Do herbs like sun or shade
Emma Valentine
Published Apr 05, 2026
Most herbs need a fair amount of sunlight. As long as an herb is growing in a space where it gets at least 4 hours of sunlight a day, it will most likely do well. Most can tolerate much more sunlight, though, with herbs like rosemary, lavender and basil thriving in full sun (6 – 8 hours a day).
Where should I plant my herb garden?
Most herbs thrive in full sun in a sheltered position. You can grow herbs indoors on the windowsill, in pots outdoors or straight in the ground. Sow seeds of annual herbs like basil and coriander every couple of weeks to provide you with fresh leaves throughout summer.
What side of the house do you plant herbs?
Find the best spot for an indoor herb garden. (While indoor light is not quite as intense as direct light outdoors, light coming in through an unblocked, south-facing window is enough for most herbs.) Some herbs that require less light, like mint, parsley, and thyme, can also grow well in west-facing windows.
Do herbs like direct sunlight?
Grow Your Herbs on The Sunny Side They need sun – and lots of it. Most herbs require at least 6 hours of sun per day outdoors. Indoors, much less light gets in, especially in the winter.What herbs dont need direct sunlight?
- Lovage. Botanical Name: Levisticum officinale. …
- Chives. Botanical Name: Allium schoenoprasum. …
- Sweet Cicely. Botanical Name: Myrrhis odorata. …
- Corsican Mint. Botanical Name: Mentha requienii. …
- Parsley. Botanical Name: Petroselinum crispum. …
- Wasabi. …
- Tarragon. …
- Angelica.
Do herbs grow better in pots or ground?
Using a potting soil or ProMix will be lighter and fluffier, perfect for herb growing. … Herbs like mint and oregano are voracious growers and get down right aggressive (even invasion) in a garden. To keep the rest of your garden plot safe, consider growing these herbs in pots and burying them in the ground.
Does basil like sun or shade?
Basil thrives in warm temperatures and full morning sun. If you live in an area with scorching midday sun, try to give your basil light shade during the hottest time of day.
What herbs will come back every year?
- Sage.
- Rosemary.
- Parsley.
- Thyme.
- Mint.
- Bay.
- Chives.
- Lavender.
Can all herbs be planted together?
Generally, herbs that like the same environment can be planted together. Herbs that are commonly planted together are sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, lavender, and oregano, among others. You should avoid planting mint with other herbs due to its invasive properties.
Can herbs grow in shade?Most plants, especially herbs and vegetables, require a fair amount of sun in order to thrive. … Deep shade will cause most herbs to sprawl a little and grow leggy as they reach out for sunlight, but many will grow admirably in dappled shade or in a spot that gets a short stretch of direct sun each day.
Article first time published onWhat herbs do well in heat?
Choose the herbs that you use most in the kitchen, such as chives, mint, rosemary, oregano, parsley, cilantro, thyme, basil, dill and sage. Simply plant them in an attractive container near your house and fresh herbs will be only footsteps away.
How far apart should herbs be planted?
Make sure you plant them 4-6 inches apart and cut them two inches above the soil every time you harvest. They usually grow back in the early spring.
How do you layout an herb garden?
Position shorter herbs, such as parsley and marjoram, at the front of the garden, often the south side. Low-growing herbs including thyme, Roman chamomile and yarrow look attractive when placed at the edges of the garden. Sun-loving herbs, including basil and sage, also get plenty of light at the front of the garden.
Can you plant herbs outside?
Some herbs can live outside all year once they are established. Try mint, oregano, rosemary, thyme and sage. These can be sown indoors as with the tender herbs, or sow them outdoors in May in containers. … Winter planted herbs are vulnerable to root damage in the cold wet potting media.
Does thyme like sun or shade?
Thyme. Most varieties of thyme will tolerate part shade. Let the soil slightly dry out between waterings. Try planting it with other flowers and herbs for a fragrant container.
What is the easiest herbs to grow?
