How to Plant a Raised Herb Garden for Beginners

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Herbs are some of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow at home. For Kiwi gardeners, learning how to plant a raised herb garden is a practical and attractive way to enjoy fresh flavours year-round. This beginner’s guide will walk you through everything step by step.

In This Blog You’ll Learn:

  • Why raised herb gardens are ideal for beginners
  • Choosing the best location and materials
  • The most popular herbs to grow in New Zealand
  • Step-by-step planting and maintenance tips
  • Common mistakes to avoid
  • How to keep your raised herb garden thriving year-round

Why Choose a Raised Herb Garden?

Raised garden beds are especially beginner-friendly because they:

  • Offer better soil control – You can fill the bed with high-quality soil and compost, perfect for herbs.
  • Reduce weeds – A raised height limits invasive weeds from creeping in.
  • Improve drainage – Essential for herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano that dislike soggy roots.
  • Make gardening easier – Less bending and kneeling, which is helpful for comfort and accessibility.
  • Look great – Raised beds can double as a decorative feature in your backyard or patio.

For beginners, this setup provides structure and reduces the risk of common gardening mistakes.

Choosing the Right Location and Materials

Location

Pick a spot that receives at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily. Most culinary herbs love full sun, though a little afternoon shade can benefit delicate varieties like parsley and coriander during hot New Zealand summers.

Size

A raised herb garden doesn’t need to be large. A 1–2 metre bed is enough to grow a variety of herbs while remaining easy to maintain.

Materials

You can use:

  • Wood – Treated pine, cedar, or macrocarpa are popular. Line treated wood with plastic to prevent leaching.
  • Bricks or concrete blocks – Durable and weather-resistant.
  • Metal planters – Stylish and long-lasting.

Whichever material you choose, ensure the bed is at least 30–40 cm deep to allow roots to develop.

Best Herbs for New Zealand Beginners

Start with hardy, low-maintenance herbs that suit New Zealand’s climate. Good options include:

  • Basil – Loves warm weather, perfect for summer salads.
  • Parsley – A reliable year-round favourite.
  • Coriander – Fast-growing but prefers cooler conditions.
  • Mint – Easy but invasive—plant in a separate container within your bed.
  • Rosemary – Drought-tolerant and perfect for roasts.
  • Thyme – Hardy and great for flavouring stews.
  • Chives – Low-maintenance and great for garnishes.

Mix perennial herbs (like rosemary and thyme) with annuals (like basil and coriander) for variety.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

  1. Prepare the Bed
    • Fill your raised bed with a mix of garden soil, compost, and organic matter.
    • Herbs prefer well-drained soil, so add sand or fine gravel if needed.
  2. Plan Your Layout
    • Place taller herbs (rosemary, basil) at the back or centre.
    • Plant creeping herbs (thyme, oregano) along the edges to spill over attractively.
    • Keep mint in a pot sunk into the bed to prevent spreading.
  3. Plant Your Herbs
    • Dig holes slightly larger than the root ball.
    • Place plants in and gently firm the soil around them.
    • Water well after planting to help roots settle.
  4. Mulch and Label
    • Add a thin layer of mulch (straw, bark chips, or pea straw) to conserve moisture.
    • Label each plant so you can easily identify them as they grow.

Caring for Your Raised Herb Garden

  • Watering – Herbs prefer deep, less frequent watering. Aim for 2–3 times a week in summer, depending on rainfall.
  • Pruning – Regularly trim herbs to encourage bushy growth. Don’t be shy—harvesting is pruning!
  • Feeding – Apply liquid fertiliser or seaweed tonic every 3–4 weeks for lush, healthy plants.
  • Pest control – Watch for aphids and caterpillars. Companion planting with marigolds or nasturtiums can help keep pests away naturally.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overwatering – Most herbs hate soggy soil. Ensure your raised bed drains well.
  • Overcrowding – Give each plant enough space—cramped herbs compete for light and nutrients.
  • Neglecting mint control – Mint will take over if not contained. Always grow it separately.
  • Planting in full shade – Herbs won’t thrive without sunlight.

Keeping Your Raised Herb Garden Thriving Year-Round

Jim's NZ team

In New Zealand, herbs can be grown almost year-round with the right care. Protect tender herbs like basil from frost in winter by covering with cloches or moving pots indoors. Hardy perennials such as rosemary and thyme will continue producing through cooler months, giving you fresh flavour all year.

If you’d like extra support with seasonal garden care, soil preparation, or herb maintenance, professional gardening services can make it easier to keep your raised garden thriving.

Conclusion

A raised herb garden is the perfect beginner project—easy to manage, rewarding, and great for Kiwi backyards. With the right setup and care, you’ll have fresh herbs at your fingertips for cooking and health. For help with garden design and maintenance, call Jim’s Mowing NZ at 0800 454 654.