Herbs make everything better, from your meals to the way your kitchen smells. The best part? You don’t need a big backyard or a green thumb.
I started with a few mismatched pots on my balcony, and now I’ve got herbs growing in every nook I can find.
If you’re not sure where to start, this list will help. Each idea is doable, even if you’re short on time, space, or experience.
1. Pallet Herb Garden
I once grabbed an old pallet from a neighbor’s trash pile, true story. That thing became the backbone of my little garden wall.
You just turn it upright, staple in some landscape fabric, and fill it with soil. The slats act like little shelves for herbs.
It leans perfectly against a wall or fence, and I love how rustic it looks. You can even label each row with chalk paint if you’re feeling fancy.
2. Trellis Herb Garden
One summer, I used an old metal trellis from the shed and hooked tiny clay pots to it. Instant charm.
Just add some hooks and you’re all set. It’s great for trailing herbs like thyme or compact ones like parsley.
It fits well against fences, balconies, or even indoors by a sunny wall. Plus, you don’t need much floor space at all.
3. Raised Bed Herb Garden
My back used to ache after weeding, until I built a small raised bed from scrap wood.
It lifts everything to waist height, so no crouching. I divided mine into sections using wooden dividers for each herb.
This setup works great outside, especially if you cook often and want bigger batches of basil, mint, or chives.
4. Wine Barrel Herb Garden
I picked up a weathered wine barrel at a yard sale and turned it into one of my favorite planters.
I just drilled a few drainage holes and filled it with good soil. The round shape is fun to work with, taller herbs in the center, trailing ones on the edge.
It sits near my porch and has held up season after season. A bonus, it smells amazing when it rains.
5. Indoor Windowsill Herb Garden
My first ever herb garden? A bunch of mismatched mugs lined up on my kitchen windowsill.
If you’ve got a sunny window, just start there. Basil, chives, and mint do really well in those conditions.
I rotate mine once a week and snip leaves as I need them. It’s comforting to see fresh green while doing the dishes.
6. Hanging Herb Planters
I once ran out of space on my counters and started hanging herbs in macrame holders near the window.
You can use ceiling hooks, rods, or even towel bars for this. They’re cute, functional, and totally space-saving.
I love how they trail down, makes my kitchen feel cozy and alive. Just make sure you water them gently to avoid drips.
7. Balcony Herb Garden
Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t grow herbs, I did it for years on a tiny balcony.
Use railing planters or even stackable shelves. I once grew basil, oregano, and lavender in a three-tier cart.
The wind helps strengthen the plants, and the smell every time you walk outside? So worth it.
8. Tiered Herb Stand
When I needed to save space, I bought a cheap three-tier shoe rack and turned it into a herb shelf.
It works great because each level gets sunlight. I put thirstier herbs on the bottom, like mint, and drier ones like rosemary up top.
You can use this inside by a window or outside near your door. It’s clean, compact, and easy to move.
9. Recycled Container Herb Garden
One weekend, my kids and I turned old teapots and tin cans into mini herb pots. We painted them, added holes, and planted chives and parsley.
You can use colanders, bowls, mugs, basically anything that holds soil. Just make sure there’s drainage.
It’s a fun way to get creative, especially if you want something budget-friendly and one-of-a-kind.
10. Kitchen Wall Herb Rack
I love grabbing herbs while I cook, so I mounted a simple spice rack right above my stove.
Little pots fit perfectly, and I lined them up with basil, oregano, and thyme. It smells amazing while the food simmers.
This setup makes cooking feel easier and more fun. Plus, it frees up counter space for chopping and prepping.
11. Ladder Shelf Herb Garden
I found an old ladder in my dad’s garage and leaned it against the wall. A few wood planks later, it turned into a multi-level herb stand.
Each step holds a row of pots, basil, mint, thyme, you name it. It’s perfect for patios or even indoor corners.
Plus, I can move it around when the sun shifts. It gives off this farmhouse vibe without trying too hard.
