If it’s your first time creating an herb garden, I have some tips to share.
These six steps will walk you through the basics, from choosing the right location and planning your garden to preparing the soil and deciding what to plant.
You can grow an herb garden in Phoenix in just a few easy steps.
- Choose a spot in your yard where herbs receive morning or mid-morning sun.
- Are you starting from seed or buying a starter plant? Either way you will want to plant the right time of year. In Phoenix the ideal time is October and February.
- If planting by seed, soak your seeds 24 hours before you plant.
- Keep seedlings moist until they show growth. After this water regularly and deeply. If your plants are in a container the soil will dry out faster, so you will need to water frequently.
Herb Garden Location
Choose a spot in your yard where herbs receive morning or mid-morning sun.
Herb Garden Layout Design Ideas
Here’s a proposed layout for your herb garden. We’ll use a rectangular raised bed that is 4 feet by 8 feet and divide into sections for each herb group. You could also create a round garden bed using the same principles and keeping the taller herbs in the middle working your way out.
The Ultimate Herb Garden
This herb garden design includes 22 herbs you can use to add flavor to your meals, create teas, tinctures, and to attract beneficial pollinators.
Back Row (Tall Herbs)
- Anise Hyssop: 1-2 plants (2-4 feet in height)
- Basil: 1-2 plants (2-3 feet)
- Echinacea: 1-2 plants (2-4 feet in height)
- Fennel: 1 plant ( 6 feet)
- Toothache Plant: 1 plant (1-1.5 feet in height)
- Borage: 1-2 plants (2-3 feet tall)
- German Chamomile: 2 plants (3 feet tall)
- Lemon Balm: 1 plant (24-36 inches)
- Lemon Verbena: 1 plant (6 feet tall)
Middle Row (Medium Height Herbs)
- Chervil: 1-2 plants (12-24 inches)
- Cilantro: 2-3 plants (1-2 feet)
- Dill: 1 plant (1.5 – 4 feet)
- Lavender: 1-2 plants (20-24 inches
- Marjoram: 1 plant (up to 20″)
- Mint: 1 plant (keep in a pot to prevent spreading) Peppermint is 18 -36″ and strawberry mint is 12-18 inches
- Parsley: 1-2 plants (8-14 inches)
- Sage: 1 plant (2 feet)
- Toothache Plant: 1 plant (1-1.5 feet in height)
Front Row (Shorter Herbs)
- Basil: 2-3 plants (8-12 inches variety)
- Calendula: 2 plants (10-12 inches)
- Chives: 3-4 plants (10- 15 inches)
- Trailing Rosemary: 1-2 plants (6-8 inches)
- Trailing Oregano: 1 plant (6-12 inches)
- Winter Savory: 1 plant (4-16 inches)
- Creeping Thyme: 1-2 plants (2-3 inches)
Low Water Herb Garden
A low-water herb garden is an excellent way to conserve resources while still enjoying a vibrant, aromatic space. Let’s create a raised bed that is 4 feet by 8 feet, here’s how to arrange the herbs:
Back Row (Tall Herbs)
- Rosemary: 1 plant (3-5 feet in height)
- Lavender: 1-2 plants (2-3 feet in height)
- Lemon Verbena: 1 plant (6 feet in height)
Middle Row (Medium Height Herbs)
- Sweet Basil: 1 plant (24″ in height)
- Sage: 1 plants (2 feet in height)
- Marjoram: 1 plant (20″ in height)
- Oregano: 1 plants (2 feet)
Front Row (Shorter Herbs)
- Thyme: 1-2 plants (12-18 inches)
- Trailing rosemary: 1-2 plants (12-18 inches)
- Lemon or Dwarf Basil: 1-2 plants (8-10 inches)
Herb Companion Planting Considerations
- Basil pairs well with Chive, Dill, and Parsley.
- Chervil is great near Basil and Dill.
- Fennel should be planted away from Cilantro and Chervil, as it can inhibit their growth.
- Lavender is a great companion for many herbs, attracting beneficial insects.
- Mint can spread aggressively, so it’s best to plant it in a container or keep it separate from other herbs.
