Even cats need their greens! This organic barley, oats, and wheat blend is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Not only does cat grass help in digestion by moving the hairballs along, but it gives them a shiny coat and freshens breath! Because it's grown indoors, cat grass can be served year-round at its peak of freshness. The grass is ready to eat in as little as 2 weeks! Safe for dogs, too!
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17911 products
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Botanical Interests Waltham 29 Broccoli Seeds
229
$2.29
Unit price perBotanical Interests Waltham 29 Broccoli Seeds
229
$2.29
Unit price per
Broccoli has a long culinary history going back to the Romans. The florets, leaves, and stems are packed with vitamin C and provide calcium, potassium, and iron. The 4"-6", blue-green heads are delicious raw or cooked. 'Waltham 29' grows prolific side shoots and is specially adapted for cold tolerance. Freezes well. Kids will delight in the "little trees" on their plate.
Botanical Interests Carnival Blend Carrot Seeds
299
$2.99
Unit price perBotanical Interests Carnival Blend Carrot Seeds
299
$2.99
Unit price per
Imagine the pleasure of pulling up purple, red, white, yellow, and orange carrots from the earth, so crisp and delicious from your own garden. Packed with vitamin A and other healthful nutrients, colored carrots have been around for more than 1,000 years! For gourmet baby carrots, harvest when only 3"-4" long.
Botanical Interests Glacier Bush Tomato Seeds
299
$2.99
Unit price perBotanical Interests Glacier Bush Tomato Seeds
299
$2.99
Unit price perGlacier' will be one of your first ripe tomatoes of summer, and one of your last tomatoes in the fall! This 30" tall plant sets fruit earlier and in cooler temperatures than other varieties, and continues to produce throughout the season. 2" flavorful slicers are the perfect size for sandwiches. Enjoy the sweetness of summer longer than ever!
When to Sow Outside: For mild climates only: 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 60°F.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting. Transplant when air temperature is 45°F or warmer, usually 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 70°–90°F.
Days to Emerge: 5–10 days
Seed Depth: ¼"
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 24"
Row Spacing: 36"
Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 24"
Botanical Interests Red Burgundy Okra Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price perBotanical Interests Red Burgundy Okra Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price perWhether you eat okra or not, this plant is worth growing with deep crimson red pods and gorgeous yellow flowers that bees love. The most productive red variety, these plants produce tender, 6"-long pods that are delicious in soup, gumbo, and stew, or deep-fried.
When to Sow Outside: 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date.
When to Start Inside: Recommended for cold climates only: 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date, when soil temperature is at least 70°F, ideally 80°–90°F. Use biodegradable pots to reduce root disturbance.
Days to Emerge: 10 –15 days
Seed Depth: ½"–1"
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 18"–24"
Row Spacing: 4' apart
Thinning: When 4" tall thin to 1 every 18"–24"
Botanical Interests Florida Broadleaf Mustard Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price perBotanical Interests Florida Broadleaf Mustard Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price per'Florida Broadleaf' Mustard can't be beaten—flavor and productivity have made it a long-time favorite of Southern gardeners and cooks. Small leaves can be harvested for baby greens and added fresh to salads. Large leaves can be prepared in a variety of ways.
Botanical Interests Pineapple Pole Tomato Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price perBotanical Interests Pineapple Pole Tomato Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price perYou'll be impressed with this high-yielding variety. These luscious tomatoes ripen to yellow-orange accented with hints of red that go through the solid, meaty interior of the fruit. Large, beefsteak type fruits don't have a lot of seeds but are filled with complex, low-acid tomato flavor with a hint of fruitiness that's just the right balance of sweet and tangy. Provide support for the tall plants and their heavy, 1–2-pound fruits.
When to Sow Outside: For mild climates only: 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 60°F.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting. Transplant when air temperature is 45°F or warmer, usually 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 70°–90°F.
