Formal herb gardens are based on a system of paths and beds, often edged with low growing hedges. To remain neat this type of garden requires considerable maintenance and careful attention to weed control, thorough preparations of beds and paths at the onset is essential to prevent weed problems down the line.


Herbs grow well in all types situations from a few culinary herbs in a window box to a sprawling wild garden full of teasels, nettles, and brambles. Plant according to your taste and intended use of the herbs. When planning an herb garden group herbs by their growing requirements rather than their use.


Shade tolerant herbs thrive on the edges of shrub masses or by patches of small trees. Add a low-fertility soil improver on an annual basis in order to mimic the decayed leaf layer that occurs annually in woodland areas. Vigorous groundcover herbs can become quite rampant in favorable conditions, so cut them back regularly to control their spread.


Drought tolerant herbs look stunning growing together in a location where they have full sun and well-drained soil. A naturally dry part of the garden will be ideal. Use gravel mulch around the plants to control weeds and keep the area immediately around the base of the plants dry. These type of herbs grow well in containers.

Herbs for damp soil will grow well in a naturally boggy area, or you can create one by the edge of a pond or bog garden. Some of these species can become invasive once established in a garden


Herbs for walkways should be low growing that thrive in dry conditions for planting between stepping-stones. Fill the cracks with compost and sow the seed directly into the soil in the spring. Keep watered and avoid walking on the herbs until they become established.


Herbs for the vegetable patch such as chervil, cilantro, savory and dill all enjoy the slightly richer soil normally found in vegetable gardens. These types of herbs are best sown directly into the soil in spring.