15 Best Herbs For A Low Maintenance Herbs Garden

Fellow garden enthusiasts! Have you ever wished you could step out into your garden and pluck fresh herbs for your meals? Maybe you’ve dreamed of adding a pinch of rosemary to a roast or a sprig of mint to your tea, from your own garden. With a little guidance, you can create a low-maintenance herb garden that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners. It doesn’t matter if you’re working with limited space, a small patio, or a sprawling backyard, there’s an herb for you. And the best part? These herbs are easy to grow and requires little care.

As an agronomist, I have listed 15 easy to grow herbs for your herbs garden. let’s get started!

Herbs Garden List

• Basil
• Rosemary
• Mint
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Chives
• Sage
• Parsley
• Lavender
• Lemon Balm
• Cilantro
• Tarragon
• Fennel
• Dil
• Argula

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum)

• Native to: Asia, Africa, Southeast Asia
• Hardiness Zone: 10-11

Basil also known as the great basil is the fragrant herb that makes everything taste better, from pasta to pesto to even cocktails. Growing basil is a breeze, especially for beginner and Senior Gardeners. This herb thrives in warm, sunny environments, where it can bask in direct sunlight for about 6 to 8 hours a day. Basil loves slightly acidic, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Make sure to mix your soil with a bit of compost to give it a boost.

Basil’s biggest need? Regular watering. However, it’s essential to let the soil dry out between waterings, as soggy roots can lead to root rot in basil. So, only enough water to keep the soil damp 1 inch down. For better drainage, basil can be grown in containers and raised beds. Basil is cold sensitive plants and for long lasting, I always recommend to grow indoors and it can last upto 4 years.

Benefits

Basil is not just delicious, it’s loaded with antioxidants and is great for digestive health. It’s also anti-inflammatory, help to soothe your body naturally. You’ll also love its aroma in the garden.

Check: Herbs Gardening Books To Start Herbs Garden

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

• Native to: Mediterranean region
• Hardiness Zone: 8-10 USDA zones

Feature	Description
Scientific Name	Rosmarinus officinalis
Common Names	Rosemary, Rosmarino, Incensier (French)
Family	Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Native Region	Mediterranean region
Plant Type	Evergreen shrub
Height	2–6 feet
Leaves	Needle-like, 2–4 cm long, leathery, aromatic, green on top
Flowers	Small, usually blue or purple, appear in spring to summer
Scent	Strong, aromatic, earthy, pine-like, slightly citrusy
Flavor Profile	Woody, slightly bitter, and minty with hints of pine
Uses	Culinary, medicinal, ornamental
Culinary Uses	Common in Mediterranean cuisine, used in meat dishes, soups, sauces
Medicinal Uses	Digestive aid, memory enhancement, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
Harvesting Time	Leaves can be harvested year-round
Growth Conditions	Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil, full sun, drought-tolerant
Growing Zones	USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10
Propagation	Through seeds, cuttings, or division
Common Pests/Diseases	Can be susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, root rot, and powdery mildew
Storage	Dried rosemary can last several months
Essential Oil	Used in aromatherapy, massage, and skin care

Native to Mediterranean region, Rosemary is perennial herb with needle shape leaves on woody stems. This woody perennial plant loves sun (at least six hours of direct sunlight per day) and can thrive in the driest of soils. It does best in well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with soil pH 6.0–7.0.

Plant it in a raised bed or containers and keep plant to plant distance at least 1 ft. It grows well with plants like lavender, sage, kale, cabbage, carrots and spinach. Rosemary is a slow grower in the 1st year, but speeds up in the 2nd year and than you’ll have plenty of this herb to use for years to come.

Rosemary Uses

Rosemary is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is a popular culinary herb used in cooking for adding a savory, earthy flavor to meats and vegetables. Beyond cooking, rosemary has a long history of medicinal uses. It is believed to promote digestion, relieve muscle pain, and enhance memory and concentration.

Rosemary essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy for stress relief. Additionally, rosemary can be grown for ornamental purposes and thus adds both fragrance and beauty to gardens.

