

 

3. The Border Blend

Integrate herbs into existing flower borders for a relaxed cottage garden feel. Many herbs have attractive flowers and foliage that blend beautifully with ornamentals.

Good companions: Lavender with roses, thyme under taller shrubs, basil near tomatoes, Fennel with tall herbaceous plants and grasses.

 

Photo by Phil Hearing on Unsplash

Growing Herbs in Containers

Container growing is ideal for patios, balconies, windowsills, and renters. It allows you to control soil type, move herbs to follow the sun, and prevent aggressive spread (looking at you, mint).

Best Herbs for Containers:

• Mint: always in a pot to control spread
• Basil: thrives in warmth and sun so you might need to bring inside depending on the weather
• Chives: compact and resilient
• Thyme: great for hanging baskets as it is drought tolerant
• Parsley: moisture-loving but happy in pots

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out

Container Ideas:

• Terracotta pots: Classic and breathable, ideal for Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and oregano.
• Recycled items: Old teapots, crates, or colanders add charm and character.
• Window boxes: Ideal for culinary use — plant a mini kitchen garden outside your window.
• Vertical planters or shelves: Perfect for small spaces. Use wall-mounted racks or pallet gardens.

Photo by Antonio Castellano

Soil Tips: Use well-drained compost mixed with a little grit. Most herbs hate sitting in wet soil, so drainage holes are essential.

Watering Advice: Water in the morning and allow soil to dry slightly between watering. Mediterranean herbs prefer drier conditions; leafy herbs like basil need more frequent watering.

 

Maintenance Tips for Healthy Herbs

• Harvest regularly to promote bushier growth.
• Pinch off flowers on leafy herbs like basil to prolong leaf production.
• Divide perennials like chives or mint every couple of years to rejuvenate plants.
• Feed lightly with a balanced organic fertiliser — too much nitrogen leads to lush but less aromatic growth.

 

Final Thoughts

Growing aromatic herbs is one of the simplest ways to bring life, beauty, and function to any garden space. Whether you're creating a formal garden, a rustic herb spiral, or a few pots on the windowsill, these versatile plants offer incredible benefits for the senses and the kitchen.

Happy Gardening!

Photo by OPPO Find X5 Pro on Unsplash