Your step-by-step guide to growing kitchen herbs

Best Herbs for Beginners (and When to Plant Them)

According to Siddhant, ajwain and chives are under-the-radar, beginner-friendly herbs perfect for Indian homes. “Ajwain is hardy, drought-tolerant, and thrives in loamy soil during the cooler rabi season, though it can grow year-round. Chives love rich, well-draining soil and need full to partial sunlight.” If you’re tight on space, you can still grow herbs in vertical planters, railing boxes or even repurposed mugs with holes and place them on balconies, window sills or kitchen counters.

The Pot Matters (More than You Think)

If you're tempted to grab the prettiest planter, pause for a second. Drainage is everything. “Herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary need well-drained soil, as stagnant water can cause root rot and harm the plants. This helps oxygen reach the roots and promotes healthy growth,” says Siddhant. He favours terracotta pots for their porous nature but also vouches for plastic, metal, wooden, and even recycled containers—just make sure they have drainage holes. Ravneet agrees, “Use mid-sized pots, around 7–8 inches deep, and always ensure they drain well.” So, yes, your old plastic mug can house some mint as long as you drill a hole in it.

Healthy Soil goes a Long Way

“Loamy soil (a combination of sand, silt, and clay) is the gold standard, allowing for both good drainage and nutrient retention,” Siddhant says. But if that’s not handy, you can DIY a great mix with coco peat (for aeration), vermicompost (for nutrients), and perlite (to keep things light). Fertilising every 2–3 weeks keeps your herbs in peak condition. Siddhant also recommends neem cake powder for pest control and cow manure for an organic nutrient boost. Ravneet adds, “After two coriander harvests, I mix in some vermicompost and use seaweed fertiliser or compost tea to keep the soil healthy.” As for repotting, Siddhant says, “herbs need it when they become root-bound or their potting soil starts to degrade, which is usually every 1-2 years. Keep an eye on the roots and give them more space to grow.”

Striking the Balance Between Sunlight and Water

Not all herbs bask in the same spotlight. Basil and coriander prefer 4–6 hours of sunlight daily, while mint does well with 2–3 hours and slightly cooler, moist conditions. “Water only when the topsoil feels dry. Basil loves the heat and should be watered less often, while coriander benefits from morning sun and afternoon shade with consistently moist (not soggy) soil,” Siddhant adds. Overwatering leads to root rot and yellow leaves—a rookie mistake to avoid. Ravneet’s rule of thumb? Morning sun is best, especially in peak summers. And when it comes to watering, think spa day—not flood zone.

Keep Snipping (Pruning and Harvesting Tips)

Regular pruning and harvesting are some of the best ways to keep herbs healthy and bushy. “Always cut just above a node, that’s where new growth comes in. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves,” Siddhant suggests. When harvesting, go for the outer stems and leave the inner growth to continue developing. For younger plants, pinch off the tips—it really helps them branch out and become fuller. And if flower buds start to form, take them off so the plant keeps focusing on growing tasty, healthy leaves.” Ravneet advises regular pinching for basil to keep it from flowering (and turning bitter). For coriander, cut it from the base when it’s grown well. You’ll get 3–4 harvests easily.

Pests and Problems (and Natural Fixes)

Yellowing leaves? That’s usually a water or nutrient issue. “Fix it with organic compost and mindful watering,” says Siddhant. For pests, he recommends neem oil or attracting ladybugs, while a baking soda spray can help with fungus. Interestingly, some herbs are natural defenders. “Mint and rosemary repel pests,” says Ravneet. “And basil? It attracts pollinators and helps tomatoes grow better.”