From Dream to Dirt: Building My First Raised Herb Garden

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From Dream to Dirt: Building My First Raised Herb Garden

There’s something magical about stepping outside and clipping fresh herbs for dinner. For years, I’ve dreamed of having a little garden filled with delicious rosemary, delicate thyme, and fragrant lavender—a place where beauty meets purpose.

This spring, I finally made that dream a reality by building a raised bed herb garden, right in outside my kitchen door.

I asked for a raised bed as a gift from my mother in law two years ago and because of the chaos of kids, I haven't had the time to put it together until now. But honestly, with how quick it was to put together and how wonderful it is to have fresh herbs, I should've done this a long time ago.

If you’ve ever wanted to start a herb garden but felt unsure where to begin, I’m here to walk you through the process. Whether you have a sprawling yard or a small sunny corner, this beginner-friendly DIY project can bring joy, flavor, and a touch of joy to everyday life and dinner. I put mine together right in a small spot on my back patio right by my kitchen. So wherever you have a sunny spot you can definitely make this happen.

Why I Chose a Raised Bed

If I've learned anything from my hours of watching Monty Don on Gardeners' World, it's raised beds are absolutely superior. The soil temperature gets warmer much faster than the ground does which means you can start gardening earlier in the season. And you have so much more control over the quality of your soil.

If you haven't heard of Gardeners' World I highly recommend it. It's the little slice of gardening heaven that you didn't know you needed. Monty Don is so calming and such a kind teacher that you'll feel like he's personally teaching you how to create your own dream garden. Or if, like me, you just need something not overly stimulating while you fold that seventh load of laundry, he's your guy. (It's on Amazon Prime and a fair number of the seasons are available for free.)

Building the Raised Bed

I, like many others, purchase way too much from Amazon. That being said, this raised bed I selected and was then gifted for my birthday was a classic choice. It's a Best Choice product, which I've bought a fair number of items from them and have yet to be disappointed.

Assembly took me about an hour to put together, and I was on the phone with my mom the whole time. So it is multi-tasking approved! Listen, when you've got an hour and twenty minutes while your kids sleep, you try to get as much done as humanly possible. Which means getting in an adult conversation and putting together a raised bed at the same time.

The instructions said to use a manual screwdriver, I did not. I used my Ryobi power drill. And before anyone starts talking about how Ryobi is unprofessional: I am not a professional. Plus I think Ryobi is a good brand, especially for the price point. I just need something that works and is easy to use, and Ryobi delivers. The battery clicks in easily, the charger is simple, and it gets the job done.

Planting the Herbs

If I’d fully followed Monty Don’s wisdom, I would’ve built multiple raised beds, each tailored to the different soil needs of specific herbs. But I’m working within a budget—and a toddler nap time window—so I improvised.

Here’s what I did:

• Started with a layer of topsoil mixed with grit (small rocks) for drainage.

• Added a couple of bags of compost to boost nutrients and help the herbs thrive.

Some of the herbs I planted prefer more Mediterranean conditions and might have done better without heavy compost, but the drainage layer seems to be balancing it out just fine so far.

I planted:

• Rosemary

• Dill

• Cilantro

• Thyme

• Oregano

• Parsley

And after a few weeks, they’re all thriving! Bonus tip: If you live in the Midwest like I do and start your garden early, a crib sheet fits perfectly over the top to protect your plants from late frosts.

A Garden That Grows More Than Herbs

For me, my gardens are more than just plants. They're a little safe space that I've created myself away from the monotony of motherhood. Don't get me wrong, I love being a mom and I worked very hard to become one. But in the everyday chaos that is motherhood, it's nice to have something that is your own. Something you get to cultivate to create beauty and joy for not only you, but for your family and friends.

If you have any kind of space at all, even a tiny spot for one little planter pot, go for it. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. Whether it's a packet of flower seeds you throw on with reckless abandon and find out you really can grow something. Or it's a vegetable that you get to enjoy all summer at your dinner table, gardening is therapeutic in so many ways.

You deserve even a small space to focus on yourself and cultivate a corner of joy just for the sake of it. Take the time to take care of yourself and trust me, you won't regret it.