Get Started Growing Herbs
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Wondering how to grow herbs but not sure where to begin? This collection is for you. We have hand-picked the most forgiving, easy-to-grow herb plants that reward beginners with quick results and very little fuss. No green thumb required.
Start with tried-and-true favourites like Sweet Basil, Italian Parsley and Chives. These hardy plants are tough enough for beginner gardeners and useful enough to keep you inspired. At Herb Cottage, we have been helping new herb gardeners get started for over three decades, and our team is always here to help.
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Growing herbs in Australia is one of the most satisfying ways to start gardening. Herbs are generally compact, fast-growing and far more forgiving than most people expect. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or just a sunny balcony, there is a herb garden for beginners waiting to happen.
The key to success is choosing the right spot. Most herbs love sunshine, so aim for a position that gets at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Good drainage is essential as well. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds or pots with quality potting mix. Water regularly but avoid soggy roots, and you will be off to a great start.
For your first herbs, we recommend starting with plants that are hard to get wrong. Peppermint and Vietnamese Mint are almost indestructible (best grown in pots to contain their enthusiasm). Lemon Balm is another vigorous grower that thrives with minimal attention. Chives and Garlic Chives just keep coming back, and Curled Parsley is a reliable performer across most seasons.
Beyond the kitchen, there are wonderful herbs for beginners that bring beauty, fragrance and natural health benefits to your garden. Calendula produces cheerful golden flowers and is traditionally used in natural skincare. German Chamomile is easy to grow and perfect for herbal teas. Comfrey is a powerhouse companion plant that doubles as a natural fertiliser. And Nasturtium adds a peppery kick to salads while attracting beneficial insects.
For those interested in growing medicinal herbs, Echinacea Purpurea, Nettle, Self Heal and Aloe barbadensis are all beginner-friendly and traditionally used for a range of health and wellness purposes. Wild Rocket is another excellent starter plant that grows quickly and brings a delicious bite to salads and sandwiches.
All plants in this collection are grown organically at our Gold Coast nursery and shipped via Express Post (excluding WA, NT and TAS due to quarantine). For more growing tips and inspiration, visit our Grow Your Health blog. And if you ever get stuck, reach out to our team. We love helping new gardeners discover the joy of growing their own herbs.