If I’m being honest, one of the things that helped me feel more comfortable with herbalism was growing herbs in my own garden. In many cases, I was growing herbs long before I fully understood how to use them.
I would read about plants that might offer gentle support for our family, then plant a few of them in our garden boxes just to see how they grew. Over time, I began to develop a much deeper connection with the herbs themselves.
I watched them grow to produce their first flowers. I noticed how they responded to drought, heavy rain, summer heat, and cool autumn mornings. I rubbed their leaves between my fingers, inhaled their aroma, and harvested small handfuls to use in our kitchen and around our home.
Those observations became some of my greatest teachers.
There is something incredibly grounding about getting to know a plant this way. You begin to recognize its scent, its texture, its growth habits, and its seasonality. Even clipping a few sprigs of thyme for supper or brewing fresh lemon balm tea becomes a simple way to connect with the plants growing around you.
If you have room for even one or two herbs, I highly recommend growing them yourself.
And if you do not have a large garden, that is perfectly fine. Many medicinal herbs thrive in containers, raised beds, and patio planters.
Growing herbs is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to begin learning herbalism. It allows you to slow down, observe, and build confidence one plant at a time. Let’s dive in!
Why Grow Your Own Herbs?
Growing your own herbs offers several advantages:
- You know exactly how they were grown.
- You can harvest them at peak freshness.
- You develop a deeper connection to the plants you use.
- Many medicinal herbs are surprisingly easy to grow.
- It can save money over time.
Even if you only have a small garden or a few containers on your patio, you can grow an impressive herbal apothecary.
The Best Herbs for Beginners to Grow
These herbs are easy to cultivate and incredibly versatile.
Calendula
One of the most useful herbs for skin care.
Uses:
- Infused oils
- Salves
- Balms
- Bath products
- Skin-soothing creams
Supports:
Cuts, scrapes, dry skin, and irritated skin.
German Chamomile
A gentle herb for both skin and relaxation.
Uses:
- Teas
- Infused oils
- Bath products
- Facial care
Supports:
Relaxation, digestion, and sensitive skin.
Lavender
A classic herb for calming and skin support.
Uses:
- Teas
- Infused oils
- Bath products
- Sleep blends
Supports:
Stress, sleep, and skin health.
Lemon Balm
Easy to grow and wonderfully uplifting.
Uses:
- Teas
- Tinctures
- Glycerites
- Herbal honeys
Supports:
Stress, mood, and digestion.
Peppermint
One of the easiest and most versatile herbs to grow.
Uses:
- Teas
- Digestive blends
- Steam inhalations
- Cooling balms
Supports:
Digestion, headaches, and respiratory comfort.
Catnip
Not just for cats — though my cats love it which makes it a bit trickier for me to grow. If you have cats, you’ll have to find a way to keep them away from your catnip plants. They tend to rub up against them and crush them!
Uses:
- Teas
- Tinctures
- Children’s herbal preparations
Supports:
Relaxation and digestive comfort.
Thyme
A powerful culinary and medicinal herb.
Uses:
- Teas
- Steam inhalations
- Herbal syrups and honeys
Supports:
Respiratory health and immune support.
Oregano
A hardy herb with strong aromatic properties.
Uses:
- Culinary preparations
- Infusions
- Steam blends
Supports:
Respiratory and immune support.
Rosemary
A stimulating herb for both mind and body.
Uses:
- Hair rinses
- Infused oils
- Teas
Supports:
Circulation, focus, and scalp health.
Nettle
A deeply nourishing herb rich in minerals.
Uses:
- Nutritive teas
- Hair rinses
- Mineral infusions
Supports:
Overall nourishment and seasonal wellness.
Plantain
Often considered a weed, but one of the most useful skin herbs.
Uses:
- Infused oils
- Salves
- Poultices
Supports:
Bites, stings, and skin irritation.
Elder
A valuable shrub that offers both flowers and berries.
Uses:
- Teas
- Syrups
- Glycerites
- Tinctures
Supports:
Seasonal immune wellness.
My Top 10 Beginner Herbs
If I were starting from scratch, these are the ten herbs I would prioritize:
- Calendula
- Chamomile
- Lavender
- Lemon Balm
- Peppermint
- Nettle
- Plantain
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Elder
With these ten herbs, you can make:
- Herbal teas
- Infused oils
- Salves and balms
- Tinctures
- Glycerites
- Herbal honeys
- Bath products
- Natural skin care
The Best Herbs for Different Types of Herbal Preparations
Teas
- Lemon Balm
- Chamomile
- Peppermint
- Nettle
- Catnip
Infused Oils and Salves
- Calendula
- Plantain
- Lavender
- Chamomile
Respiratory Support
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Rosemary
Skin Care
- Calendula
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Plantain
Tinctures and Glycerites
- Lemon Balm
- Catnip
- Elderberries
Growing Herbs in Small Spaces
You do not need a large garden to get started.
Many herbs thrive in:
- Raised beds
- Patio containers
- Window boxes
- Small backyard gardens
Lemon balm, peppermint, thyme, oregano, and calendula all grow beautifully in containers.
Start Simple
One of the biggest misconceptions about herbalism is that you need dozens of herbs and complicated recipes.
You don’t.
Start with one or two plants.
Make a tea.
Infuse an oil.
Create a simple salve.
The most effective herbal routines are often the simplest ones.
Everything We Need Has Always Been Here
There is something profoundly grounding about growing the very plants that can nourish and support your family.
The garden becomes more than a source of food and beauty. It becomes part of your home apothecary.
You do not need to know every herb to begin.
Just start with one plant, learn how to use it, and let your herbal garden grow from there.
