My Pick of 5 Super Easy Herbs to Grow

I haven't done a gardening post in quite a while and with all the amazing weather we've been having here in Ireland, now seemed like a good time to share with you my 5 easy herbs to grow.

All the herbs I'm mentioning have been growing happily in my garden for some years. Mostly in pots too so if you don't have a large garden, or even a garden at all, growing these herbs is still an option.
They are all perennial, meaning that once you have planted them they will keep coming back year after year, all going well.

Herbs do really well in pots - you basically just have to remember that they need water (even if it has been raining) and nutrition. I repot all my herbs every year with fresh compost and this year I also added chicken manure for extra food. (This is widely available in big tubs and can be used in flower beds or pots).

I also water weekly with liquid seaweed for an extra boost.

Now is the time of year when they look their best in my garden, everything is in full growth and there are plentiful leaves to use in cooking which is the best part about growing herbs.
Don't panic, though, when everything dies down and gets straggly and sad looking at the end of the year, you haven't killed them, they will return!

I've included Lavender also which is considered a herb or flower and has lots of uses in the home.

So, first up, one of my favourites - Mint. Mint is best in pots as it spreads a lot so is better contained.
Here's my mint at the moment:

Mint Leaves Closeup

Mint Growing in a Pot

Mint Leaves

I use this for mint tea - fresh mint tea is absolutely gorgeous and excellent for the digestion. I basically just pick a load of leaves and rinse and cover with boiling water in a teapot and leave to infuse for a wee bit. The end result is refreshing and soothing and much nicer than teabags. Mint is also great in Summer drinks - mojitos are spring to mind here :) Or just in a cold jug of water with lemon. To make the most of your mint, when picking leaves, pinch off the top leaves with your finger and thumb - this encourages regrowth.

Next up is Sage - this is another herb that makes a really nice tea and it's great for colds. I use the same method as with mint, just infusing in boiling water. (Note, Sage is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding).  It's also a good home remedy for sore throat or mouth ulcers, gargling can help relieve the symptoms.

Sage Plant Closeup

Sage growing in a pot

It dies down almost totally in the Winter but you can easily dry some leaves to keep for cooking when it's not in growth.  Here's a link for a drying method - Drying Sage in the Oven.


Next up is chives, I really love these because they are gorgeous in salads and I sometimes use them as a substitute for onions or spring onions if I run out. They also die back quite a lot during the Winter but I have them planted around my apple tree and I can usually find enough to use all year round. Now is my favourite time of year for chives as they are starting to flower and the flowers make a gorgeous display in a vase. If you are using for cooking, though, use the younger stalks that haven't yet started to flower as they taste nicer.

Flowering Chives

Chive Flower Closeup

Lavender is my next choice. It can be seen as a flower or herb and I grow this for fragrance in the garden but I also pick the lavender every year and use it in sachets for drawers or wardrobe.  It is supposed to repel moths and smells fabulous.
It's also beautiful in a floral display.

Lavender in Pot

Lavender Flower

Last but not least is Marjoram (also known as oregano) - this one I use mostly for adding to soups and tomato sauces, it has a really good flavour and is especially nice on pizza. You can also make a tea although I haven't tried this one yet and it's supposed to be good for the digestive system. It can be dried to keep over the winter.

Potted Marjoram or Oregano

Marjoram Leaves


Remember too, that fresh herbs have great nutritonal value, they are full of vitamins and all the good stuff that makes up a healthy diet and when they are this easy to grow, why would you miss out on them? :)

Do you have any favourite herbs or uses for herbs?

You might also like my Green Cleaning Post.

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9 Comments
  • Unknown
    Unknown 6 June 2016 at 16:58

    I do love herbs too and plan to have a small herbal garden in our new space. We used to have a lovely mint plant, but I have no idea where it is. Sadly, it got lost in the move ;(

  • Laura - dear bear and beany
    Laura - dear bear and beany 6 June 2016 at 21:01

    I have been putting together a list of things to do with my daughters over the summer and this would be perfect for her. A nice way to introduce growing things in the garden x

  • Mudpie Fridays
    Mudpie Fridays 6 June 2016 at 22:13

    I keep meaning to grow a little herb garden and would look go use all of these! Maybe a Summer project coming on with Monkey!! Xx

  • Unknown
    Unknown 6 June 2016 at 22:15

    I adore lavender and have it going everywhere in my garden. I also have a small bay tree and some rosemary near my kitchen for when I need it for a recipe. love the idea of fresh mint tea mind.

  • Unknown
    Unknown 6 June 2016 at 22:43

    Lovely photos. I need to start working on my garden. You have inspired me.

  • Elizabeth
    Elizabeth 7 June 2016 at 09:18

    I'm not much of a gardener, but I do try. I have managed to grow parsley, chives and mint in my garden and then the builders dug it all up! I need to start from scratch now.

  • Ana De-Jesus
    Ana De-Jesus 7 June 2016 at 09:23

    Mint is one of my favourite herbs, I use it in tea, as a garnish, it helps with nausea and makes a great room scent too!

  • Unknown
    Unknown 7 June 2016 at 13:42

    I've actually never tried growing herbs, but it would be really useful to have them to hand, as always annoying when you realise you don't have the herb you want for a dish! I probably use coriander and basil most often. (Lucy/R is for Hoppit)

  • Anosa
    Anosa 12 June 2016 at 06:34

    I bought some herbs to plant last year mint and oregano and I killed them before because I forgot to water and my house is like a Sunna

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