Days to Emerge: 5–10 days
Seed Depth: ¼"
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 24"–36"
Row Spacing: 36"
Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 24"–36"
Botanical Interests One Kilo Slow Bolt Napa Cabbage Seeds
349
$3.49
Unit price perBotanical Interests One Kilo Slow Bolt Napa Cabbage Seeds
349
$3.49
Unit price per
Also called napa cabbage, 'One Kilo Slow Bolt' has a delicate flavor, a soft texture in between that of lettuce and regular cabbage, and tight heads have a creamy yellow interior. Grows with ease in fall, and can be sown in spring if care is taken to protect young plants from temperatures of 50 °F or below, which may cause plants to bolt. Grows best at 60 °-65 °F.
Botanical Interests Atomic Red Carrot Seeds
349
$3.49
Unit price perBotanical Interests Atomic Red Carrot Seeds
349
$3.49
Unit price per
Atomic Red' is an 8"-10" long, crisp, sweet imperator-type root. When you steam, roast, or stir-fry it, the contrast between the brilliant, deep red outer layer and orange core intensifies. Grow successive crops every 3 weeks to ensure continuous harvests as this colorful carrot is sure to be in high demand once it is seen and tasted.
Botanical Interests Red Pride Bush Tomato Seeds
449
$4.49
Unit price perBotanical Interests Red Pride Bush Tomato Seeds
449
$4.49
Unit price perThe blue ribbon winner! 'Red Pride' yields a bountiful harvest on vigorous, compact plants. Its reliable production of 10-ounce fruits combined with an excellent disease resistance package, including Alternaria stem canker, gray leaf spot, Fusarium wilt (1, 2), and Verticillium wilt, make it a winner for any garden!
When to Sow Outside: For mild climates only: 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 60°F.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting. Transplant when air temperature is 45°F or warmer, usually 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 70°–90°F.
Days to Emerge: 5–10 days
Seed Depth: ¼"
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 24"
Row Spacing: 36"
Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 24"
Botanical Interests Robust Pop R400MR Popcorn Corn Seeds
349
$3.49
Unit price perBotanical Interests Robust Pop R400MR Popcorn Corn Seeds
349
$3.49
Unit price perOnce only commercially available, this type of popping corn is now available to the home gardener! 'Robust Pop R400MR' produces large, round popped kernels sturdy enough to hold a coating and stay in one piece, unlike the more common 'butterfly'-shaped popcorn. This is also the type of popcorn found in the popular Cracker Jacks®. Grow it in your backyard to make kettle corn, caramel corn, popcorn balls, or to top with seasonings.
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 60°F, ideally 65°–90°F
When to Start Inside: Not recommended; roots sensitive to transplanting. Best results occur when seedlings are transplanted less than 2 weeks old.
Days to Emerge: 5–10 days
Seed Depth: 1"–1 ½"
Seed Spacing: A group of 2 seeds every 12"
Row Spacing: 24"–36"
Thinning: When 4" tall, thin to 1 every 12"
Botanical Interests Matador Spinach Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price perBotanical Interests Matador Spinach Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price per
Dark green, smooth, oval-shaped leaves are a versatile addition to the kitchen! 'Matador' has great, sweet flavor as a mature plant, can also be enjoyed as a baby green in salad mixes, and has the perfect texture for cooked dishes, such as risotto. Productive plants yield smooth, easy-to-clean leaves. Grows especially well when sown for fall harvest.
Botanical Interests Jewel Blend Nasturtium Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price perBotanical Interests Jewel Blend Nasturtium Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price perEvery salad should be graced with edible nasturtium flowers! Dreary winter? In a south window, grow these cheery flowers inside! This compact variety is an excellent edging plant that attracts pollinators and is fairly drought tolerant.
Botanical Interests Shades of Blue Larkspur Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price perBotanical Interests Shades of Blue Larkspur Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price perTall flowers make an excellent backdrop to garden beds and bouquets! Grow in masses for a compelling display of light and dark blue blossoms. Reseeds readily. Larkspur blooms in the cooler weather of late spring and early summer, and in mild summer climates can continue through fall. Caution: All parts of this plant are toxic if ingested
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before average last frost or as soon as soil can be worked, or in fall before average first frost.
When to Start Inside: 6 to 8 weeks before average last frost. Does not transplant well. Either start outdoors or sow into pulp pot and plant directly into soil to minimize transplant shock.