Mint (Mentha)

• Native to: Eurasia, North America, Australia, and southern Africa
• Hardiness Zone: 2-11

If you want a no-fuss herb that will thrive even with minimal effort, mint is your go-to herb. Metha has about 24 species and is a popular herb with many health benefits. It is a hardy perennial that can grow outdoor and indoors. Mint loves the sun (at least four to six hours of daily sunlight ) but can also handle partial shade. It prefers moist, well draining rich soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Mint grows rapidly, so it’s best to plant it in containers or confined garden spaces. Water regularly, but keep the soil dry out between waterings. This herb can also spread by rhizomes, which sprout stems and leaves to become new plants.

Mint Uses

Mint is a natural digestive aid, help to calm an upset stomach and reduce bloating. It is a common ingredient in salads, sauces, teas, smoothies, and desserts and fruit salads. The essential oil of mint, peppermint, is commonly used in aromatherapy to relieve stress and boost energy. Mint leaves can also be used in natural air fresheners or as a repellent for insects.

Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris)

• Native to: Eurasia and North Africa
• Hardiness Zone: 5-9

commonly called garden thyme or common thyme, Thyme is one of the easiest herbs to grow while starting a herbs garden by beginner gardeners at home. This flowering plant thrives in almost any garden setting and has about 350 species. It requires full sunlight for at least 6 hours a day and can handle hot & dry conditions. It prefers well-drained, rocky or sandy soil, and thrives when watered sparingly.

Thyme is perfect for ground planting, but it can also grow well in containers. I always advise to use large pots for thyme growing, at least 30 cm deep and 30 cm wide with good drainage.

Thyme Uses

Medicinally, thyme has been valued for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. It has long been used in herbal remedies to help treat respiratory conditions like coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. Thyme tea soothes sore throats, ease coughs, and act as an expectorant. Its essential oil is used in aromatherapy for its calming and purifying effects. as culinary herb, it adds a fragrant, earthy flavor to soups, stews, and meat dishes.

Oregano (Origanum Vulgare)

• Native to: Mediterranean region
• Hardiness Zone: 4-10

Oregano is a perennial Mediterranean herb that grows up to 90 cm tall with a strong aroma and a warm, earthy flavor. Oregano contains various minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, and selenium, vitamins, such as vitamins K, C, A, and E, folate, and B vitamins. Oregano prefers sunny spot with at least six hours of direct sunlight in each day. It grows best in well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, 6.5 to 7.5.

Oregano is an easy to care herb that be grown on grounds, containers and also hydroponically. Start with seeds or use cutting from established plant. Seeds typically germinate in 7–14 days.

The herb’s name comes from the Greek words oros, meaning mountain, and ganos, meaning joy or delight, thus, joy of mountain. Ancient Greeks and Romans used oregano as a symbol of happiness and love in wedding rituals and decorations. It was believed to have protective qualities, and it was also used as a remedy for various ailments, including digestive issues and respiratory problems.

Oregano Uses

Oregano holds antioxidants (thymol and carvacrol) and has strong antibacterial properties. It’s good for digestion and can help with respiratory issues (coughs, colds, or bronchitis.). Drinking oregano tea can help with digestive issues, soothe sore throats, and act as a mild antiseptic. Besides health benefits, Oregano adds a rich, bold flavor to Italian dishes, pizza, and even roasted veggies.

Chives (Allium Schoenoprasum)

• Native to: Europe, Asia, North America
• Hardiness Zone: 3-9

Chives are among the easiest herbs to grow and thrives in partial to full sunlight and can grows best well-drained, loamy soil. They are cool season crop and grow best in spring and fall. They are ready to harvest about 30 days after you transplant or 60 days after seeding. Among varieties, Garlic Chives taste more like garlic than regular chives.

Chives can be grown in containers or directly in the garden or indoors, and they don’t require much space. Chives tend to die back in winter but regrow in the spring.

Chives and Green Onions

Chives and green onions are both members of the allium family. They are different from each other.

