DIY Herb Garden
In my house, we love cooking with fresh herbs! Nothing says summer quite like a mojito with crisp mint from my garden- or fresh basil arranged on a homemade pizza. Last year, I shared a few behind-the-scenes moments of our DIY herb garden on Instagram. I immediately started getting questions about the small handmade terracotta planters and our setup. I replicate this same herb garden vignette every summer (or a version of it) because it works so well and takes up little space. I pulled together this post to walk you through how to make your own small herb garden… because guess what? My favorite Bonnie herbs are on sale right now! Click through for an easy, fun, and family friendly backyard project that is both functional and beautiful.
This post is sponsored by Lowe’s. All content, ideas, and words are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that allow me to create unique content while featuring products we actually use & enjoy!
If you’re planning a summer garden and want a tidy, charming way to grow herbs, this setup might give you some good starting points. I wanted something that looked intentional and well-designed but didn’t require a ton of time or space. My goal was to keep it compact and easy to care for while still making sure it added to the overall aesthetic of our backyard. As a designer, I’ve always got aesthetic on my mind… proportion, balance, and visual flow. This herb corner checks all the boxes: it’s functional, pretty to look at, and blends in with the rest of our outdoor living space in the side yard. It could also easily translate indoors to the kitchen window sill.
What I Used for This Setup
I’ve linked everything I used below in case you’re curious, but really- this can be customized to fit your own aesthetic and outdoor living space. I like that this can work on a patio, porch, balcony, or anywhere you’ve got some sunshine and a little bit of space… even a simple window sill.
- Small terra cotta planters
- A tiered folding plant stand (I painted mine white)
- Bonnie herbs…
- Herb labels
- Organic potting soil
Why I Prefer Bonnie Herbs
I’ve tried many varieties and brands over the years, but I always come back to Bonnie herbs. They’re hearty, established, have held up well in our harsh climate, and seem to yield the best outcome. They’ve become my go-to, and it’s easy because you can quickly grab them from Lowe’s. Select Bonnie plants are on sale right now for SpringFest! I was able to snag 25% off my herbs this week.
Step-by-Step: Planting My Herbs
Growing herbs is one of my favorite things to do each spring and summer. It doesn’t take much time to set up an herb garden, and in just four simple steps, I can have all my favorites growing and ready to use in everyday recipes.
Step 1: Choose Your Herbs
I started with what we actually use in the kitchen. That’s my biggest tip, go with what you cook with regularly. I planted sweet basil, chives, rosemary, thyme, oregano, cilantro, mint, and lavender. It’s a nice mix and covers most of the essentials. I linked all of them in the supply list above!
Step 2: Pot Your Plants
This is the fun part! My existing planters are on the smaller side, so I had to be a little strategic about which plants I bought. Some of them were too big, and I had to set those aside for other planters. If you’re shopping in person, look for the smaller starter sizes. You can also split them into two containers. Just make sure to loosen the roots and use an organic potting soiled made for raised beds or planters. I always prefer classic terra cotta planters. The ones from Lowe’s are usually made in Italy or Portugal- so look for the maker’s mark! They’re high quality, on a budget.
Step 3: Label Everything
I know what every herb is just by looking at it, but I still like using labels. They just seem to make a garden look more organized. I suppose this step is optional, but if you’re like me, the labels are really the finishing touch! I can also feel confident sending Emmett outside to snip some herbs for me while I’m cooking… he’ll come back in with the correct one. Ha! These would also be great for teaching kids.
Step 4: Care and Maintenance
Once everything was planted, I made sure they had plenty of sun and a good watering routine. I check on them daily. I often prune them, and as always… it’s really rewarding to watch them grow. I cook with herbs multiple times each week, so they’re also functional.
Why I Love Growing Herbs at Home
I grew up gardening. We lived on a farm and I learned how to grow, preserve, and cook from the land. Setting up my small suburban garden always brings back a lot of memories for me. It’s one of those simple projects that reminds me why I love working with my hands and spending time outdoors. This also makes a great weekend project- especially with kids or family. You don’t need a huge yard or even a raised bed. A few pots and a sunny corner are more than enough to get started.
FAQ
I always suggest starting with herbs you actually cook with often. For us, that means basil, thyme, rosemary, and cilantro. Those are kitchen staples in my house, so it made sense to include them. I also love planting mint because it’s easy, and we often use it for tea, cocktails, or salads during the summer months. Start small and choose what you’ll realistically use.
Definitely. If you get good sunlight indoors, especially near a kitchen window, a tiered plant stand works beautifully inside. I’d just recommend putting something underneath to catch any drainage. It’s a great option for apartments with balconies or small spaces.
Smaller pots dry out more quickly, so I check mine every morning. A quick watering goes a long way. Also, herbs love the sun, so give them a good six hours of light each day if you can. If you’re using tiny herbs like I did, just make sure they’re not root-bound going in.
Related Plants and Gardening Posts
Looking for more outdoor DIY garden ideas? I’ve tackled a few projects that could come in handy as you plan your next backyard update, and I’ll link them for you below!
- Gardening with the Phases of the Moon: Lunar Planting Guide
- Tips for Growing and Caring for Boxwoods
- My Go-To Spring Gardening Essentials from Lowe’s
- Classic Planters for Every Aesthetic and Budget
- The Easiest Indoor Plants that Thrive in Low Light
- Outdoor Living Tour : Garden
- How to Install Window Flower Boxes
I’m already thinking about adding more herbs and maybe swapping in some larger terracotta pots as they grow. This little setup came together quickly and I’ve been so happy with it year-after-year. Whether you’re building a full garden or just starting with a few containers, I hope this gave you some ideas.