Days to Emerge: 10 –15 days
Seed Depth: ¼"
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 6"–12"
Thinning: When 3" tall, thin to 1 every 6"–12"
Botanical Interests Double Blend Portulaca (Moss Rose) Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price perBotanical Interests Double Blend Portulaca (Moss Rose) Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price perLow-growing plants create a carpet of brilliantly colored, 1"–2" rose-like, double flowers that bloom on sunny days throughout the heat of summer. Very drought tolerant, moss roses need only occasional watering. Wonderful for dry banks and areas with reflected heat such as parking strips or along concrete sidewalks. Self-sows readily!
When to Sow Outside: 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 70°–85°F.
When to Start Inside: 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date. Recommended for cooler summer climates, such as those in New England or the Pacific Northwest.
Days to Emerge: 10–15 days
Seed Depth: Press into surface
Seed Spacing: 2"
Thinning: When ½" tall, thin to 1 every 6"
Botanical Interests Black Magic Bachelor's Button Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price perBotanical Interests Black Magic Bachelor's Button Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price perWith vivid color, 'Black Magic' makes great dried or cut flowers, while edible petals make a stunning garnish to salads, crudités platters, or dinner plates. Bachelor's button, also called cornflower, will "naturalize"; it self-sows for another crop of flowers the following season, and birds love the seed heads!
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks before your average last frost date, or in late summer/fall for blooms the following season. Mild Climates: Sow in fall for winter bloom.
When to Start Inside: 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date. Not recommended; does not transplant well. Use biodegradable pots to avoid root disturbance.
Days to Emerge: 7–14 days
Seed Depth: ¼"
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 8"–10"
Thinning: When 1"–2" tall, thin to 1 every 8"–10"
Botanical Interests Mission Blend California Poppy Organic Seeds
299
$2.99
Unit price perBotanical Interests Mission Blend California Poppy Organic Seeds
299
$2.99
Unit price per'Mission Bells' with its stunning, saucer-shaped, bright rose, red, orange, white, and yellow double and semi-double, ruffled flowers is the epitome of summer in a carpet of color. A heat- and drought-tolerant plant requiring little care, it will self-sow, providing years of beauty.
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date, when soil temperature is 50°–60°F, or early to mid-fall for bloom the following spring. Mild Climates: Late summer to early fall for winter and spring bloom.
When to Start Inside: Not recommended; roots sensitive to disturbance.
Days to Emerge: 7–14 days
Seed Depth: Scatter and rake in lightly
Thinning: When 1" tall, thin to 1 every 4"–6"
Botanical Interests Moonflower Heirloom Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price perBotanical Interests Moonflower Heirloom Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price per
Enjoy moonflower's evening performance and heady fragrance by training it on a porch column, or a trellis under a window. This Florida native has magnificent flowers that unfold within 2 to 3 minutes, an event worth inviting guests! Caution: All parts of this plant are toxic if ingested.
Botanical Interests Ruby Moon Hyacinth Bean Seeds
349
$3.49
Unit price perBotanical Interests Ruby Moon Hyacinth Bean Seeds
349
$3.49
Unit price perGrown by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, hyacinth bean is a dazzling ornamental with stunning, pinkish-purple flowers and shiny, dark purple pods that stand out against the purple and green foliage. Twining stems quickly climb a fence or trellis, trail across the ground for an attractive ground cover, or spill over container edges. Contains toxins; not recommended for eating.
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 65°F, ideally 70°–85°F. Successive Sowings: Every 7 to 14 days up to 80 days before your average first fall frost date. NOTE: In very hot summer areas, skip sowing as high heat approaches; temperatures consistently above 90°F will prevent beans from forming.
When to Start Inside: Not recommended. 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date. Roots are sensitive to disturbance; use biodegradable pots that can be placed directly into the ground.
Days to Emerge: 3–30 days
Seed Depth: 1"
Seed Spacing: A group of 2 seeds every 12"
Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 12"
Botanical Interests Tiny Tim Sweet Alyssum Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price per
Botanical Interests Beaujolais Sweet Pea Seeds
349
$3.49
Unit price perBotanical Interests Beaujolais Sweet Pea Seeds
349
$3.49
Unit price perThe deep, rich color of 'Beaujolais' is sensational paired with pastel sweet peas. Spencer-type sweet peas have large flowers and sturdy, long stems which makes them ideal for bouquets and table-top arrangements. They also bloom over a longer period, sometimes into fall, where summers are mild. Caution: Parts of this plant are toxic if ingested.
