Be it the fresh taste of chopped coriander leaves over your soup or the refreshing flavour of mint leaves in your Mojito, it’s easy to fall in love with herbs picked straight from your garden. Fresh herbs always bring a unique aroma and taste that supermarket bunches can never match. If you are wondering what are the 8 herbs to grow, the answer is simple: they are coriander, thyme, lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, chives, parsley, and oregano. These herbs are easy to plant, grow, and care for, whether you have a large garden, a small kitchen garden, or just a little window sill.
In this blog, we will explain how to prepare your garden, care for herbs, and give you detailed information on these eight herbs.
How to Prepare Pots and Soil for Growing Herbs at Home
Herbs are one of the easiest plants to grow. All you need is a sunny spot and the right soil. You don’t even need fancy pots; any container about 8–10 inches deep with proper drainage holes will do the job. You can reuse empty bottles, cartons, or juice boxes if you don’t want to buy pots.
Once you pick a spot, prepare the potting mix by combining equal parts garden soil and organic compost. Compost made from tea leaves, vegetable peels, or coffee grounds works perfectly. Not only does it make the soil fertile, but it also helps reduce waste.
Top 8 Herbs to Grow at Home and Their Uses
Cilantro (Coriander/Dhaniya)
Coriander is one of the most popular herbs in every Indian kitchen. To grow it, soak seeds overnight and plant them in well-drained soil. Within 35–40 days, you will see fresh shoots ready to be used. Cilantro is best for garnishing curries, making chutneys, or adding freshness to salads.
Thyme
Thyme belongs to the mint family and is loved for its versatile flavour. It grows well in fast-draining soil placed in a warm and sunny location. Thyme takes a few months to grow into a full plant, but once ready, its lemony leaves can be used in soups, stir-fries, and even salads.
Lavender
Lavender is famous for its fragrance and beauty. It thrives in sunny spots with 4–5 hours of direct sunlight. Regular pruning is needed to keep the plant healthy. Apart from being used in salads and teas, lavender is also helpful for soothing insect bites.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a calming herb, perfect for tea lovers. It grows best in spring, in cool weather, and in partial shade. The plant is drought tolerant and doesn’t need frequent watering. Both its flowers and leaves can be harvested, usually within two weeks of germination, and used for tea or home remedies.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a refreshing herb with a lemon-like fragrance. It grows well in cooler climates with ample sunlight and well-drained soil. Harvesting its leaves is easy, and they add a pleasant aroma to teas and desserts. Lemon balm also helps keep pests away naturally.
Chives
Chives are related to onions and are known for their mild taste and edible flowers. They grow best between September and December in India. Even though they are drought tolerant, regular watering helps them thrive. Chives are perfect for garnishing pizzas, soups, or salads.
Parsley
Parsley has a slightly bitter taste that enhances food flavor. It is rich in vitamins A and C and stays green throughout winter. Parsley seeds take about three to four weeks to germinate, so patience is key. Once ready, its leaves can be plucked and used in soups, pasta, or salads.
Basil
Basil is one of the easiest and most rewarding herbs to grow. It loves warm temperatures and at least six hours of sunlight daily. Basil can be planted alongside tomatoes and other vegetables that share similar care needs. Fresh basil leaves make a delicious addition to pizzas, salads, soups, and pasta.
What are the 8 Herbs to Grow?
| Herb | Growing Season | Sunlight Needs | Uses in Cooking/Health |
| Cilantro | Year-round (best in winter) | 5–6 hours sunlight | Garnish, chutneys, curries |
| Thyme | Warm climate | Full sunlight | Soups, stir-fries, salads |
| Lavender | Summer | 4–5 hours sunlight | Salads, teas, remedies |
| Chamomile | Spring | Partial shade | Tea, natural calming effect |
| Lemon Balm | Cooler climate | Full sunlight | Teas, desserts, pest repellent |
| Chives | September–December | Full sunlight | Garnish, soups, pizzas |
| Parsley | Winter | Sunlight + shade | Soups, pasta, salads |
Conclusion
So, what are the 8 herbs to grow? They are coriander, thyme, lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, chives, parsley, and oregano. These herbs are simple to grow at home, whether in a pot, on your balcony, or in your backyard. With a little care—like sunlight, watering, and pruning—you can enjoy a fresh supply of flavourful herbs every day. Not only will this make your cooking tastier, but it will also bring the joy of gardening into your life.
Instead of running to the market for a bunch of herbs, start growing them at home today. Fresh herbs straight from your garden will always taste better and bring a sense of pride to your kitchen table.