Do you grow your own herbs? Maybe in the backyard or even just a pot or two in the kitchen? I’d love to hear what’s growing at your place. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or want tips for your setup.
Your little herb garden is so cute! Thank you Jesus for pretty weather and a garden to dig in. It has definitely saved my sanity this spring. Here in Alabama we’re fortunate to grow some herbs year round. I love to cook with them and have a constant supply of sage, thyme, chives, parsley, rosemary and oregano. I just planted my tomatoes and can’t wait to enjoy them this summer.
Thank you, Melissa! Yesss- spring, nice weather, and working in the yard is also saving my sanity. You’re so lucky to have fresh herbs year round! Coming from Kentucky, when it comes to gardening… I miss the humidity. Utah is a harsh, dry climate, so there has definitely been a bit of a learning curve since we moved. My tomatoes are also in and I’m looking forward to enjoying them this summer, too! Happy Gardening :) Have a great day!
Love our herbs! We have a couple of beds surrounding our back patio where I’ve mixed herbs with other perennials. We have two kinds of thyme, oregano, garlic and onion chives, chamomile, purple sage, rosemary and mint. Annually we add lots of basil, cilantro, and dill. Even though it’s a southern exposure, I seem to lose my rosemary plant every couple of years. I’ve thought of plunking one in a pot, but I just keep trying a different spot instead.🤷♀️ I’d like a tarragon plant this year, too; that’s another one that died after a couple of seasons. We’ve got a little time yet before our no frost date; I’m hoping we can venture out and buy plants when the time comes. I dig using fresh herbs in the kitchen or indulging in a little aroma therapy while we lounge on the patio. Cheers to spring!🌻
PS That set of pots is adorable!💖
It sounds like you have an incredible herb garden, Peggi! I also love the way they smell and snipping some off to use in the kitchen… that’s such a good feeling! I’m excited to do more gardening this year. I hope you’re having a good week! Cheers to spring and lounging on the patio VERY soon (our backyard is currently a mound of dirt / mess). Happy Wednesday :)
Ok those pots are too cute! I don’t think I’ve ever seen any that small! Truth be told, I purchased tags a few years back intending to do just this, and those tags are still hanging in my shed unused! I would love to have an herb garden, any garden, but I think that will have to wait until next spring! I’ve never used fresh herbs in the kitchen, so having an herb garden would definitely broaden the kitchen horizons! Happy Wednesday friends!! It’s palm tree removal day!!!! I’m so excited I can’t even contain myself!
Aren’t those so beautiful?! I stumbled across them online and knew I had to have them for my herbs :) HAPPY PALM TREE REMOVAL DAY!! I know how excited you’ve been for this. Can’t wait to hear all about it tomorrow! xo
I love an herb/veggie garden! And your DIY herb garden is fantastic, especially if you are limited on garden space. Last year was the first year we didn’t have an herb garden and we missed it terribly. We moved around this time last year and didn’t get around to it. As we have more space to work with here we will be doing something wonderful but have so many huge projects for our yard that are now put on hold your DIY project looks like a great way to start. I encourage everyone to experiment with herbs as it’s so fun and fresh cut herbs from the garden are delicious. Yum 😋 Happy Wednesday!
Me too! Maybe you can set up something small this year, and then focus on the bigger projects later on… especially since you have such an amazing outdoor space now, Colleen! This really didn’t take much time or effort :) I hope you’re having a happy Wednesday! xox
Cute herb garden! The stand is a great idea if you don’t have the space or garden. I love the smell of herbs and flowers…do I dare say dirt and fresh cut grass, Ha!
Vegetable gardens remind me of growing up with my grandparents. They had onions, tomatoes, beans (out your ears), okra, squash. Then, we did not have much fresh herbs but I love them. My favorite is basil and cilantro. Our neighborhood has rosemary growing as ornamental shrubs.
How did the hair coloring/touch up go? I got a laugh out of your face! It is about time again I color mine.
Loved the art class yesterday! I was not sure what we were doing so I did mine using a pencil and paper. I plan to do another with a pen and on a much smaller subject.
Happy Wednesday!
Thank you, Danna! I also love all of those smells :) It just smells like spring and home. I’m so happy to hear that you also grew up gardening with your grandparents. I have such fond memories on the farm and in the garden! Rosemary ornamental shrubs in your neighborhood?! I bet your walks smell amazing. That’s awesome.
The hair coloring went surprisingly well, haha! There were some hilarious moments (like when he asked if he could use a chip clip instead of a hair clip because the tension didn’t meet his satisfaction, HA! I said no), but other than that- it looks really good. He’s pretty meticulous and stuck to my hair stylist’s directions. lol! I’ll have to hop on and do some after stories so you can see the final result.
Thank you for joining us for the drawing & styling session yesterday! That was SO much fun. I hope you’re having a wonderful week :) xo
I would have loved a video of the hair coloring session. “Chip clip”, that is a hoot!
It is almost time for me to color my hair again and lets just say the color was way to dark the first time I did it. Hair coloring scares me because my aunt’s hair used to turn green back when I was young. Can’t get those images out of my head. Going for lighter brown this time…crossing fingers.
Again, would have loved a video but completely understand not putting yourself out there…I couldn’t do it either!
Haha, right?! Good luck with your hair color, Danna! While I’m happy to put most things on the internet or social media- my better half is not as comfortable… so I try to find a balance we’re both comfortable with. My “hair stylist” was also telling me to stop talking and hold still. Lol!