From Seeds to Sprouts, Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Cultivating Medicinal Plants

Ready to get dirt under your nails?


If you’re the type of herbalist that likes to get down and dirty in the soil, you’ve come to just the place. We’ve compiled an array of our most popular herb gardening articles—sure to sprout inspiration! Whether you’re seeking herb garden layout ideas, or you’re searching for the nitty-gritty of soils and substrates, one of these articles is sure to fill your wheelbarrow. This round-up even includes tips for growing medicinal herbs in tiny yards, porches, and tight spaces. (Shout out to our urban gardeners!)

Don’t have a garden?

Porches, patios, and sunny windowsills are all prime time real estate for the herb gardener. Take a wink at our Container Gardening Hub for a collection of resources that will have you growing potted plants like a pro. So, no matter your experience level or the size of your space, if you’re eager to sow more seeds of herbal knowledge, there’s something for you in the bounty beyond this garden gate. –

Let’s dig in, shall we?

Below are three points I highly recommend reflecting upon before beginning your herb garden. This is an exercise that takes some turning over of the soil of your mind, but the fruits are worth it—you can tread the new territory with better footing once you know that you’ve laid a solid foundation.

1) Intention. What is my intention for growing an herb garden? Why am I doing this?

Getting really clear with your intention before taking action can support you in taking the right steps for you on this gardening journey. This is true for just about everything in life, but something as earthy as gardening gives intention extra importance. Is this herb garden for me/my family? Am I aiming for a small business apothecary? Am I growing herbs to sell to a wholesaler? Or maybe there’s another intention altogether. Whatever your reasons for beginning an herb garden, know them, understand them, and let them guide the way.

2) Space. What kind of space is available to me?

Am I in a rental situation that may make it wise to use containers? Do I have already-established beds or will I need to make them? Will I have space to grow bigger if I choose? Thinking through the actual ground you will have for growing your medicinal herbs will help determine which herbs you can grow, and if your intention is currently feasible. If you are in a tight situation and do not have land to spread out your desires, 7 Medicinal Herbs for Urban Gardeners and Growing Medicinal Herbs in Containers are two nifty articles to explore.

3) Energy. Knowing your energy level in combination with the time and resources you have can give you a realistic compass for planning your herb garden. And remember, inspiration has a way of fueling energy. Evaluating and then prioritizing my energy has made it possible for me to materialize many dreams! Starting and maintaining a medicinal herb garden takes effort, so be real with yourself. Am I going to be doing this alone, or do I have help? What kind of time commitment am I willing to make to this herb garden? Do I have or need a lot of money to begin or can I get resourceful with the materials around me? You may like to pick just a handful of herbs that really fits your needs. For example: Are there particular health issues you’d like to address? Or would you like to make an immune boosting garden or perhaps an aromatic tea garden? Chestnut’s Top Ten Medicinal Herbs for the Garden can help guide the way for choosing some tried and true medicinal herbs. Our dream seeds can only germinate and thrive when we have adequate energy to tend the seeds once they have sprouted from the ground. It may be better to start slow and grow than to begin too big for your britches. The aim is to stay inspired and find joy in this blessed opportunity!