There’s something undeniably satisfying about snipping a few fresh basil leaves from your own windowsill or adding a sprig of rosemary to a roast straight from your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just testing out your green thumb, growing herbs at home is a rewarding (and delicious!) way to get started. Here on Cape Cod, we have the perfect coastal climate and community vibe to make it fun.
Why Start with Herbs?
Herbs are the gateway garden for beginners. They’re low-maintenance, don’t need a ton of space, and they grow fast, so you get almost-instant gratification. That’s what everyone wants to hear, right? ???? Plus, fresh herbs can take your cooking to the next level. Imagine whipping up a homemade pesto with basil you grew yourself. It tastes even better when you know it came from your own little plant!
At Agway, we love helping our neighbors and customers start their herb-growing journeys. Whether you’re planting a small kitchen windowsill garden or filling pots on the deck, we’ve got everything you need including soil, seeds, planters, and advice.
5 of the Easiest Herbs to Grow
We’ve listed out five of the easiest herbs to grow for beginners. Each of these are perfect for our Cape Cod seasons, growing conditions, and kitchens. Add them to your garden or your next delicious and fresh summer recipe.
1. Basil
Basil thrives in sunny spots and loves the warm weather. It grows quickly and is super versatile in the kitchen. This tasty herb is perfect for everything from pasta sauces to summer salads and, of course, pesto. Pinch off the flower buds to keep your basil bushy and flavorful all season long.
???? Best in pots or garden beds with plenty of sun and good drainage.
2. Mint
If you’re a fan of mojitos (who isn’t?), iced tea, or fresh summer salads, mint is your herb. It grows like crazy, sometimes too crazy, so we recommend keeping it in a container so it doesn’t take over your garden. It’s super hardy, which makes it a great confidence booster for first-time growers.
???? Perfect for partial shade and container gardening.
3. Parsley
Flat-leaf or curly, parsley is packed with flavor and adds a fresh finish to soups, pastas, and even seafood—an essential for Cape Cod kitchens. It’s also rich in vitamins and easy to grow from seed or starter plants.
???? Thrives in full to partial sun and likes consistent moisture.
4. Rosemary
This fragrant herb is as beautiful as it is tasty. Rosemary has needle-like leaves and thrives in hot, dry weather. This combination makes it perfect for sunny patios and our sandy Cape soil. It’s great with grilled meats, roasted veggies, and even baked into bread.
???? Loves full sun and well-drained soil. Don’t overwater.
5. Chives
This is an herb with a mild onion flavor and cheerful purple flowers, what’s not to love? Chives are pretty easy to grow and they regrow year after year. Just snip what you need and they’ll keep coming back. We recommend adding them to scrambled eggs, baked potatoes, or seafood dishes.
???? Tolerates cooler temps and does well in most soils.
Tips for Starting Your Herb Garden
Ready to dig in? Here are a few beginner-friendly tips to get your herb garden growing:
Start small! Begin with 2–3 of your favorite herbs and build from there. You can always expand later once you get into the groove. Don’t overdo it or spread yourself too thin, especially if you’re just starting. Nail down a few herbs (or even one) and build up your confidence and knowledge before diving in fully.
No yard? No problem! Use containers or pots if you’re in a smaller living space. Herbs love growing in pots. They’re easy to move around to catch the sun and are great for decks, porches, and windowsills.
Find or create a spot in your home or garden with lots of sun. Most herbs love sun, so find a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. South-facing windows or sunny back patios work great. If you see that some of your herbs are thriving in one location and others are struggling in a different location, then there’s likely an issue with sun access or soil quality.
Don’t overwater your herbs! Newbie gardeners, this tip is for you. A little tough love goes a long way. Herbs don’t like soggy roots, so water only when the top inch of soil is dry. If you’re not seeing the best results, maybe you’re giving your herbs too much water!
Harvest your herbs relatively often. The more you pick, the more they grow! Regular snipping encourages fuller plants and more fresh herbs for your meals.
Cape Cod Perks
One of the best things about growing herbs here on Cape Cod is our community. Whether you’re shopping local at Agway, trading gardening tips at the farmers market, or gifting a friend a little pot of thyme, there’s a special kind of joy in knowing how to grow your own herbs. The salty sea breeze doesn’t hurt either! Many herbs love the slightly sandy soil and breezy conditions we get in our coastal gardens.
Plus, with summer right around the corner, now’s the perfect time to get started. You’ll be harvesting your first batch just in time for backyard cookouts, lobster rolls, and clam bakes.
How to Grow Your Own Herbs. Are You Ready?
Swing by your local Agway Cape Cod store in Dennis, Orleans, or Chatham and let us help you get started. We’ve got organic herb starters, eco-friendly pots, coastal-friendly soil mixes, and plenty of expert advice to go around.
And don’t forget to check out our favorite herb based cocktail recipes and Agway gardening products for even more inspiration.
Whether you’re cooking, sipping, or simply enjoying the scent of fresh herbs on your windowsill, there’s something magical about growing your own. So grab a pot, plant a seed, and let’s grow something delicious!
Happy growing, Cape Cod!