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. Cold Climates: 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date. Mild Climates: Late fall to early winter for spring bloom. Ideal soil temperature is 55°–65°F.
When to Start Inside: 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date.
Days to Emerge: 10–21 Days
Seed Depth: 1"
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 6"
Thinning: When 3" tall, thin to 1 every 6"
Botanical Interests Cat Grass Organic Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price per
Botanical Interests Honesty Money Plant Seeds
299
$2.99
Unit price perBotanical Interests Honesty Money Plant Seeds
299
$2.99
Unit price per
Popular in winter arrangements, Money Plant was introduced to England from Germany in the late 1500s and brought to America by the Puritans. Also called honesty, silver dollar, satinflower, penny flower, Judas' penny, and moonwort. Plant in mass in beds, borders, or along the edge of shrubbery where shining pods can catch the sunlight. As a biennial sowed in spring, it will produce flowers/silvery seed pods the following year.
Botanical Interests Love-Lies-Bleeding Amaranth Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price perBotanical Interests Love-Lies-Bleeding Amaranth Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price perThe dramatic, crimson tassels of love-lies-bleeding make it a unique plant, with a long history in colonial American and Victorian English gardens. Place up front as a focal point, or in the back of a border. Tassels can reach 18", last for many weeks, and are excellent for fresh or dried flower arrangements. Also called tassel flower.
When to Sow Outside: 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date.
When to Start Inside: 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date. Sow in biodegradable pots that can be directly planted in the ground; roots are sensitive to disturbance.
Days to Emerge: 7 – 14 days
Seed Depth: ⅛"
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 18" – 24"
Thinning: When 1" – 2" tall, thin to 1 every 18" – 24"
Botanical Interests Cascade of Color Trailing Lobelia Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price perBotanical Interests Cascade of Color Trailing Lobelia Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price perCascade of Color spills over the edge of patio containers or hanging baskets to soften and complement the entire arrangement. This densely flowering beauty will grace your flower bed with blossoms of blue, blue with a white eye, lilac, red, ruby, and white.
When to Sow Outside: 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date. In Mild Climates, sow in late summer for winter color.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 8 to 10 weeks before your average last frost date. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 60°–70°F.
Days to Emerge: 15–20 days
Seed Depth: Press lightly into surface
Seed Spacing: Sow in groups of 12–20 seeds, 4"–6" apart
Thinning: Not required.
Botanical Interests Little Sweetheart Sweet Pea Seeds
349
$3.49
Unit price perBotanical Interests Little Sweetheart Sweet Pea Seeds
349
$3.49
Unit price perLittle Sweetheart is not your usual vining, climbing sweet pea, but a dwarf, bush type with profuse, lightly scented, small flowers in red, pink, white, rose, purple, lilac, and blue. Try something different for hanging baskets, patio containers, window boxes or the front of a border. Caution: Parts of this plant are toxic if ingested.
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. Cold Climates: 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date. Mild Climates: Late fall to early winter for early spring bloom. Ideal soil temperature is 55°-65°F
When to Start Inside: 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost.
Days to Emerge: 10–21 days
Seed Depth: 1"
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 6"
Thinning: When 3" tall, thin to 1 every 6"
Botanical Interests White Swan Echinacea Seeds
349
$3.49
Unit price perBotanical Interests White Swan Echinacea Seeds
349
$3.49
Unit price perWhite Swan' is the perfect name for this graceful echinacea, a natural selection from white-flowered variations of the native, purple echinacea. Its flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators, while birds enjoy the seeds. The cone-like seed heads also add a nice architectural touch to the winter garden. A long-lasting cut flower, it adds a sparkle of white to floral arrangements.
When to Sow Outside: 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date, or as late as 2 months before first fall frost.
When to Start Inside: 10 to 12 weeks before your average last frost date (might bloom first year if started indoors).