Chives have thin, grass-like stalks and provide a delicate, herbaceous taste. They are added to salads, soups, and dips, or sprinkled over dishes like baked potatoes or eggs. Green onions, also known as scallions, have a longer, thicker stalk and a white base. Their flavor is slightly stronger than chives, with the white part being more pungent and the green top milder. Green onions are versatile, used raw in salads, as a topping for tacos, or cooked in stir-fries. Both are easy to grow.

Sage (Salvia Officinalis)

• Native to: Southern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean
• Hardiness Zone: 4-10

Salvia officinalis, the common sage or sage has the long history used as spice and herb with medicinal benefits. Sage is drought tolerant and easy to grow shrub with low maintenance. This herb grows best in full sun with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Plants can be grown in containers, raised beds, or in the ground.

The plant can reach 1m in height. Sage bears aromatic leaves of varying size and shape, depending on the species. The leaves are grey-green but can also be purple, silver or variegated. Flowers are purple with fragrance somewhat like lavender.

For planting in the garden, add compost or organic matter to improve the soil. The leaves and flowers both are edible.

Different varieties of Sage Plants

Here is a table of different types of sage plants:

Sage Variety	Scientific Name	Description	Uses
Common Sage	Salvia officinalis	The most widely used culinary sage with grey-green leaves.	Culinary, medicinal, ornamental
Purple Sage	Salvia officinalis (variety)	A variety of common sage with purple-tinged leaves.	Culinary, ornamental
Golden Sage	Salvia officinalis (variety)	A variegated form with yellow and green leaves.	Culinary, ornamental
Tricolor Sage	Salvia officinalis (variety)	A variegated sage with purple, green, and white leaves.	Culinary, ornamental
Clary Sage	Salvia sclarea	Large-leaved plant with fragrant flowers, often used in herbal medicine.	Aromatherapy, medicinal, essential oils
Red Sage	Salvia spathacea	Known for its purple-pink flowers and aromatic leaves.	Ornamental, medicinal
White Sage	Salvia apiana	Native to California, known for its aromatic leaves, often used in smudging.	Rituals, medicinal, aromatic
Blue Sage	Salvia azurea	A tall plant with blue flowers, native to North America.	Ornamental, medicinal
Mexican Bush Sage	Salvia leucantha	Features velvety purple and white flowers, often used for landscaping.	Ornamental, attracts pollinators
Pineapple Sage	Salvia elegans	Known for its pineapple-scented leaves and red tubular flowers.	Culinary, ornamental, medicinal
Autumn Sage	Salvia greggii	A shrub-like sage with various flower colors, from red to pink.	Ornamental, attracts pollinators
Creeping Sage	Salvia repens	A low-growing sage variety, excellent for ground cover.	Ornamental, ground cover
Hummingbird Sage	Salvia spathacea	This variety attracts hummingbirds with its tubular purple flowers.	Ornamental, attracts pollinators

Sage Plant Uses

• Sage can help soothe indigestion, bloating, and gas.
• It may improve memory and brain function.
• Sage tea or gargling with sage-infused water may ease throat inflammation and pain.
• Sage is used to relieve menstrual discomfort and regulate periods.
• Sage is commonly used to flavor meats, sausages, stuffing, and soups.
• The scent of sage can help deter pests and insects like mosquitoes.
• Sage is a good companion plant.
• Common sage may help support hair growth.
• Dried sage is burned and used to cleanse spaces of negative energy.

Parsley (Petroselinum Crispum)

• Native to: Europe and Mediterranean region
• Hardiness Zone: 4-9

Parsley or garden parsley, native to Greece, Morocco and the former Yugoslavia, belongs to the family Apiaceae. People often get confused about parsley and coriander. They look same but these two are different herbs and widely cultivated. Parsley has dark foliage than coriander and the major uniqueness for their identification is that coriander has strong smell, whereas parsley has soft smell.

Parsley grows well in full sun (six to eight hours a day) and can tolerate partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil pH of 5.5–6.7. It’s a slow-growing herb, so be patient when starting from seed.

Parsley can be grown indoors on a sunny windowsill or outdoors in pots or in the ground. This herb continue to grow back after multiple harvests.

