In my house, we love cooking with fresh herbs! Nothing says summer quite like a mojito with crisp mint from my garden- or fresh basil arranged on a homemade pizza. Last year, I shared a few behind-the-scenes moments of our DIY herb garden on Instagram. I immediately started getting questions about the small handmade terracotta planters and ladder shelf setup. I replicate this same herb garden vignette every summer because it works well and takes up little space. I pulled together this post to walk you through how to make your own small herb garden. Click through for an easy, fun, and family friendly backyard project that is both functional and beautiful!
If you’re planning a summer garden and want a tidy, charming way to grow herbs, this little setup might give you some good starting points. I wanted something that looked intentional and well-designed but didn’t require a ton of time or space. My goal was to keep it compact and easy to care for while still making sure it added to the overall aesthetic of our backyard. As a designer, I’ve always got aesthetic on my mind… proportion, balance, and visual flow. This herb corner checks all the boxes: it’s functional, pretty to look at, and blends in with the rest of our outdoor living space in the side yard.
What I Used for This Setup
I’ve linked everything I used below in case you’re curious, but really- this can be customized to fit your own aesthetic and outdoor living space. I like that this can work on a patio, porch, balcony, or anywhere you’ve got some sunshine and a little bit of space… even a simple window sill.
- Small terra cotta planters (these come in a few colors)
- A tiered folding plant stand (we painted ours white)
- Herb plants
- Simple metal plant tags
- Watering can (I linked a similar one)
Step-by-Step: Planting My Herbs
Growing herbs is one of my favorite things to do each spring and summer. It doesn’t take much time to set up an herb garden, and in just four simple steps, I can have all my favorites growing and ready to use in everyday recipes.
Step 1: Choose Your Herbs
I started with what we actually use in the kitchen. That’s my biggest tip, go with what you cook with regularly. I planted sweet basil, chives, rosemary, thyme, oregano, cilantro, mint, and lavender. It’s a nice mix and covers most of the essentials.
Step 2: Pot Your Plants
This is the fun part! These planters are on the smaller side, so I had to be a little strategic about which plants I bought. Some of them were too big, and I had to set those aside for other planters. If you’re shopping in person, look for the smaller starter sizes. You can also split them into two containers. Just make sure to loosen the roots and use an organic potting soiled made for raised beds or planters.
Step 3: Label Everything
I know what every herb is just by looking at it, but I still like using labels. They just seem to make a garden look more organized. I suppose this step is optional, but if you’re like me, the labels are really the finishing touch! I can also feel confident sending Emmett outside to snip some herbs for me while I’m cooking… he’ll come back in with the correct one. Ha! These would also be great for teaching kids.
Step 4: Care and Maintenance
Once everything was planted, I made sure they had plenty of sun and a good watering routine. I check on them daily. I often prune them, and as always… it’s really rewarding to watch them grow. I cook with herbs multiple times each week, so they’re also functional.
Why I Love Growing Herbs at Home
I grew up gardening. We lived on a farm and I learned how to grow, preserve, and cook from the land. Setting up my small suburban garden always brings back a lot of memories for me. It’s one of those simple projects that reminds me why I love working with my hands and spending time outdoors. This also makes a great weekend project, especially with kids or family. You don’t need a huge yard or even a raised bed. A few pots and a sunny corner are more than enough to get started.
FAQ
I always suggest starting with herbs you actually cook with often. For us, that means basil, thyme, rosemary, and cilantro. Those are kitchen staples in my house, so it made sense to include them. I also love planting mint because it’s easy, and we often use it for tea, cocktails, or salads during the summer months. Start small and choose what you’ll realistically use.
Definitely. If you get good sunlight indoors, especially near a kitchen window, a tiered plant stand works beautifully inside. I’d just recommend putting something underneath to catch any drainage. It’s a great option for apartments with balconies or small spaces.
Smaller pots dry out more quickly, so I check mine every morning. A quick watering goes a long way. Also, herbs love the sun, so give them a good six hours of light each day if you can. If you’re using tiny herbs like I did, just make sure they’re not root-bound going in.
Related Plants and Gardening Posts
Looking for more outdoor DIY garden ideas? I’ve tackled a few projects that could come in handy as you plan your next backyard update, and I’ll link them for you below!
- Gardening with the Phases of the Moon: Lunar Planting Guide
- Tips for Growing and Caring for Boxwoods
- My Go-To Spring Gardening Essentials from Lowe’s
- Classic Planters for Every Aesthetic and Budget
- The Easiest Indoor Plants that Thrive in Low Light
- Outdoor Living Tour : Garden
- How to Install Window Flower Boxes
I’m already thinking about adding more herbs and maybe swapping in some larger terracotta pots as they grow. This little setup came together quickly and I’ve been so happy with it year-after-year. Whether you’re building a full garden or just starting with a few containers, I hope this gave you some ideas.
Do you grow your own herbs? Maybe in the backyard or even just a pot or two in the kitchen? I’d love to hear what’s growing at your place. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or want tips for your setup.
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