If you’re a self-proclaimed health nut then you know that herbs are a healthy way of seasoning your food. Spices may bring the heat but herbs bring the flavor! But buying fresh herbs can become a real chore and wasteful if you don’t use them up right away — we can’t be the only ones who end up throwing out wilted bunches of parsley!

Well a simple solution is to grow your own herbs at home. Spring is here and with it, rays of sunshine perfect for growing. All you need is a sunny spot and you’ll be enjoying summer salads with fresh herbs from now until fall! If you’re new to growing and don’t exactly have a green thumb then this guide is for you. Here’s how to grow an herb garden in 6 simple steps:

An ideal location for your herb garden is within steps of your kitchen, but any spot that gets around six hours of sun each day will work. If you have space in front of a kitchen window, plant the herbs in small containers and place along the windowsill for an idyllic indoor garden.

There are dozens of herbs and flowering plants that can be used for a culinary herb garden. Here are a few favorites and suggested staples to get you started:

Basil

Sage

Oregano

Thyme

Rosemary

Parsley

Chives

Cilantro

If you don’t have any experience growing seedlings, then an easy way to start an herb garden is to buy potted plants from the supermarket or a garden center. Repot them when you get home in a larger pot or planter with moistening potting soil to ensure they have a spacious environment to grow.

Don’t forget to label your plants! Add labels to each of your freshly planted herbs to make them easy to identify when harvesting and cooking. You can buy plant labels or get creative and make your own. We love these 20 DIY Plant Label Markers ideas from The Micro Gardener.

How do you know when you need to water your herbs? Check your plants frequently by feeling the soil. If it’s dry to the touch, then it needs some watering. This is a good rule of thumb since watering needs may change depending on the weather, climate, and time of year.

TIP: If your soil is constantly wet and leaves start to yellow, this is a sign you might be overwatering.

Begin harvesting your herbs as soon as they are mature, but take only a little bit each time you harvest. If you remove more than a third of the plant at one time, it takes longer to recover and produce new foliage. Plus, for herbs to be truly fresh and taste the most flavorful, you’ll only want to harvest as much as you’re going to immediately use in the kitchen.

Growing your own culinary herb garden is perfect for adding fresh herbs to your summer salads, pasta dishes, and more. The splash of green will brighten up your home before brightening up your plate! Having an indoor herb garden gives you something to nourish and grow which we think is really beautiful — and hope you do too! Do you have a green thumb? Have you ever considered an herb garden?