Photos: MelindaMyers.com unless otherwise noted.
Make it fun and easy to add fresh flavor to cookouts, garden parties, and meals. An herb garden for grilling starts with a few containers on a patio, deck, or balcony — and it transforms how you cook and entertain outside.
The best herbs for grilling and gathering
The best herbs for grilling to start with are rosemary, basil, and thyme — all easy to grow in containers and packed with flavor.
Place a pot near the grill and fill it with your favorite grilling herbs. Include some BBQ rosemary, known for its excellent flavor and aroma, perfect for cooking. Plus, the strong stems make perfect skewers — something guests are sure to remember.
Grow herbs like basil, marjoram, oregano, and thyme to season vegetables while grilling. Use pots of these and other favorites, such as chives, placed on the table as an edible centerpiece. Include snips and suggestions to help guests season their own dishes.
Dress up drinks with fresh herbs
Dress up beverages with fresh herbs like mint or basil in lemonade. Grow lemongrass as a vertical accent in containers and boil the stalks to make hot or iced tea. Use thyme as a trailing plant in containers, and pair it with citrusy drinks or with gin, vodka, or bourbon for an earthy, minty enhancement. Sweeten beverages with fresh stevia leaves. Use them to create a simple syrup, steep in tea, or muddle with other herbs to flavor drinks.
What are the health benefits of growing your own herbs?
Growing your own herbs does more than elevate your cooking — it puts some of nature’s most powerful health benefits right at your fingertips. Enjoy their added flavor in every dish, even desserts, along with health benefits you might not expect. Gain anti-inflammatory benefits from basil and rosemary, vitamins and minerals from thyme, antioxidants from mint, and calming effects from lavender.
What do herb garden containers need to thrive?
Most herbs prefer full sun and well-drained soil, but some, like mint, thyme, chives, parsley, and lemon balm, will tolerate some shade. Many sun-loving plants in hotter regions welcome a bit of afternoon shade. Check the plant tag or seed packet for detailed planting information.
Grow herbs in containers with drainage holes filled with a high-quality potting mix. For the best results, consider using Wild Valley Farms’ wool pellets — a sustainable soil amendment made from wool waste that reduces watering needs by up to 25%, adds nutrients and organic matter, and enhances air space for better root growth.
You can grow individual plants in their own container or combine several in one pot. Place three to four plants in a 10–12-inch pot, four to six in a 14–16-inch container, and six to eight in a 16–20-inch planter. Adjust this number based on the size of the transplants used and the mature size and growth habit of the included plants.
How to harvest without killing your plants
Setting up an herb garden for grilling is only half the fun — knowing how to harvest keeps it producing all season. Harvest a few leaves and stems as needed throughout the growing season. Regular harvesting encourages more growth for the future. Herbs have the most intense flavor when harvested just before flowering. However, the flavor and pollinators that visit can still be enjoyed once flowering begins. Most herbs’ flowers are edible but be sure to check before adding any to beverages and meals.
Frequently asked questions about herb gardens for grilling
Q What are the best herbs for grilling?
Rosemary, basil, and thyme are the top picks — all easy to grow in containers and packed with flavor. BBQ rosemary is especially great, with strong stems that double as skewers.
Q How do I start a container herb garden for grilling?
Start with a few containers on a patio, deck, or balcony. Choose pots with drainage holes, fill them with quality potting mix, and place them near your grill for easy access while cooking.
Q When should I harvest herbs?
Harvest a few leaves and stems as needed throughout the growing season. Herbs have the most intense flavor just before flowering, but they remain useful and enjoyable once blooms appear.
Q Which herbs grow well together in containers?
Basil, marjoram, oregano, thyme, and chives all thrive together. For best results, place three to four plants in a 10–12-inch pot.
Using herbs to flavor dishes and beverages makes every meal feel special. Plus, family and friends will enjoy seasoning their meals with tasty fresh herbs right within reach.
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