Growing herbs at home doesn’t require a big garden, expensive tools, or even store-bought plants. With just a little creativity and some common kitchen scraps, you can start a thriving herb garden using what you already have — whether you live in an apartment, have a balcony, or a small patio.
In this article, you’ll learn how to grow your own herbs at home for free, including which herbs are easiest to start, how to regrow them from scraps, and how to care for them using homemade methods.
Why Grow Your Own Herbs?
- Save money: Fresh herbs can be pricey at the store.
- Always available: Pick what you need, when you need it.
- More flavor: Homegrown herbs taste fresher and more aromatic.
- Therapeutic: Gardening reduces stress and boosts your mood.
- No waste: Use what you grow and avoid throwing out wilted supermarket herbs.
Plus, many herbs are easy to grow — even for beginners.
Best Herbs You Can Regrow from Scraps
These common herbs can be regrown from cuttings or leftover stems:
1. Green Onions (Scallions)
- Place white root ends in a glass of water near sunlight.
- Change the water every 2 days.
- New shoots will appear within days — harvest when they reach 10–15 cm (4–6 in).
2. Basil
- Take a healthy stem cutting (10 cm / 4 in), remove bottom leaves.
- Place in a jar with water and keep near indirect sunlight.
- Roots will form in 7–10 days. Once 2–3 cm long, plant in soil.
3. Mint
- Works just like basil — root in water and transplant.
- Grows quickly and spreads fast — best kept in a container.
4. Cilantro (Coriander)
- Place fresh stems in water until roots appear.
- Transplant into soil and keep in partial sunlight.
- Harvest regularly to keep it growing.
5. Lemongrass
- Place the bottom stalk in a glass of water.
- Wait until roots grow, then transfer to a pot.
All of these can be regrown without seeds — just from what you already cook with!
Containers You Can Use (For Free)
You don’t need fancy pots. Try these recycled options:
- Tin cans (with drainage holes)
- Glass jars (for water propagation)
- Plastic bottles (cut in half)
- Egg cartons (for seedlings)
- Yogurt cups or takeout containers
- Wooden crates or old mugs
Just make sure to add drainage holes if you’re using soil, and place a small layer of stones or sand at the bottom.
How to Make Free Soil or Compost
If you don’t want to buy soil, here’s how you can make it:
- Compost kitchen scraps like fruit peels, veggie trimmings, coffee grounds, and eggshells in a cardboard box or container.
- Add dry materials like shredded newspaper, dry leaves, or cardboard.
- After a few weeks, the mixture turns into nutrient-rich compost for your herbs.
You can also mix garden soil (if available), sand, and compost to create a homemade potting mix.
Light and Watering Tips for Herbs
Light:
- Most herbs need at least 4–6 hours of light per day.
- Place your herbs near a south-facing window or on a balcony.
- Rotate plants every few days to keep them growing straight.
Water:
- Herbs hate soggy roots — water only when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Use a spray bottle for delicate herbs like cilantro or basil.
- Reuse clean water from rinsing fruits/vegetables when possible.
How to Harvest Herbs (So They Keep Growing)
- Never remove all the leaves at once — leave at least one-third of the plant.
- Cut above a node (where leaves meet the stem) to encourage bushy growth.
- Harvest in the morning when oils are most concentrated.
Regular harvesting not only gives you fresh herbs but helps plants grow stronger.
Natural Ways to Fertilize Herbs
Skip the store-bought fertilizers and try these instead:
- Crushed eggshells: Add calcium to the soil.
- Banana peel water: Soak banana peels in water and use to hydrate herbs.
- Used coffee grounds: Add to basil or mint plants (they like slightly acidic soil).
- Compost tea: Soak homemade compost in water for 2 days and pour around the base of plants.
These free solutions keep your herbs nourished and chemical-free.
Keeping Pests Away Naturally
Herbs are usually pest-resistant, but if you notice issues:
- Use soapy water spray to deter aphids and mites.
- Garlic-chili spray (homemade) can prevent leaf damage.
- Plant basil or mint near other plants to repel insects.
- Keep plants spaced out for airflow and check leaves weekly.
Final Tips for a Thriving Herb Garden
- Start small with 2–3 herbs you use most in the kitchen.
- Label your containers (you can write on tape or popsicle sticks).
- Repurpose trays or baskets to group herbs together.
- Keep experimenting — every kitchen scrap is a growing opportunity!
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a garden, pots, or money to grow fresh, flavorful herbs. By using scraps, recycled containers, and a bit of patience, you can create your own indoor or balcony herb garden and enjoy fresh ingredients year-round — for free.
Your next basil pesto or mint tea could start with what’s already in your kitchen.