How to Start a Herb Garden This Spring
Learn how to start a herb garden this spring with our step-by-step guide. From choosing herbs to planting and care — perfect for European gardeners.
Spring is the perfect season to start a herb garden. Whether you have a sunny corner in your allotment, a few pots on your balcony, or a raised bed in the back garden, growing your own herbs is one of the most rewarding — and easiest — ways to get into gardening. Fresh basil for pasta, mint for tea, or thyme for roast vegetables: once you start picking herbs from your own garden, you won't look back.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to start a herb garden this spring, step by step. No experience required.
What You'll Need
Before you begin, gather a few essentials:
- Pots or containers (at least 20 cm wide, with drainage holes) — or a patch of garden soil
- Good-quality compost or potting mix
- Herb seedlings or seeds — we'll help you choose in Step 1
- A watering can with a fine rose
- A sunny spot that gets at least 5–6 hours of direct sunlight per day
- Labels or markers to keep track of what you've planted
Container or Ground?
If you're short on space, most herbs grow beautifully in containers. Pots are also ideal if your soil is heavy clay — herbs generally prefer lighter, well-drained soil.
Step-by-Step: How to Start a Herb Garden This Spring
Step 1: Choose Your Herbs
Start with 4–6 herbs that you actually use in the kitchen. There's no point growing tarragon if you never cook with it. For beginners in European gardens, these are reliable choices:
| Herb | Type | Sow/Plant | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | Annual | After last frost (May) | Easy | Pasta, salads, pesto |
| Chives | Perennial | March–April | Very easy | Salads, soups, eggs |
| Parsley | Biennial | March–April | Easy | All-rounder in the kitchen |
| Thyme | Perennial | March–April | Very easy | Roasts, stews, Mediterranean dishes |
| Mint | Perennial | March–May | Very easy | Tea, cocktails, desserts |
| Dill | Annual | March–April (direct sow) | Easy | Fish, salads, pickling |
| Oregano | Perennial | April–May | Easy | Pizza, grilled vegetables |
| Sage | Perennial | March–April | Easy | Butter sauces, stuffing, meat |
Perennial herbs like thyme, sage, and chives come back year after year, so they're a great investment. Mix them with a few annuals like basil and dill for variety.
Step 2: Pick the Right Spot
Most herbs need plenty of sunlight — aim for at least 5–6 hours of direct sun per day. A south-facing windowsill, balcony, or garden bed works best across most of Europe.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Mediterranean herbs (thyme, oregano, sage) love full sun and heat. Give them the warmest spot you have.
- Leafy herbs (parsley, chives, mint) tolerate partial shade — 3–4 hours of sun is enough.
- Mint spreads aggressively. Plant it in a pot, even if you're planting everything else in the ground.
Step 3: Prepare the Soil
Herbs don't need rich, heavy soil. In fact, most prefer well-drained, slightly sandy conditions. Here's how to prepare:
- If planting in containers: fill with a mix of potting compost and about 20% perlite or coarse sand for drainage. Make sure pots have holes at the bottom.
- If planting in the ground: work in some compost to the top 15 cm of soil. If your soil is heavy clay, raise the bed or add sand to improve drainage.
- Avoid heavy feeding — most herbs actually develop stronger flavour in leaner soil.
Drainage Matters
Waterlogged roots are the number-one killer of herb gardens. If in doubt, add more drainage material. Your herbs will thank you.
Step 4: Plant Your Herbs
Timing depends on your climate. Across Europe, late March to April is safe for hardy herbs. Tender herbs like basil should wait until after your last expected frost — typically mid-May in Atlantic and Continental climates.
| Region / Climate | Hardy Herbs (Thyme, Chives, Parsley) | Tender Herbs (Basil) |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic (Cfb) — UK, Netherlands, NW France | March–April outdoors | Mid-May outdoors |
| Continental (Dfb) — Czechia, Poland, Germany | Late March–April outdoors | Late May outdoors |
| Mediterranean (Csa) — Spain, Italy, S. France | February–March outdoors | April outdoors |
Planting tips:
- Space herbs 15–25 cm apart, depending on the variety.
- Plant at the same depth as the seedling was in its original pot.
- Water gently after planting and keep the soil moist (not wet) for the first week.
- If sowing seeds directly (dill, chives), scatter thinly and cover with 0.5 cm of compost.
Step 5: Water and Care
Once established, most herbs are low-maintenance:
- Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry. Most herbs prefer to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Harvest regularly — this encourages bushy growth and prevents flowering. Pinch stems just above a leaf pair.
- Feed sparingly — a light dose of liquid fertiliser once a month is plenty. Over-feeding reduces flavour.
- Watch for slugs in damp weather, especially on basil and parsley. A ring of crushed eggshells or copper tape around pots can help.
Tips for Better Results
- Group by watering needs: Mediterranean herbs (thyme, oregano, sage) in one pot; moisture-loving herbs (mint, parsley, chives) in another.
- Harden off indoor-grown seedlings before planting outside. Place them outdoors for a few hours each day over a week.
- Deadhead flowers on basil and chives to extend the harvesting season.
- Overwinter perennials: thyme, sage, and chives survive European winters outdoors. Move tender herbs like basil indoors before the first frost, or treat them as annuals.
- Start small: 4–6 herbs is plenty for your first year. You can always expand next spring.
Common Questions
When is the best time to start a herb garden in Europe?
Late March to April is ideal for most of Europe. You can start hardy herbs like thyme, parsley, and chives outdoors right away. Wait until after the last frost (mid to late May in most areas) for tender herbs like basil.
Can I grow herbs indoors?
Absolutely. A bright, south-facing windowsill works well for basil, chives, parsley, and mint. Make sure containers have drainage holes and rotate the pots occasionally so plants grow evenly.
Do herbs need a lot of space?
Not at all. A few 20–30 cm pots on a balcony or windowsill can give you a steady supply of fresh herbs throughout the season. Herbs are one of the best crops for small-space gardening.
Next Steps
Now that you know how to start a herb garden this spring, it's time to get planting. Check out our complete March planting guide for more ideas on what to sow right now, or explore our European climate zones guide to fine-tune your planting schedule to your region.
With Plantory, you can plan your herb garden layout, get personalised planting reminders based on your location, and track what's growing throughout the season.