Parsley Uses

Parsley is rich in iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants. Parsley is known to aid digestion and can help reduce bloating and gas. It adds a mild, fresh, and slightly peppery flavor to a variety of dishes. It has been used as a natural diuretic to help with water retention and kidney health.

Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)

• Native to: Mediterranean region
• Hardiness Zone: 5-9

Popular due to scent and oil, lavender is an evergreen perennial flowering plant that holds about 47 species worldwide. This stress relieving herb is easy to grow. Lavender prefers full sun, at least 6 hours of sunlight in a day and can also tolerate dappled sunlight in hotter climates. It thrives in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

It performs well in containers or pots. Consider pots that are 16 inches or more. Lavender can be grown from cuttings or seeds. To save time, go with cutting method. Lavender seeds can take up to three months to germinate.

It’s a drought-tolerant perennial shrub, generally low maintenance and can be a good choice for beginner gardeners.

Lavender Uses

Lavender is popular for its calming and relaxing properties. It’s perfect for helping with sleep, reducing anxiety, and soothing headaches. Lavender oil is also used in aromatherapy and added to homemade soaps and lotions. It has a flowery, tart, and slightly bitter taste and used to flavor baked goods and foods.

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis)

• Native to: Europe, Asia
• Hardiness Zone: 4-9

Lemon balm is a fragrant, easy growing herb that grows well in full sun (at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight a day). It prefers moist, well-draining soil (loamy), humus-filled with a pH of 6.7 to 7.3. It grows to a height of 1 and  the leaves have a mild lemon scent. Leaves are used as herb and as flavor in foods. Lemon balm can be grown in garden beds, in a pot, or indoors. 

It’s a fast-growing herb and reach at full maturity in 70 to 90 days.

Lemon Balm Uses

Lemon balm is good for soothing stress and anxiety. It can help soothe the stomach and promote digestion. It has a lemony fragrance and flavor that’s great for teas and cocktails. It’s holds antiviral properties and is great for boosting the immune system.

How much lemon balm for anxiety?

A common recommendation is to drink 1-2 cups of lemon balm tea per day (1-2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm leaves). It’s always recommended to consult with Doctor before taking any herb.

Cilantro (Coriandrum Sativum)

• Native to: Mediterranean region and southern Europe
• Hardiness Zone: 2-11

Cilantro, also known as coriander, grown as culinary herb in many parts of the world, is annual herb that thrives in cool weather. It is easy to grow herb, fast growing that gives its harvest within 30 days. Coriandrum sativum requires at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight per day and does best in well drained, moist soil that is slightly acidic with a pH of 6.2–6.8.

Cilantro can be grown in a container, raised bed, or in the ground. Seeds germinate in 7–10 days in a warm sunny location and plant attains height of about 1 ft. basil, mint, lettuce, cabbage, yarrow and spinach are good companion plants with cilantro.

Benefits

Cilantro is rich in antioxidants and has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It aids in digestion and has been traditionally used to detoxify the body. It’s commonly used in salsa, curries, and other dishes where its fresh, citrusy flavor is liked by foodies.

Tarragon (Artemisia Dracunculus)

• Native to: Europe and Asia, including Central Asia, Siberia, and Southern Russia
• Hardiness Zone: 4-9

Tarragon also known as estragon is a perennial herb that is cultivated for culinary and medicinal purposes. Two popular varieties of Tarragon are Russian tarragon and French tarragon. It can be grown in containers or in-ground gardens. This herb loves full sun and well-drained soil in neutral pH soils pH 6.5-7.5. Tarragon doesn’t require a lot of water and can even tolerate dry conditions. Once established, it’s a hardy perennial that will come back year after year.

Tarragon is best grown from transplants, as it can be a bit slow to germinate from seed.

What are the health benefits of tarragon?

• Supports digestion, reduces bloating, and alleviates indigestion.
• It stimulates appetite.
• May help balance blood sugar levels.
• Its antioxidants and vitamins help strengthen the immune system.
• Traditionally used to support menstrual cycle regulation and hormonal health.
• Used to alleviate insomnia and promote restful sleep.

Medicinal doses should be used cautiously under professional guidance.

Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare)

• Native to: Mediterranean region and southern Europe
• Hardiness Zone: 4-9

Fennel is a hardy, drought tolerant and easy to grow herb that is famous for medicinal herb for digestion in Ayurveda. It has strong, sweet, spicy, and herbaceous smell of licorice or anise. This herb grows in full sun, at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and thrives in well-drained, slightly sandy soil with a pH of 5.5–6.8. It is a drought tolerant herb and requires no maintenance once established.

Fennel can be grown in a vegetable patch, raised beds, or in large pots on balconies or terraces. This perennial herb grows quite large, with tall stalks and feathery foliage. Both the leaves and the bulbs are edible.

What are the benefits of fennel?

Fennel is packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. It helps with digestion, reduces bloating and can relieve symptoms of indigestion. Fennel contains antioxidants such as flavonoids that help reduce inflammation in the body. It Improves Eye Health and strengthen immune system. The seeds of fennel are used in herbal teas that aids weight loss.

Dill (Anethum Graveolens)

• Native to: South-West Asia or South-East Europe
• Hardiness Zone: 9-11

Anethum Graveolens, Dill is an annual herb that is easy to grow in herbs garden outdoors or in containers. Dill grows best in full sun, with 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day and prefers well-drained, rich soil with organic matter with a pH of 6.5–7.0. 

Dill is also a good choice perfect for raised beds. Sow seeds directly in the garden 2mm deep. Keep soil moist but never wet or dry. Seeds germinate in around 7-20 days and ready to harvest about 60–100 days after planting.

What are Dill benefits and side effects?

Benefits:

• Dill is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium, which help support overall health.
• It helps relieve bloating, gas, and indigestion. It may stimulate the digestive process and reduce stomach discomfort.
• Dill is believed to help improve heart health.
• Dill has traditionally been used to help regulate menstrual cycles.

Side Effects:

• Some individuals may be allergic to dill. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include skin irritation, swelling, itching.
• It may cause vomiting, diarrhea, oral pruritus, and throat swelling.

Always consult with a healthcare professional to avoid any adverse effects.

Arugula (Eruca vesicaria)

• Native to: Mediterranean region
• Hardiness Zone: 2-11

Arugula known as rocket is a fast growing, easy to care leafy green herb with peppery & rhubarb flavor. Leaves are edible and used as salads. Arugula belongs to the mustard family that grows in full sun but prefers a cooler climate. The best temperature range for arugula is between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit and it can tolerate frost.

This herb is perfect for containers or garden beds and can be grown through seeds and transplanting. Seeds germinate in 7–10 days and arugula is generally ready to harvest about 40 days after seeding. Good companion plants for arugula are carrots, chives, nasturtiums, mint and garlic.

Arugula Nutrition and Benefits

Certainly! Here’s a unique table summarizing the nutrients found in arugula:

Nutrient	Benefits/Function	Amount per 100 grams
Calories	Low-calorie food, helps with weight management	25
Carbohydrates	Provides energy, low in sugars and starch	3.7g
Fiber	Supports digestion, promotes gut health	1g
Protein	Contributes to muscle repair and growth	2.6g
Fat	Low in fat, ideal for low-fat diets	0.7 g
Calcium	Supports bone health, tooth strength, muscle function, and blood clotting	~2-4% of RDI
Potassium	Essential for heart and nerve function, helps balance sodium, supports muscle function	369 mg
vitamin B6	Important for healthy and energized body	5%
Vitamin C	Antioxidant, boosts immune function, supports tissue health and iron absorption	25%
Iron	improve health of red blood cells	8%
Magnesium	Good for healthy muscles, nerves, bones and blood sugar levels	11%

Final Thoughts

Starting your own herb garden is a rewarding and enjoyable to get fresh, flavorful and healthy herbs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, these herbs require minimal attention and give you plenty of benefits in return.

So, what are you waiting for after this detailed guide? Grab a few pots, quality seeds & soil, and start planting today! I am sure, once you start, you’ll never look back.

Happy gardening, and enjoy your fresh, homegrown herbs!