4 Creative Ways to Use Your Homegrown Herbs
Last Updated: January 31, 2026
A number of home gardeners have recently been asking for new ways to use their herbs at home. To answer that question, many things can actually be done with herbs—it may be for cooking, house cleaning, gift-giving, and so on.
Here are some great ideas on how to use your herbs creatively:
- Toss a muslin bag filled with lavender into your dryer to make your clothes fresher and more fragrant.
- When making delicious desserts, add some herbs (such as roses and lavender) to give them an interesting twist.
- Make a DIY body soap with chamomile, rosemary, or lemon balm. Many natural and homemade soap recipes are available online.
- Create some lavender wands and tuck them in your drawers to add some fragrance.
You can find more creative uses for herbs in books as well as online. But to help you get started, this amazing infographic will show you two creative ways to make the most of your homegrown herbs. Check them out below!
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Image Source: Fix.com
Related Herb Gardening Resources
Chart & Reference Guides
- The Best Cheat Sheet to Herb Gardening
- Herb Gardening Chart: 8 Most Popular Garden Herbs and How to Grow Them
- Herb Cooking Guide
- Herbs 101: A Quick Guide to the 19 Most Essential Herbs
Growing Guides
- 7 Steps to Growing Herbs from Seeds
- How to Grow Your Own Herbs from Seeds
- Top 7 Herbs That You Can Grow in the Shade
- Top 5 Herbs to Grow in Spring
- Top 3 Best Herbs for Starters
- 5 Best Herbs to Grow in Your Kitchen Garden
- Grow a Successful Herb Garden Today!
Indoor Herb Gardening
- The Ultimate Guide to Indoor Herb Gardening
- 4 Essential Tips for Growing Herbs Indoors
- 6 Easy Tips for Growing Herbs Indoors
- Need Help Maintaining Your Indoor Herb Garden?
Tips & Best Practices
- 7 Good Reasons to Grow Your Own Herbs
- Top 5 Mistakes That Herb Gardeners Should Avoid
- 4 Creative Ways to Use Your Homegrown Herbs
- Make Your Fresh Herbs Last Longer With These Easy Tips!
- Want to Know the Quickest & Easiest Way to Dry Herbs?
Health & Culinary
- Herbs and Their Amazing Health Benefits
- Spice Up Your Meals With These 17 Special Herbs & Spices!
- Wanna Have a Healthier Garden? Start Growing Herbs Today!
DIY Projects
- Easy Steps to Making a DIY Hanging Herb Garden
- Vertical Herb Garden: How to Build a Vertical Herb Planter Box
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any herbs grow in full shade? Very few herbs tolerate full shade (less than 2 hours of sun). Most "shade-tolerant" herbs actually prefer partial shade (3-6 hours of sun or dappled light). Mint, parsley, chives, and lemon balm are the most shade-tolerant, but even they perform better with some direct sunlight.
Will shade-grown herbs have less flavor than sun-grown herbs? Generally yes, but the difference is often minimal for shade-tolerant varieties. Herbs produce essential oils (which create flavor and aroma) in response to sunlight. Shade-grown herbs may be slightly milder, but they're still far more flavorful than store-bought dried herbs.
What's the difference between partial shade and full shade for herbs? Partial shade means 3-6 hours of direct sun daily or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Full shade is less than 3 hours of direct sun. Most "shade herbs" need partial shade, not full shade. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal for shade-tolerant herbs.
Can I grow shade herbs indoors? Yes! Shade-tolerant herbs like mint, parsley, and chives adapt well to indoor growing. They need less intense light than sun-loving herbs, making them perfect for north-facing windows or areas with moderate natural light. Supplement with grow lights if needed.
How do I know if my shady spot has enough light for herbs? Observe the area throughout the day. If it receives 3-4 hours of direct morning or late afternoon sun, or bright dappled light most of the day, it's suitable for shade-tolerant herbs. If the area is dim even at midday, it's too shady for most herbs.