Days to Emerge: 10–20 days
Seed Depth: ¼"
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 18"
Thinning: When 1" tall, thin to 1 every 18"
Botanical Interests Black Swan Poppy Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price perBotanical Interests Black Swan Poppy Seeds
269
$2.69
Unit price perBlack Swan' is too gorgeous to tuck away into a collage of other flowers, with its intricate, finely cut petals as dark as cabernet. Sow it along a path you frequent or in a large container where you can admire its richly colored 3"–5" semi-double blossoms on graceful, curved, swan-like necks, while bees savor the nectar. Harvest them for exquisite bouquets.
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date, or as soon as soil can be worked, or early to mid-fall for bloom the following spring.
When to Start Inside: Not recommended; does not transplant well.
Days to Emerge: 10–15 days
Seed Depth: Scatter and rake in lightly
Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 6"
Botanical Interests Snowy Milkweed/Butterfly Flower Seeds
299
$2.99
Unit price perBotanical Interests Snowy Milkweed/Butterfly Flower Seeds
299
$2.99
Unit price per
Invite monarch butterflies and other pollinators to your garden with the stunning blooms of this robust, shrub-like heirloom perennial. Also called Greek milkweed, this species is drought tolerant when established and grows best in well-drained soils. Plants have green to silvery-green foliage and stems that are often soft and fuzzy. In summer, pink to white flowers are followed by decorative, woolly seed pods that are beautiful in dried arrangements. Native throughout much of the western United States.
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by Jennifer Brennan on Jun 30 2026
It’s officially summertime, and things are heating up in the garden! From weeding to pruning, a few gardening tasks will set you up for success during some of the most prolific blooming periods of the year. So here you’ll find our timely garden tasks to do in July.
Watering: In hotter temperatures, water your garden frequently to keep plants happy. If no rain, water twice a week. Aim for 1 inch of rain per week at 75°F, plus 1/2 inch for every 10 degrees above. (Ex. For 85°F, aim for 1.5" of rainfall. A good sprinkler is essential.) Shop our watering tools here.
Mulch: Apply a thin layer of mulch over the root zone of your perennials and shrubs to lock in soil moisture as the summer heat sets in. Keep a 4-6" circle of open soil next to the stems to avoid any stem rot diseases. Shop our mulch here.
Natives: Consider adding native plants to your garden when filling open spaces. Natives and local fauna (insects, birds and animals) developed relying on each other for hundreds of years. Even adding just a few native plants to your yard will attract more native birds, animals and pollinators. Shop our native plants here.
Coneflowers: As summer temperatures rise in the garden, many plants start to fade. Not coneflowers (Echinacea)! These long-blooming perennials thrive in full sun and heat, adding vibrant color to the garden from summer to frost. Coneflowers aren’t only pretty – they’re also problem-solvers in the landscape. They adapt easily to any well-draining soil (even poor soils) and can handle mild drought once established. Even in gardens plagued with deer, coneflowers always seem unfazed. Deer and other garden pests dislike their hairy leaves, stems, and prickly cones that serve as the namesake of this hardy perennial. Shop our coneflowers here.
Potted Tropicals: Enhance the decor your patio with potted tropical plants like Hibiscus, Bouganvilla, Palms and Bird of Paradise. Shop our tropical plants here.
Deadhead: Continually deadhead spent flowers, especially on roses, for more blooms.
Insects: Insects are returning – good and bad! Inspect your plants for signs of pest damage and treat them accordingly. Using systemic products that last for 30 days in the leaves that are sprayed; are more Earth-Friendly because they are not sprayed as frequently killing beneficial insects. Spraying at dusk is the most Earth-friendly time to apply them; as the pollinators are back at their hives at dusk.
BioAdvanced® | Dual Action Rose & Flower Insect Killer
BioAdvanced® | 3-in-1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control Ready to Spray with Hose End Sprayer
BioAdvanced® | 3-in-1 Insect, Disease, & Mite Control Ready to Use with Trigger Sprayer
Herbs: Harvest and use perennial herbs (like rosemary, lavender, mint or sage) in summer cocktails and other recipes. The pruning that is used for harvesting encourages bushier, fuller plants – so there will be more herbs to use. Shop our herbs here.
Fertilizer: If the first application of Dr. Earth fertilizer was made in May, it lasted for 60 days. July is the time for another application (1 cup per 10 square feet).
