Your First Year Guide to Growing Herbs (Season-by-Season)

So, you've got your sights set on growing a herb garden, but what does the process actually look like? I like to think I made all the mistakes in my early years of impulsive-poorly-planned gardens, so that I can teach you not to make the same ones!

One thing I’ve learned through farming and "sort-of-homesteading" is that time spent in the garden is never wasted. It's not just about planting—it’s about connecting with the land, embracing seasonal cycles, and soaking up that precious vitamin sunshine. It reminds me of what it should feel like to be a human on this earth, away from 24/7 news cycles, political circus, and most of all... screens!

If you’re ready to dive in, here’s a simple overview of the steps you’ll take in your first year of herb gardening, broken down by season. (This guide is tailored for growing in Zone 5B, here in Sunderland, Ontario, but it’s a great starting point no matter where you are).  We also created our online herb gardening course for those wanting personalized support.

Winter & Early Spring (Pre-Planting Phase)

• Site Analysis & Selection
  Start by making a simple map of your yard. Think about sun vs shade, pathways, and access to water — these details help you pick the best herb garden site.
  
• Research Plants & Create a Master List
  Now’s the time to explore all the amazing herbs that could grow in your zone. I like to keep a spreadsheet where I can input growing info as I’m scouring books and websites. 
• Narrow Down Your Master List
  If you take one thing from reading this: don’t try to grow everything in your first year. Pick a few herbs from your master list to start with—this will help you focus and avoid overwhelm paralysis.
• Create a Planting Design
  Think about how you want to use your herbs: fresh, dried, in teas, or tinctures. Then, sketch out your garden plan with approximate or detailed spacing.
• Determine Seed Starting Method
  Do you want to start your herbs indoors, buy mature seedlings, or sow them directly outside? Check if your herbs have a preferred method, too.
• Order Seeds (Optional)
  It’s time to get your hands on some seeds! If you're starting from seed, now’s the perfect time to place your order or visit a local greenhouse to pick up seedlings.

Early Spring (6-8 Weeks Before Frost-Free Date)

• Start Seeds Indoors
  If you’re starting your herbs indoors, now’s the time to get them going.
• Prep Garden Space
  It’s time to get your garden beds ready. You can build raised beds (we love the Sproutbox!), or create in-ground beds once the ground has thawed out. Research different soil-building styles like sheet mulching, hügelkultur, and double-digging to get things started.

Spring (Frost-Free Date and Later)

• Purchase Seedlings
  If starting from seed doesn’t appeal to you (or you’re late to the game), local greenhouses and farmers’ markets are a great place to pick up ready-to-go seedlings.
• Plant Seedlings
  Whether you’re transplanting your indoor seedlings or planting your purchased ones, now’s the time to get them in the ground.
• Direct Seed Outdoors (Optional)
  Some herbs, like calendula, cilantro, and parsley, can be sown directly outdoors. I love the simplicity of direct seeding. It’s like sprinkling fairy dust in your garden and getting flowers in return!

Spring/Summer/Fall (Ongoing Care)

• Care for Your Garden
  Keep an eye on your garden, water regularly, and keep the weeds at bay. I’m talking 5 minutes or less each day.
• Harvest Herbs
  After all that upfront work, harvesting is the sweet reward!
• Dry Your Herbs
  Decide how you want to dry your herbs: hanging them, laying them out on screens, or using a dehydrator. 
• Garble & Store Herbs
  Once your herbs are dry, strip the leaves and flowers from the stems (the fancy term for this is ‘garbling’), and store them in airtight containers. Don’t forget to label them!

Fall (End of Season Work)

• Harvest Roots
  Many roots like echinacea, valerian, and astragalus will take a few seasons to hit peak medicinal value, but there are a few you can harvest in the first year, like Ashwagandha, ginger, and horseradish.
• Prep for Winter
  Clean up annuals, add compost, and mulch around your perennials to protect them over the cold months.
  
• Enjoy a Hot Cup of Homegrown Herbal Tea
  Ahhhhh, the best.

It Gets Easier!

Growing herbs might feel overwhelming at first, but after a season or two you'll be surprised at how much you have learned. You can read all the books, but nothing beats getting in the dirt and just doing it. (And shoutout to local horticultural societies for community support, the hidden gems of this world). 

Want more help?

Still feeling unsure or want guided support? We’d love to help! Join our Design & Grow Your Herb Garden course — with lessons timed for the season and live Q&A to support you along the way.