Best Herbs to Grow for Easy Weeknight Dinners

A Little Fresh Herb Magic (From My Kitchen to Yours)

There’s something kind of magical about snipping fresh herbs from your own kitchen garden, even if your “garden” is a pot on the windowsill. Just a few sprigs of basil or a handful of chopped chives can take your dinner from “meh” to “oh wow!” in seconds.

I started growing fresh herbs years ago to make my veggie-forward meals pop without reaching for a ton of extra salt or sauces. What I didn’t expect was just how much joy and flavor they would bring into my kitchen. Whether you're tossing together a weeknight pasta or zhuzhing up a quick salad, herbs are the shortcut to something that feels fancy without the extra work.

Let’s dive into the easiest (and tastiest) herbs to grow, how to care for them, and delicious ways to use them.

The Best Herbs to Grow for Everyday Cooking

You don’t need a full-blown garden to grow herbs, just a sunny window or a few pots on the patio. These are the MVPs of my herb lineup:

Basil

• Why grow it: It’s the ultimate summer herb, fragrant, easy to grow, and so versatile.
• Grow tips: Loves warm weather, plenty of sun, and regular trimming. Keep pinching off the top leaves to prevent it from flowering.
• Use it in: My Apple and Fennel Salad with Pecans and Basil or try layering it with tomatoes and mozzarella for a quick caprese-style plate.

Parsley

• Why grow it: It’s more than just a garnish! Parsley brings a bright, clean flavor that balances rich dishes.
• Grow tips: Can grow in sun or partial shade. Regular harvesting encourages more growth.
• Use it in: My Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad or sprinkled over roasted potatoes for a fresh finish.

Chives

• Why grow it: Mild onion flavor that goes with everything. And those purple flowers? Edible and adorable.
• Grow tips: Thrives in pots or the ground. Snip close to the base to encourage fresh shoots.
• Use it in: On baked potatoes, omelets, or pasta salads.

Cilantro

• Why grow it: Perfect for tacos, rice bowls, and anything that needs a fresh, zippy flavor.
• Grow tips: It grows fast—and bolts fast. Grow it in cooler temps and reseed every few weeks for a steady supply.
• Use it in: My Sweet Corn Pico de Gallo or Cold Mexican Rice Salad.

Rosemary

• Why grow it: Woody, fragrant, and fantastic for hearty dishes or even grilled veggies.
• Grow tips: Needs full sun and well-drained soil. It can live indoors in a sunny spot over winter.
• Use it in: Roasted root vegetables, soups, or infused into olive oil.

Thyme

• Why grow it: This little herb has serious flavor—earthy, lemony, and cozy. It plays well with most veggies and proteins.
• Grow tips: Hardy and drought-tolerant. Just don’t overwater.
• Use it in: Soups and roasted mushrooms.

Tips for Growing Herbs Indoors or Outdoors

• Use pots with drainage holes to avoid soggy roots.
• Harvest often to keep plants bushy and healthy.
• Avoid overwatering — herbs hate wet feet!
• Rotate your plants if they’re on a windowsill so they grow evenly.
• Feed every 2–4 weeks with a gentle fertilizer if they look a little tired.

You don’t need a green thumb or a backyard to grow fresh herbs, just a bit of sunshine and a love of good food. Herbs are a game-changer in everyday cooking. They add brightness, depth, and a feeling that you made something extra special... even when it only took 20 minutes.

So pick a few to grow this season, and don’t be surprised if they become your new favorite kitchen sidekick.