Dr. Earth Bud & Bloom Booster (around Hydrangeas)
Dr. Earth Rose & Flower (Roses, Annuals and Perennials)
Dr. Earth Tomato, Vegetable and Herb (Vegetables, Tomatoes and Herbs)
Dr. Earth Fruit Tree Fertilizer (all fruit producing trees, shrubs and flowering trees like Crabapples and Lilacs).
Japanese Beetles: Japanese beetles will be returning in July. Use a systemic drench on roses and the other plants in the rose family that Japanese Beetles love to eat.
BioAdvanced | All-in-One Rose and Flower Care | 32 Oz.
Weeding: Keep on weeding! It feels like a never-ending task, but it keeps your garden tidy and healthy.
Jennifer Brennan
Jennifer Brennan is the Horticulture Information Specialist, advising and coaching gardeners at Chalet for over 30 years.
by Lawson Thalmann on Jun 03 2026
Learn how to choose, plant, and maintain hostas for lush, beautiful shade gardens that thrive in North Shore yards.
by Lawson Thalmann on May 21 2026
Fresh herbs can completely change the way our kitchens feel and taste. A few snips of basil into pasta, chives over scrambled eggs, or mint in sparkling water make everyday meals feel special. The best part is that you do not need any gardening background, a big yard, or fancy tools to grow them successfully.
Herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow, which makes them perfect for first-time gardeners in the Chicago North Shore area. At Chalet Home + Garden in Wilmette, IL, we help many customers start their very first herb gardens on patios, balconies, and sunny windowsills.
We will walk through which herbs to start with, what grows well together, whether containers or garden beds are right for you, when to plant in our local climate, and simple care steps so you can harvest with confidence.
Choosing Foolproof Herbs for Your First Garden
When you are new to herb gardening, it helps to start with plants that forgive a few mistakes. These culinary staples are great first choices:
Basil, a must for Italian dishes, loves warm weather and regular harvesting, and it grows quickly so you see results fast.
Parsley, curly or flat-leaf, handles cooler temperatures and bounces back well from regular cutting.
Chives, with their mild onion flavor, are hardy and return each year in the ground.
Mint, excellent for drinks and desserts, grows vigorously and tolerates a range of light conditions.
Thyme, oregano, and rosemary are classic Mediterranean herbs that like sun and slightly dry soil.
If you prefer a simple starting plan, try grouping herbs by how you cook. A pizza and pasta collection might include basil, oregano, and thyme in one container near the kitchen. A tea and mocktail grouping could feature mint, lemon balm, and chamomile for easy steeping or muddling.
For beginners, buying healthy starter plants instead of growing from seed makes the experience smoother. Starters give you a head start on the season, you can see the plant’s health before you bring it home, and you skip the trickier seedling stage. At our plant nursery in Wilmette, IL, we offer herb starts selected for our North Shore conditions so you can focus on learning to care for them and enjoy the harvest.
What Herbs Grow Well Together and What to Separate
Herbs do best when they share a container or bed with plants that like similar conditions. A simple way to think about it is to group by how much sun and moisture they prefer.
Mediterranean sun-lovers enjoy bright light and slightly dry soil between waterings. These include:
Rosemary
Thyme
Oregano
Sage
Leafy moisture-lovers appreciate rich soil and more consistent moisture, especially in containers. These include basil, parsley, and cilantro. Planting these in the same pot or section of the bed makes it easier to water correctly without stressing one type or the other.
Some herbs prefer their own space. Mint and lemon balm spread by underground stems and can quickly crowd out neighbors in a shared container or garden bed. We usually suggest growing each of these in its own pot. You can still group the pots together visually, but giving them separate containers keeps them from taking over.
To make planning easier, think of container “recipes.” A full-sun Mediterranean pot might include rosemary in the center, with thyme and oregano spilling over the sides. A partial-shade leafy pot near a porch rail could feature basil, parsley, and chives. You can also think in terms of use, like a grilling pot, with rosemary and thyme within arm’s reach of the back door to snip while the grill heats.
