7 Herbs That Practically Grow Themselves (and How to Use Them in Your Kitchen)

The truth is, most herbs are surprisingly easy to grow and once you plant them, they’ll keep giving and giving with very little effort from you. If you’ve been hesitant to start gardening because it feels overwhelming, starting with herbs is the perfect first step.

They’re low-maintenance, fast-growing, and instantly make you feel like a chef when you toss them into your cooking.

Here are seven herbs that practically grow themselves, plus simple ways to use them in your kitchen.

1. Basil

Basil is the star of summer gardens. It grows quickly, loves the sun, and will reward you with endless leaves if you keep pinching it back. The trick? Don’t let it flower too early—once it does, the leaves can turn bitter.

In the kitchen: Perfect for homemade pesto, topping pizza, adding to caprese salads, or blending into smoothies for a fresh twist.

2. Mint

Mint spreads like crazy (so maybe keep it in a container unless you want it to take over). Once you’ve got it growing, it’s basically unstoppable. It thrives in both sun and partial shade and doesn’t mind less-than-perfect soil.

In the kitchen: Add fresh leaves to tea, lemonade, mojitos, fruit salads, or even chocolate desserts. It’s refreshing and versatile.

3. Parsley

Parsley is tougher than people give it credit for. It grows in full sun or partial shade, and once it’s established, you’ll have plenty to snip all season long. Both curly and flat-leaf parsley are easy to grow and handy to keep around.

In the kitchen: Use it as a garnish, toss it into soups, blend it into chimichurri, or mix it with garlic and butter for a simple herb sauce.

4. Chives

Chives are one of those “plant once, enjoy forever” herbs. They’re perennial, meaning they’ll come back year after year. They don’t need much care at all—just plant them in a sunny spot and watch them do their thing.

In the kitchen: Snip them over baked potatoes, omelets, salads, or blend into cream cheese or sour cream dips. The flavor is like a milder onion and works with almost anything.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary loves the sun and dry conditions, making it one of the most low-maintenance herbs you can grow. In warmer climates, it’s perennial and will keep growing for years. Even in pots, it’s hardy and forgiving.

In the kitchen: Toss sprigs onto roasted potatoes, chicken, or veggies. Add it to bread dough for homemade focaccia or infuse it into olive oil for an aromatic touch.

6. Thyme

Thyme might just be the ultimate “set it and forget it” herb. It’s drought-tolerant, doesn’t mind poor soil, and spreads slowly without being invasive. Once established, it’s nearly indestructible.

In the kitchen: Sprinkle fresh thyme on roasted meats, mix into soups, or use it to flavor marinades. It adds depth without overpowering.

7. Oregano

Oregano thrives in the sun and can handle a little neglect, making it another beginner favorite. It’s perennial in many regions and even in pots, it grows well with minimal fuss.

In the kitchen: A staple in Italian and Mediterranean cooking. Use it in pasta sauces, sprinkle it on homemade pizza, or mix into salad dressings for a bold flavor.

Tips for Growing Herbs with Zero Stress

• Most herbs love full sun, so give them at least 6 hours of light if you can.
• Water consistently but don’t drown them—most prefer slightly dry soil.
• Pinch or cut herbs regularly to encourage more growth.
• Grow in containers if you’re short on space or worried about herbs spreading too much.

Wrapping It Up

Herbs are the easiest way to dip your toes into gardening. They don’t ask for much, but they give back in big ways—fresh flavors, healthy meals, and that little thrill of knowing you grew it yourself.

Start with just one or two from this list, and before you know it, you’ll have a mini herb garden right outside your door (or on your windowsill). Not only will your cooking level up instantly, but you’ll also feel the joy of harvesting fresh greens anytime you want.

Fresh herbs = fresher meals, happier kitchen, and a garden that takes care of itself more than you think.