11 Easy Herbs to Grow in a Greenhouse Garden

Having a greenhouse means a year-round supply of your favorite kitchen herbs. Once harvested, there are endless possibilities for using them, from sauces, dips, salads, and marinades to crafts, tinctures, oils, canning, drying, and teas. Plus, the best part is the countless health benefits these herbs offer!

In this guide, you’ll discover the importance of each herb and how to grow them successfully, along with their health benefits—like digestive aids, anti-inflammatory properties, and immune support. We’ll cover the essential growing conditions, including soil type, sunlight, and water needs, as well as planting and spacing guidelines. And because these are some of the easiest herbs to grow, they’re ideal for beginner gardeners, especially those just starting greenhouse planting.

Since these herbs are easy to care for, there’s little room for mistakes. However, proper follow-up care is still essential, so keep reading to find out which herbs are perfect for your greenhouse or garden!

 

1. Basil

Basil is a go-to herb for its fresh, aromatic leaves, especially if you love Italian cuisine. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory benefits and digestion support. Basil grows best in full sun with well-drained soil, regular watering, and plenty of airflow to keep it healthy. You can start picking leaves early—just grab a few here and there while the plant’s still young and growing but before it flowers. Super easy to grow, basil is ideal for beginners and thrives in small spaces like herb planters or a cozy greenhouse. When it’s time to cook, you’ll have all you need for tasty, homemade Italian dishes at your fingertips!

2. Mint

Chives bring a mild onion flavor and are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. These perennials are incredibly low-maintenance, and thrive in full sun and well-drained slightly alkaline soil. Space young chive plants 6 to 8 inches apart, and thin them out as they grow by snipping the stems with scissors, taking care to avoid the roots. Chives are popular as toppings to add flavor to salads, soups, and potato dishes and have medicinal benefits, such as aiding digestion and providing mild anti-inflammatory effects.

3. Chives

Chives bring a mild onion flavor and are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. These hardy perennials are very low-maintenance, thriving in full sun and well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Space young chive plants 6 to 8 inches apart, and thin them out as they grow by snipping the stems with scissors, being careful to avoid the roots. Chives are popular as toppings for salads, soups, and potato dishes, and they offer medicinal benefits like aiding digestion and providing mild anti-inflammatory effects.

4. Parsley

Parsley is a kitchen staple rich in vitamins A, C, and K, with detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties. It grows well in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Beginner gardeners will love parsley for its ease of care and versatility in small spaces or herb planters. Harvest parsley by cutting the outer leaves and removing any flowers to encourage growth and use fresh in all your recipes. 

5. Oregano

Oregano is a hardy perennial herb with a distinctive flavor and powerful antioxidant properties. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy soil, needing only moderate watering with time for the soil to dry out between waterings to avoid root issues. For the best flavor, harvest the leaves just before or during flowering. Oregano is versatile in the kitchen; use it fresh in pasta sauces and Mediterranean dishes, or dry the leaves for teas and medicinal tinctures.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary is an evergreen shrub with a mild pine-like flavor, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, slightly alkaline soil, preferring warm conditions with good air circulation, an ideal choice for greenhouses since it doesn’t tolerate cold well. Once established, rosemary is easy to care for and must be harvested by snipping fresh leaves directly from the branches and used to flavor meats, bread, and soothing teas.

7. Thyme

This easy-to-grow herb requires minimal space and attention. Thyme is a fragrant perennial herb that flourishes in full sun and slightly alkaline, well-drained soil. Thyme needs regular water and good drainage otherwise it will rot. Harvest by cutting the stems just above the leaves to encourage new growth. Thyme is versatile for use in the kitchen for, sauces, salads, and herbal teas and has antibacterial and immune-boosting properties.

8. Sage

Sage is an aromatic herb with a slightly earthy flavor, prized for its digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits. It grows best in full sun with well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Sage requires regular watering, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, and should be planted 12 to 18 inches apart to encourage bushy growth. To harvest, cut leaves from the outer stems in the morning when essential oils are at their peak. Sage is a beginner-friendly herb commonly used in stuffing, poultry dishes, or to make sage butter.

9. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a sun-loving herb celebrated for its calming and digestive properties. It thrives in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil, and it benefits from good air circulation to prevent legginess. Harvest leaves while the plant is young and before it flowers for optimal flavor. Lemon balm is easy to grow and ideal for beginners or greenhouse gardens, where it’s perfect for teas, desserts, and as a flavoring in savory dishes.

 

10. Dill

Dill is an aromatic annual herb that loves full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It flourishes in warm temperatures and needs regular watering, especially during the summer months, to support its bushy growth. Harvest dill leaves when the plant reaches about 6 inches tall, cutting only what you need to encourage continued growth. Dill is easy to grow and versatile in the kitchen, often used in pickling, sauces, or as a garnish for seafood dishes.

11. Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant perennial herb cherished for its calming effects and countless uses—from crafting perfumes, oils, and candles to making teas and soothing sachets. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, alkaline soil, with regular watering and excellent drainage to prevent root rot. For the best scent, harvest lavender by cutting the stems just as the buds begin to open. Lavender is a joy for beginner gardeners, offering not only a beautiful addition to any garden but also endless creative possibilities, from teas and ice creams to homemade soaps and drawer sachets for a pleasant fragrance.

Final Thoughts

The 11 herbs listed above are easy to grow and require minimal care once established, making them ideal for gardeners with limited time or those new to greenhouse gardening. Having a thriving herb garden year-round is a win, as these herbs provide a continuous supply of fresh ingredients for your kitchen or wellness needs.