Containers vs. Garden Beds for Beginner Herb Growers
Both containers and garden beds work well for herbs, so the right choice depends on your space and lifestyle. Containers are ideal for patios, balconies, and sunny stoops. They are flexible, can be moved to chase the sun, and they keep vigorous spreaders like mint contained. Garden beds give roots more room and usually hold moisture longer during hot periods, so they sometimes need less frequent watering.
When choosing containers, look for pots with drainage holes so extra water can escape. Terracotta, ceramic, or plastic all work, as long as the pot is big enough for the herbs to grow. In general, a 10- to 12-inch pot, comfortably fits two or three small herbs, while larger mixed planters can hold more. Use a high-quality potting mix designed for containers, not heavy garden soil, so roots get air and drain well.
If you have a yard space, dedicate a small section near the kitchen to herbs. Most culinary herbs want at least 6 hours of sun, so pick a bright spot. Loosen the soil, mix in compost to improve structure, and plant your herbs in groups that match their water needs. A narrow bed along a walkway or by the back steps can become a handy “cut-and-come-again” herb strip.
Many new gardeners like a hybrid plan: a raised planter or small bed for everyday cooking herbs, plus separate pots for spreading plants like mint. Our team at Chalet can help you match containers, soil, and plant choices to the light and space you have.
When to Plant Herbs in the Chicago North Shore Climate
Timing matters when you are planting herbs outside in the Chicagoland area, since our spring nights can stay cool. Some herbs tolerate lower temperatures and can be planted earlier in the season, while others prefer to wait for consistent warmth.
Cool-tolerant herbs such as chives, parsley, thyme, and oregano can usually handle earlier outdoor planting. They will often be fine with cooler nights as long as the soil is workable and they are not exposed to hard freezes. Warm-loving herbs like basil and rosemary prefer to wait until the risk of frost has passed and nights feel mild. Basil in particular sulks in cold, damp conditions, so a little patience pays off with faster, healthier growth.
If you are eager to get started, you can grow herbs indoors on a sunny windowsill first. Choose a bright south- or west-facing window, use smaller pots with drainage, and rotate the plants every few days so they grow evenly. Once outdoor conditions are ready, introduce your herbs to the outside gradually. Set the pots outdoors in a sheltered, shaded spot for a few hours a day, then increase time and light over about a week so they can harden off and adjust.
Weather can be unpredictable, so we always recommend checking with our staff at Chalet for current-season guidance, especially if a cold snap or heat wave is in the forecast.
Easy Care Routines to Keep Herbs Thriving
Once your herbs are planted, a simple routine is all you need. Watering is the first key. Before you reach for the watering can, press a fingertip into the soil. If the top inch feels dry, it is time to water. If it still feels damp, wait a day and check again. Drooping leaves can signal thirst, but if the soil is soggy and leaves are yellowing, that can point to overwatering instead.
Most culinary herbs want at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sun daily. A sunny patio, front steps, or south-facing window can all work. If your plants start leaning toward the light, rotate the pots regularly. Leggy, stretched stems and pale leaves often mean they need more light.
Harvesting correctly keeps herbs productive and flavorful. Use clean scissors or pruners and cut just above a pair of leaves to encourage bushy regrowth. A good rule is to never remove more than one-third of the plant at a time, so it has enough foliage left to keep growing. Regular light harvests usually give better results than waiting and taking a big cutting all at once.
If you notice leggy basil, pinch back the tops to encourage side shoots. Yellowing leaves on basil can mean too much water or not enough warmth. Woody herbs like rosemary can slow down if soil stays too wet, so let them dry slightly between waterings. Any time you are unsure, bringing a photo or a small sample leaf to our team at Chalet makes it easier for us to help you troubleshoot.
Start Your Herb Garden with Confidence Today
Herb gardening is an easy, low-pressure way to get started with growing plants, and it rewards you every time you cook. Even a single pot on a windowsill can supply plenty of fresh flavor, and you can always expand once you feel more comfortable.
We encourage you to pick one simple starting point, like a trio of basil, parsley, and chives by the kitchen sink or a mixed Mediterranean container near the grill. Come visit us at Chalet and our staff can help you choose high-quality herb plants, the right containers and soil, and a plan that fits your space and cooking style.
With a small plan and a few easy habits, your kitchen can have fresh herbs within arm’s reach all season long.
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