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How to Grow Herbs (General Growing Guide)

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Herbs (General Growing Guide)

Various species

herb

Herbs are diverse plants valued for culinary, medicinal, and aromatic purposes. They range from delicate annuals to hardy perennials, and can be grown in gardens, containers, or indoors. Most herbs are relatively low-maintenance and adaptable to various growing conditions.

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Example Herbs (General Growing Guide) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Herbs (General Growing Guide)

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Herbs (General Growing Guide)

    Around May 17

    ≈ 30 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Herbs (General Growing Guide) dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Most herbs prefer full sun (6-8 hours daily); some shade-tolerant varieties like mint and parsley tolerate 3-4 hours of sunlight
💧
Water: Generally moderate; allow soil to dry between waterings. Drought-tolerant Mediterranean herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano) need less frequent watering; moisture-loving herbs (mint, parsley, cilantro) prefer consistently moist soil
📏
Spacing: 6-12 inches depending on variety; compact herbs like thyme: 8-10 inches; larger herbs like rosemary: 12-18 inches inches
📅
Days to maturity: 30-90 days depending on herb type; leafy herbs ready in 30-45 days; woody perennials take longer to establish
🌱
Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches for seeds; transplants at same depth as nursery container

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost Perlite for drainage Organic matter Sand for Mediterranean herbs

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Most culinary herbs thrive in zones 5-10; tender annuals like basil prefer zones 5-11; hardy perennials like thyme and oregano succeed in zones 3-10

1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Germination/Seedling

2-3 weeks

Seeds sprout and develop first true leaves; delicate seedlings appear 7-21 days after planting

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bright indirect light; maintain 65-75°F; avoid damping off by ensuring good air circulation

2

Vegetative Growth

2-4 weeks

Plant develops multiple true leaves and establishes strong root system; foliage becomes dense and bushy

Begin light fertilizing with balanced fertilizer; pinch tops to encourage branching; increase light to full sun once established; thin seedlings if needed

3

Establishment

2-6 weeks (annuals); several months (perennials)

Herb reaches harvestable size with full foliage; perennial herbs develop robust root systems

Begin regular harvesting to encourage bushiness; reduce watering frequency; fertilize every 2-4 weeks; mulch around plants to retain moisture

4

Flowering

Variable, typically 3-8 weeks

Flowers appear; may signal reduced leaf quality in some herbs; plant energy shifts toward seed production

Pinch flowers early to extend leaf harvest season; allow some flowers to develop for pollinator attraction; some herbs (cilantro, dill) are better harvested before flowering

5

Harvest/Maintenance

Ongoing until season end or dormancy

Herb ready for regular harvesting; perennials may enter dormancy in winter; annuals continue producing until frost

Harvest regularly to promote bushiness; never remove more than 1/3 of plant at once; deadhead to extend productivity; prepare perennials for winter; preserve excess harvest through drying or freezing

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Tomatoes Beans Cabbage Carrots Lettuce Spinach Marigolds Nasturtiums Bees balm Lavender

Avoid planting near:

Fennel (inhibits many herb neighbors) Some herbs competing for resources

Common Pests

  • Increase humidity; spray with water; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe

  • Spray with water; use neem oil; introduce ladybugs; avoid over-fertilizing

  • Insecticidal soap; sticky traps; neem oil; encourage natural predators

  • Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or baking soda spray

  • Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; repot in fresh soil if severe

  • Hand-pick; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis); encourage birds; row covers for young plants

Uses

🍳

Flavoring for cooking

Culinary

Fresh and dried herbs enhance soups, sauces, meats, vegetables, and beverages with complex flavors. Each herb brings distinctive taste profiles from subtle to robust. [source]

💊

Traditional remedies and tea infusions

Medicinal

Many herbs contain beneficial compounds used in herbal medicine teas, tinctures, and remedies for common ailments. Examples include peppermint for digestion and chamomile for relaxation. [source]

🏠

Natural cleaning and fragrance

Household

Dried herbs can be used for natural household cleaning products, sachets, and potpourri. Herb bundles freshen air naturally and many have antimicrobial properties. [source]

🎨

Dried arrangements and crafts

Craft

Dried herbs create beautiful wreaths, dried flower arrangements, and decorative crafts. They retain color and fragrance when properly dried and stored. [source]

🦋

Pollinator and beneficial insect support

Wildlife

Herb flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. They provide essential nectar and pollen sources for garden ecology. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest in morning after dew dries for best flavor and oil content. For leafy herbs, pinch top 0.5-1 inch regularly to encourage bushiness. Begin harvesting once plant has 6-8 true leaves. Never remove more than 1/3 of plant at once. Cut just above leaf nodes. Woody herbs (rosemary, thyme) can handle more aggressive pruning. Perennials should be lightly harvested first year to establish strong roots. Use fresh immediately or preserve by drying, freezing, or making herb-infused oils.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 The word 'herb' comes from Latin 'herba' meaning grass or green plant; in culinary terms, it typically refers to leafy parts of plants, while 'spices' come from seeds, bark, and roots
  • 🌱 Many Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and thyme contain volatile essential oils that serve as natural pesticides and have been valued for over 2,000 years in cooking and medicine
  • 🌱 Culinary herbs can improve cognitive function and have antimicrobial properties; studies show compounds like rosemarin (found in rosemary) may support memory and focus

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Damping Off Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Perennial True Leaves
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