- Sage. Sage is used primarily in poultry dishes and stuffing, making it a mainstay for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. …
- Parsley. …
- Oregano. …
- Mint. …
- Thyme. …
- Dill. …
- Chives. …
- Cilantro.
Can herbs handle full sun?
For the most part, herbs in full sun are happiest. Some will tolerate a little shade, but these are herbs for sunny spots. They need six or more hours of sunlight per day: … This classic Italian culinary herb is versatile and easy to grow as long as you give it a spot with full sun and good moisture in the soil.
Are north-facing windows good for plants?
Many people are unaware that the northern window is a perfect place to grow indoor plants. … The relatively small amount of light (no direct sunlight) a north-facing window receives is perfect for keeping these low light plants a deep, luxuriant shade of green throughout the winter months and year round.
Does Rosemary like full sun?
Rosemary can be grown in pots or in an herb garden (Fig. 1). Most varieties grow best in well-drained, loamy, slightly acidic soil. … Rosemary should receive at least 6 hours of sun each day; it grows best in full sun.
Can basil get too much sun?
Basil Sun Requirements Full-sun conditions may lead to leaf scorch on seedlings, which causes discoloration and a droopy effect, especially along the edges of the leaves. Anything less than full sun for mature basil plants has the same effect, sans discoloration.
Does cilantro like sun or shade?
The plants need full sun for most of the year. The soil pH should be 6.5, which is slightly acidic. Keeping plants well-watered and mulched with straw keeps moisture in and soil temperatures lower. When it is too hot for cilantro to do well in the garden, find a location that has afternoon shade.
Can you plant herbs directly into the ground?
Sow the herbs you use most directly into the soil between rows of veggies, or as edging to beds. Sown in late summer, herbs like coriander, parsley and chervil will continue to grow throughout the winter as long as you protect them with a cloche.
Which potting mix is best for herbs?
- Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix. …
- Miracle-Gro Potting Mix. …
- Espoma Organic Potting Mix. …
- Burpee Natural & Organic Premium Potting Mix. …
- Sungro Black Gold All Organic Potting Soil. …
- FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil Organic Mix. …
- Miracle-Gro Expand ‘n Gro Concentrated Planting Mix.
Do herbs need drainage holes?
Excellent drainage is essential, no matter how you grow herbs. Poor drainage quickly leads to root problems, including rot. Give herbs coarse, fast-draining soil, so roots get air as well as water. Herbs in containers need good drainage holes so water flows through freely.
What can you not plant with basil?
- Herbs. While you can plant basil next to chamomile, oregano, and chives, basil generally prefers the company of vegetables over other herbs, and should not be planted near rue or sage. …
- Cucumbers. …
- Fennel.
Can I grow herbs in pots?
Herbs can be grown in a variety of containers, from plastic or clay pots to fun items like old wheelbarrows. Just make sure your containers have adequate drainage. 4) Thyme: Thyme is one of the best herbs for container gardening; it’s low maintenance, drought-tolerant, and can take a bit of neglect.
What time of year should you plant herbs?
You have two options when it comes to starting perennial herbs: You can plant them directly in the ground or grow them in pots. Early spring is the best time to plant outdoors, but you can put the herbs in the ground any time of year that it’s not frozen.
How long does an herb garden last?
HerbChervilLifespanBiennialLightPartial shadeGrowing IndoorsEasy to grow indoors
Do herbs grow back after cutting?
If you want them to grow correctly, you need to know how to care for them to ensure they grow back after harvesting. Do herbs grow back after cutting? Yes, herbs can grow back after cutting. It is imperative to make sure you are pruning your herbs correctly to promote new and continuous growth.
Do herbs spread?
Some herbs become invasive, crowd other plants, and even take over a garden. Tansy (shown), catnip, comfrey, horseradish, lemon balm, hops, artemisia, all kinds of mint, and some other herbs spread aggressively via underground runners unless you control them.
What herbs love sun?
- Basil.
- Chives.
- Dill.
- Oregano.
- Rosemary.
- Tarragon.
- Thyme.