12. Cinder Block Herb Garden
This one’s tough and tidy. I stacked a few cinder blocks in an L-shape by the side of the house.
Each hole became a mini planter. I stuffed them with soil and popped in small herbs like parsley and chives.
They’re low to the ground, super sturdy, and kind of industrial-chic. Works great if you don’t want to mess with wood.
13. Herb Spiral Garden
This one’s for when you want a little flair. I built a spiral mound with stones and soil in my backyard.
It rises like a snail shell, so every layer gets sun at different times. I placed mint at the bottom (it likes it damp) and rosemary on top (it loves heat).
It’s so pretty people always ask about it. And I didn’t spend a dime, just used what I had.
14. Repurposed Drawer Herb Garden
After replacing my dresser, I used the old drawers for herbs. A little sanding and some drainage holes, and they were good to go.
I stacked two of them at an angle for a cascading effect. The top one holds basil and dill, the bottom’s got oregano and chives.
You can paint them or leave them rustic. Either way, it’s a cute, creative twist.
15. Mason Jar Herb Garden
I’ve got mason jars all over my house, and I finally put some to good use.
Just fill them with soil, drop in your seeds, and line them up on a sunny shelf. Basil and cilantro do great here.
To avoid soggy roots, I add small pebbles at the bottom. Label the jars with washi tape and a marker, easy and adorable.
16. Hanging Gutter Herb Garden
This one’s a little quirky, but it works. I grabbed leftover rain gutter pieces and suspended them with rope between two posts.
Each gutter holds a row of herbs. It’s surprisingly sturdy and holds more soil than you’d think.
It hangs like a herb chandelier and frees up all your ground space. I use it for lettuce, too.
17. Herb Garden in Tin Buckets
I picked up a few tin buckets from a dollar store and poked drainage holes at the bottom.
I grouped them on a wooden crate by the back door. They’re light, easy to move, and look really charming.
Basil grows fast in them, and I like being able to bring them in if it gets too rainy or cold.
18. Drawer Organizer Herb Tray
This was a fun indoor fix. I found a shallow kitchen drawer organizer and turned it into a mini herb tray for the kitchen counter.
Each section holds one herb in its own soil pocket. I’ve got thyme, oregano, and dill living side by side.
It’s compact, low mess, and great for snipping while cooking. No digging through spice jars anymore.
19. Old Boot Herb Planters
I saw this idea online and finally tried it with my kid’s outgrown rain boots.
Stuffed them with potting mix, dropped in a few basil seeds, and set them by the steps. Adorable.
They’re colorful, quirky, and get compliments all the time. Perfect if you’ve got boots too cute to toss.
20. Pegboard Herb Wall
One day, I mounted a pegboard in my laundry room for tools, then realized it would be perfect for herbs.
I added little baskets and hooks for tiny pots. It’s super customizable and keeps everything neat.
You can shift pots around as herbs grow. And the grid makes it feel organized, even when life isn’t.
21. Toolbox Herb Garden
I had this old rusty toolbox lying around, too cute to toss, too dirty for storage.
I gave it a quick scrub, filled it with dirt, and planted cilantro, dill, and thyme. The divided sections work perfectly for different herbs.
It sits on my outdoor table now. Bonus, it has a handle, so I carry it inside during storms.
22. Vertical Pocket Herb Planter
You know those over-the-door fabric shoe holders? I turned one into a herb garden.
Hung it on the back fence, filled the pockets with soil, and popped in herb seedlings. Works like a charm.
Water trickles down naturally from top to bottom, and it saves so much room. Ideal if you’re working with tight space.
Final Thoughts
Herb gardens don’t have to be complicated. You can start with a few containers and add as you go.
I’ve made so many mistakes, overwatered mint, let the basil bolt, but I always learned something new.
Try one of these ideas this week. You’ll have fresh herbs at your fingertips before you know it, and trust me, once you start snipping from your own plants, there’s no going back.