🌿 10 Easy-to-Grow Herbs That Save You Money at the Grocery Store

There’s nothing quite like cooking with fresh herbs—and nothing quite as frustrating as paying £2–3 for a tiny plastic-wrapped bunch at the supermarket.

Here’s the good news: you can grow your own herbs at home for a fraction of the cost, even if you have limited space. Whether you have a balcony, a backyard, or a sunny windowsill, these 10 easy-to-grow herbs will not only upgrade your meals but also save you real money over time.

Bonus: Most of these herbs are low-maintenance once established—just keep them watered, give them sun, and harvest regularly to keep them productive.

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🌱 1. Basil

A summer favourite that thrives in pots or garden beds.

• Use in: pasta, salads, pesto, pizza

• Tip: Pinch off flower buds to keep it producing more leaves.

🌱 2. Parsley

Hardy and productive, parsley grows well in containers or borders.

• Use in: soups, stews, salads, tabbouleh

• Tip: Harvest the outer stems first to keep the plant growing.

🌱 3. Mint

A fast spreader—best kept in pots to control it!

• Use in: teas, cocktails, sauces, desserts

• Tip: Cut it back regularly to prevent it from taking over.

🌱 4. Chives

Low-maintenance and great for adding mild onion flavour.

• Use in: eggs, soups, potatoes, dips

• Tip: Let some flowers bloom to attract pollinators.

🌱 5. Rosemary

A woody perennial that’s perfect for a sunny spot.

• Use in: roasts, bread, marinades, oils

• Tip: Snip sprigs as needed; it’s slow-growing but tough.

🌱 6. Thyme

Drought-tolerant and happy in rocky or sandy soil.

• Use in: stews, meat dishes, roasted veggies

• Tip: Plant several varieties (common, lemon, creeping) for variety.

🌱 7. Oregano

A must-have for Mediterranean dishes.

• Use in: pasta, pizza, sauces

• Tip: Harvest just before flowering for the best flavour.

🌱 8. Sage

Beautiful grey-green leaves and edible flowers.

• Use in: stuffings, roasts, butter sauces

• Tip: Prune in spring to encourage bushy growth.

🌱 9. Coriander (Cilantro)

Fast-growing but short-lived—succession plant every few weeks.

• Use in: curries, salsas, salads

• Tip: Let some plants bolt and set seed (coriander spice!).

🌱 10. Lemon Balm

A lemon-scented herb perfect for teas and desserts.

• Use in: teas, cocktails, fruit salads

• Tip: Like mint, it’s best grown in a pot to contain its spread.

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💸 How Much Can You Save?

Let’s do a little math:

• Fresh basil: ~£2.50/bunch

• Fresh mint: ~£2/bunch

• Fresh parsley: ~£1.50/bunch

With just three or four plants, you could easily save £10–15 a month during the growing season. That adds up to £50–100+ per year—plus zero plastic waste, no supermarket trips, and herbs that taste way better than store-bought.

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🌿 Want to See a Real-Life Herb Garden in Action?

We recently transformed a customer’s front garden into a low-maintenance Zen-inspired food landscape, featuring at least five of these money-saving herbs.

Once planted, projects like these are surprisingly easy to care for—just remember to water regularly and keep harvesting your herbs for your kitchen. The more you use them, the more they grow!

🎥 Check out the full transformation on our YouTube channel—and don’t forget to subscribe for more behind-the-scenes projects, budget-friendly garden tips, and food landscaping inspiration!