Top Tips for Growing Herbs: Sunlight Needs & Perfect Plant Combos
- Astrid van Essen
- Apr 28
- 4 min read
Growing herbs at home is a rewarding way to enjoy fresh flavours, natural scents, and a little bit of greenery every day. However, achieving the best results depends on two key factors: the amount of sunlight your herbs receive and how well they complement each other when planted together.
Whether you are planning a full garden, a patio display, or a few pots on a windowsill, these Top Tips for Growing Herbs will help you plant with confidence.
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How Much Sun Do Herbs Need?
Most herbs thrive when they receive plenty of sunshine. However, the exact amount needed varies between different plants. Here's a simple guide:
Full Sun Herbs (6-8 hours of sunlight daily)
Basil
Rosemary
Thyme
Oregano
Lavender
Sage
These herbs thrive in the heat and produce the best flavour when grown in sunny spots.
Partial Shade Herbs (3-6 hours of sunlight daily)
Coriander (Cilantro)
Chervil
Tarragon
Parsley
Partial shade herbs often prefer cooler temperatures and may bolt (go to seed) too quickly if exposed to full sun all day.
Shade-Tolerant Herbs (2-4 hours of indirect light)
Mint
Chives
Lemon Balm
Sorrel
If you have a shadier garden corner, don't worry. These herbs prefer less sunlight and thrive in cooler, indirect light.
Small spaces with softer light are perfect for these varieties, and they look even more striking when displayed in thoughtfully chosen containers. At BotanicalBlueprint.com, we craft handmade concrete pots that are perfect for herbs that require a slightly cooler environment. Explore our collection and find the perfect match for your herb garden.
What Herbs Grow Well Together?
Planting herbs together is about more than saving space — it can help your plants thrive. Good companion planting pairs herbs with those that have similar sun, water, and soil needs.
Here are some excellent herb partnerships:
Mediterranean Mix (Full Sun)
Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Sage
All enjoy dry conditions and lots of sun.
Fragrant Friends (Partial Sun)
Basil, Parsley, Chives
These herbs like slightly richer soil and regular watering.
Cooling Companions (Partial Shade)
Mint, Lemon Balm
Both appreciate a little shelter from intense afternoon sun and can thrive in cooler conditions.
Tip: Always keep mint in its pot, unless you prefer a mint-covered garden in no time!
If you are limited on space, grouping compatible herbs in pots is a brilliant solution. Here are a few ideas:
Mediterranean Pot: Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano
Salad Pot: Basil, Chives, Parsley
Relaxation Pot: Lemon Balm, Mint, Chamomile
When combining herbs, select varieties with similar light and watering requirements to ensure they all thrive together.
Raised beds and windowsills are also great options, especially if you position shade-tolerant herbs towards the front, with taller, sun-loving varieties at the back.
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Final Thoughts
Understanding how much sunlight your herbs need — and choosing the right companions — will set you up for a beautiful, productive herb garden. Whether you have a large outdoor space or a cosy kitchen window sill, there's always room to grow.
If you're looking for the perfect containers for your herbs, especially shade-tolerant varieties, take a look at our handmade concrete pots at BotanicalBlueprint.com.
Designed to be both stylish and practical, they provide a beautiful home for your plants and elevate your space naturally.
Happy growing!
Top Tips For Growing Herbs FAQ's
1. How much sunlight do most herbs need to grow? Most herbs thrive with 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, some varieties like mint, parsley, and chives can tolerate partial shade.
2. Which herbs grow best together in the same pot or garden bed? Herbs with similar light and water needs pair well. For example, basil, oregano, and thyme thrive together, while parsley, cilantro, and chives make a great grouping for cooler, moister conditions.
3. Can I grow herbs indoors without direct sunlight? Yes, but you'll need to supplement with a grow light to mimic natural sunlight if your indoor space lacks bright, south-facing windows.
4. What are the easiest herbs for beginners to grow? Basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme are excellent choices for beginners because they’re hardy, forgiving, and grow quickly under the right conditions.
5. How do I know if my herbs are getting too much or too little sun? Too little sun results in weak, leggy stems and slow growth, while too much sun can cause leaf scorching or drying. Observe your plants daily and adjust their location if needed.
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