Top herbs to grow at home

Learn about easy herbs to grow at home and what they can be used for

Herbs add flavour to our food and drinks, benefit our health and attract bees and other pollinators into our gardens. 

Pick a herb, learn more and get growing: 

1. Lemon balm
2. Fennel
3. Mint
4. Lavender
5. Chamomile

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1. Lemon balm

Growing lemon balm

• It's part of the mint family and has a strong lemony smell.
• It has white flowers that bees love.
• It's a hardy herb. It grows easily, it's resistant to lots of pests and diseases and it can cope with little watering. 
• Grow it in full sun or partial shade.
• It's a perennial, so it will grow year after year. 
• It spreads easily, so best to plant it in a pot. 

 

Using lemon balm

• It can help with stress and anxiety.
• It's an anti-inflammatory - great for dry skin, insect bites, minor cuts and cold sores.  
• Try calming lemon balm tea. Pour hot water over the leaves and brew for about five minutes. 

2. Fennel

Growing fennel

• It smells like aniseed or licorice.
• It has a bulb-like base and small yellow flowers.
• It's a hardy herb. It grows easily, it's resistant to lots of pests and diseases and it can cope with little watering.
• It loves a sunny spot and well-drained soil.
• It's a perennial, so will grow year after year.

 

Using fennel

• It's great for digestion.
• Try fennel tea after dinner. Crush the seeds to release the oils and then seep in hot water for about 10 minutes. 
• Add the seeds to curries, the raw leaves to salads, or steam or roast the bulb to serve as a side dish.

3. Mint

Growing mint

• Rub the leaves to release a strong mint smell.
• Some varieties have a purple fluffy flower.
• Grow in sun or partial shade, in moist and well-drained soil.
• It's a perennial, so will grow year after year. 
• Grow in a pot, so it doesn't get too big. 

 

Using mint

• It's great for digestion and helping us relax. 
• It has antibacterial properties. When you crush the leaves, it releases oils which can be used in skincare and as a treatment for acne.
• Try mint tea. Just pour hot water over fresh leaves and let it brew for a few minutes. 
• Use mint in your cooking. Add to boiled potatoes or peas, or yoghurt for a cooling dip with a curry. 

4. Lavender

Growing lavender

• It has bright purple-blue flowers. 
• It has a distinctive floral-herbal smell.
• Choose English lavender, which is the most hardy variety and easiest to grow. 
• It loves a sunny spot and well-drained soil. Don't water it too much. 
• It's ideal to grow along borders.
• Cut it back and pick the flowers regularly to encourage bushier plants with more flowers. 

 

Using lavender

• It soothes and relaxes us.
• Put lavender flowers in a bag under your pillow to get a peaceful night's sleep. 
• Add flowers to a bath to release relaxing essential oils.
• It has anti-bacterial properties. It can help soothe cuts, stings and burns. 
• Add it to your baking. It's subtle floral flavour is great with lemon.

5. Chamomile

Growing chamomile

• It has daisy-like flowers.
• It spreads easily and can be grown as a lawn. 
• It loves a sunny spot and well-drained soil. 
• Keep it watered, so it doesn't try out in summer.

 

Using chamomile

• It's calming and can help us get a good night's sleep.
• Try chamomile tea. We recommend growing Roman chamomile for this. Pick the flowers and use fresh or dried in hot water. Great with lemon and honey.
• The flowers are edible and are great in a salad.