Are you looking to add a touch of greenery and freshness to your living space? Herb gardens are a perfect solution, whether you have a spacious outdoor area or just a small windowsill. From planting tips to creative container ideas, this article will provide you with valuable information to kickstart your herb garden project.

Charlotte Ekker Wiggins* and Rebecca Sears** are here to share their expert advice and clever tips to help you create a beautiful and functional herb garden. Let’s dive into 30 herb garden ideas that will inspire you to get your hands dirty and start planting!

Building a Beautiful Herb Garden

1. Build Raised Garden Beds

Creating raised garden beds not only adds a charming aesthetic to your outdoor space but also keeps critters away from your precious herbs. Add chicken wire to deter deer from munching on your plants.

2. Put Pollinator Gardens in Front of Your Raised Beds

Planting native flowers and pollinators in front of your raised beds will attract bees to your blooming herbs while providing nutrients for butterfly larvae.

3. Create a Mobile Garden

Don’t be afraid to bring your outdoor plants inside. Utilize a spot with southwest exposure to successfully overwinter herbs like rosemary, parsley, and chives.

Tips for Planting and Growing Herbs

4. Hang Herbs Overhead Your Dining Table

Add a touch of green to your dining area by hanging herbs like ferns and tumbling plants. Reserve a pot for herbs used as garnish in the kitchen.

5. Grow Aromatic Plants Indoors

Spearmint is a highly aromatic herb that releases a refreshing minty scent. It’s perfect for adding fragrance to your home and can be used in teas for a herbal touch.

6. Hang Baskets Away from Pet’s Paws

Keep toxic or tempting plants away from pets by hanging them in baskets. This not only keeps your furry friends safe but also adds a decorative element to your space.

7. Spread Out Your Plants

While it may be tempting to cluster your herbs together for a lush look, ensure there is proper air circulation around each plant to reduce pests.

8. Try Moisture-Loving Herbs in the Bathroom

Move water-loving herbs like basil or cilantro into the bathroom for high humidity, mimicking a greenhouse environment.

9. Keep Herbs by Your Bar Cart

Having fresh herbs like mint within reach is perfect for making cocktails or adding a refreshing touch to summer drinks.

10. Plant a Formal Herb Garden

Take advantage of ample space by creating a formal herb garden with a variety of herbs thriving together.

Creating the Perfect Herb Garden Setup

11. Install a Grow Light

If your home lacks natural light, consider using a grow light to supplement the sunlight your herbs need.

12. Use Your Seedlings for a Touch of Spring

Starting herb seeds indoors is a great way to add a touch of greenery to your space and ensure strong root development before transplanting them outdoors.

13. Utilize a Grow Kit

A grow kit provides all the essentials needed for successful herb growth, from seeds to seed starting pellets and a tabletop greenhouse.

14. Incorporate Herbs Into a Rock Garden

Many herbs thrive in rock gardens, adding a desert-inspired look to your space.

15. Surround a Patio With Mosquito-Repelling Herbs

Lemongrass and lavender are great for repelling mosquitoes while adding a lovely scent to your outdoor area.

16. Buy or DIY a Hydroponic Garden

Hydroponic gardens are a space-saving option for growing herbs indoors. They utilize a nutrient solution instead of soil for plant growth.

Tips for Herb Container Gardening

17. Fill Terracotta Planters With Herbs

Terracotta planters are perfect for herbs like rosemary or lavender that fill out like bushes and can be harvested for use.

18. Contain Spread With Concrete Pavers

Use concrete pavers to create a patio and contain fast-growing herbs like mint within a grid-like design.

19. Make Use of a Side Garden

Transform a neglected side yard into a fragrant herb garden that attracts pollinators and keeps bees away from your main outdoor space.

20. Choose Small Decorative Pots for a Kitchen Garden

Grow a kitchen garden in small decorative pots on a sunny windowsill for easy access to fresh herbs.

21. Plant Woody Herbs for Year-Round Greenery

For low-maintenance herb gardening, consider planting woody herbs like lavender and rosemary for year-round greenery.

22. Use Self-Watering Containers

Keep herbs that require lots of water, such as chives or mint, in self-watering containers to maintain proper moisture levels.

Creative Herb Garden Ideas

23. Turn a Wood Pallet Into a Garden

Upcycle a wood pallet into a multi-tiered herb garden for a unique and space-saving planting solution.

24. Install a Trellis Garden on a Balcony

For balconies with limited space, install a vertical trellis garden for growing herbs like basil, dill, and parsley.

25. Leverage a Railing

Utilize a railing as a planter for herbs, adding a touch of greenery to your outdoor space.

26. Build a Vertical Garden

Create a vertical garden with stacked terracotta pots or wooden crates for a farmhouse-inspired look.

27. Line a Rock Wall

Plant herbs in a rock wall or cascade them over the sides for a unique planting solution.

28. Grow Herbs in Upcycled Containers

Repurpose old containers like metal bins or tin cans for growing herbs without the need for new pots.

29. Grow Your Herbs in Water

Plant herbs like basil, thyme, and mint in water for a mess-free indoor garden that always provides fresh garnishes.

30. Repurpose a Broken Mug

Turn a broken mug into a cute herb planter for a small indoor garden that adds character to your space.

Conclusion

There you have it, 30 clever herb garden ideas for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these tips and tricks will help you create a stunning herb garden that adds beauty and functionality to your living environment. Get creative, experiment with different containers, and enjoy the process of growing your own herbs at home. Happy gardening!