Fresh herbs add flavor, fragrance, and color to your favorite meals, and with your own garden, you’ll save money too. These aromatic plants are some of the easiest to grow and care for, making them a cost-effective option for home cooks. If you want a fresh supply of yummy herbs at your scissor tips, we’ve got all the info you need to get started.

Basil

Basil can grow up to two feet tall, making it a great plant to grow in a planter or pot if you’re low on space. The trick to growing basil is to keep the soil from drying out, so water it regularly. 

Cost

You can buy a small basil plant from your local grocery store this time of year for around $5 and quickly see that this plant pays for itself. Because it grows fast, a single plant will give you an ongoing supply of fresh basil for very little effort. Compare this to buying a small portion of trimmed, fresh basil for around the same price, and owning your own plant is a no-brainer.

Green Onions

Green onions can get up to 1 foot tall and are the easiest plants to regrow from grocery store cuttings. To regrow green onions from scraps, cut the green stalks down to about 1 inch, leaving the bulb and roots intact. Replant them in soil, bulb-side down, leaving the short stalks sticking out. You can regrow a single bulb for 3–4 harvests before replacing them. 

Cost

A bunch of green onions from the grocery store only costs a few cents, less than a dollar in most places, whereas a packet of seeds can go for $2–5. Get yourself ready-to-eat green onions to enjoy now and replant them to enjoy up to four times.

Care

• Full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil. Water daily.
• Keep between 68–78ºF (20–25ºC).

Cilantro

Cilantro can get up to 2 feet tall and the best part is that you can regrow it from cuttings. Clip about 15 cilantro stems at 4 to 6 inches long and place them in a glass of water. Place the glass in a spot with direct sunlight. When the roots are about 2 inches long, you can plant them in pots to continue growing.

Cost

A bunch of fresh cilantro can cost you up to a dollar at most grocery stores. The next time your meal calls for cilantro, save a few of the stems and follow the method above to regrow it from cuttings at basically no cost compared to buying a pack of seeds for around $3.

Care

• Full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil.
• Grows best in cool weather— spring and fall in most places.
• Cut and harvest regularly to encourage a continual supply of leaves.

Mint

There are many varieties of mint, like peppermint and spearmint, but all will grow between 1–3 feet tall. If you love to cook with mint, you know that a small amount of fresh mint can be very expensive. Luckily, you can buy a small plant from your local grocery store or nursery to get the most enjoyment for less money.

Cost

A small bunch of fresh, cut mint can go for $3. Instead, buy a small plant for around the same price and enjoy fresh mint all season long.

Care

• Full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil.
• Plant it in its own separate container to keep it from spreading to other plants.

Parsley

Parsely can grow up to 1 foot tall, making this another excellent plant to grow in a small space — and similar to cilantro, you can propagate parsley from cuttings. Begin with 4 to 6-inch long stems and place them in a glass of water next to a sunny window. In about a week, you’ll see small roots starting to grow. When the roots are 2 inches long, plant them in soil to continue growing.

Cost

A bunch of parsley can cost up to a dollar in most stores, which is why regrowing parsley from cuttings can be very cost-effective when compared to buying a pack of seeds for around $3. 

Care

• Full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil.
• Cut and harvest regularly to encourage a continual supply of leaves.

Thyme

Thyme can grow up to 1 foot tall and can be harvested year-round, although its flavor is strongest during summer. Growing thyme from seeds can be difficult because of slow, uneven germination, but you can buy a plant from your local garden center or take some cuttings from a friend and propagate them.

Cost

A bunch of fresh, cut thyme can cost $3 to $5, and if you cook with thyme often, having your own plant is definitely worth it. For around $5 you can buy a small plant to enjoy year-round for cheap.

Care

• Full sun and dry to medium-moist, well-drained soil.
• Trim plants after flowering to keep them compact and to promote fresh, new growth.

Oregano

Oregano can get 1–2 feet tall, and it’s one of the easiest herbs to grow from seeds, although you will need to plant the seeds early in the spring. If you want to grow oregano in the summer, we recommend propagating from cuttings (similar to parsley and basil) or buying a small potted plant.

Cost

A bunch of fresh, cut oregano can cost up to $3. Instead, buy a small potted plant for $3 to $5. If you take care of it correctly, you can enjoy this perennial plant for up to 5 years.

Care

• Full sun and dry to medium-moist, well-drained soil.
• Is drought-tolerant and needs watering only during excessively dry periods.
• Pinch out flower buds as they begin to bloom to grow a fuller plant.

Rosemary

Rosemary can grow into a 1 to 5 feet tall shrub. In ideal conditions, it’s best kept in its own section of the garden or a separate planter, as it can quickly outgrow and take over other plants. Growing rosemary from seeds can be difficult, which is why propagating cuttings from a healthy plant is the best option. You can also buy a small plant and continue growing it from there.

Cost

A small bunch of fresh, cut rosemary can cost up to $3 at your local grocery store, whereas a small plant can cost around $5. Because rosemary doesn’t require a lot of care or watering, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth with your own plant.

Care

• Full sun and dry to medium-moist, well-drained soil, do not overwater.
• Soil temperature should be around 70ºF (21°C). Bring inside during winter to continue growing.

Starting your own herb garden is a great way to save a few extra dollars each month. If you’re ready to get cooking with your freshly-grown herbs, don’t forget to check the Flipp app every week for fresh deals on groceries and more.