Growing a Herb Garden (EVEN IN A TINY SPACE)

Our resident gardening expert Conrad McCormick offers his advice to help you get started with growing your own herb garden.

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There's something incredibly satisfying about harvesting fresh herbs from your garden and popping them into your cooking. Whether you have a balcony, a tiny courtyard, or just a sunny windowsill, you can cultivate a beautiful and practical herb garden full of scent.

THE BASICS: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Most herbs are sun lovers, requiring a good six hours of direct sunlight a day to thrive. So, when choosing where to plant your herbs, think about the sunniest spots you have. Whether in the ground, in raised beds, or containers, ensure they're getting plenty of light. But what if you don't have much direct sunlight? No problem - there are still options for you. Some herbs tolerate a little shade and can even grow well in areas where the sunlight is less intense.

SHADE-FRIENDLY HERBS:

Mint: Great for slightly shadier spots and perfect for containers, it's a rampant spreader so is best restricted to a pot.

Chives: Thrives in partial shade and is incredibly low-maintenance.

Parsley: Prefers a little shade, especially in the warmer months, making it a great addition to slightly darker corners of your garden.

Coriander: Can tolerate light shade, but be sure to keep it cool and well-watered to avoid bolting (going to seed) too quickly.

SUNNIER SPOTS:

Basil: A classic choice for sunny spots, perfect for Mediterranean dishes.

Thyme: Thrives in full sun and is great at the edge of borders.