Grow your own fresh herbs! Here's the easy formula for a container herb garden

You can plant an herb garden on your front porch!

This project will instantly make you feel like you have your life together. You can be that person who casually snips fresh basil into dinner! Beyond the aesthetic, an herb garden is fresher, more flavorful and saves you money, too. Horticulturist Jessica Berrett shared what's to love about this kind of container garden. Not only do you get fresh herbs right outside your door, they're practical, beautiful and easy! She said anyone can pull it off. Plant it now and grow it all the way until winter! It works for patios, porches or large gardens. To get started, you'll need a container with good drainage. Use potting mix, not garden soil, and lightly fill the pot, don't pack it too tight. Jessica emphasized using herbs that you already know you like to use in your cooking. She recommended planting full sun plants and treating the design like your regular flower container. She gave a basic formula and some of the best plants to achieve a cohesive herb container garden.

Best "Thriller" Plants

• Rosemary
• Lavender
• Lemongrass

Best "Filler" Plants

• Basil
• Parsley
• Chives

Best "Spiller" Plants

• Thyme
• Oregano

When Planting

• Loosen roots slightly before planting
• Water thoroughly right after planting
• Water when the top inch dries out

When Harvesting

• Use herbs often and they will have better growth
• Don't remove more than ⅓ at a time
• Protect basil from frost
• Replace parsley and cilantro in summer heat

Find more planting inspiration from Jessica on Instagram, @plant.geek.