How you grow is just as important as what you grow.
Different growing methods suit different homes, spaces and cooking goals –
- From simple pots on a windowsill
- To fast, clean hydroponic systems used in professional kitchens.
This article will help you choose the right growing method for your setup, linking you to practical guides that show how each system works and which herbs and vegetables perform best in them.
Choose the right growing method
Pots & containers
The most flexible and beginner‑friendly way to grow herbs and vegetables at home.
Best for: beginners, balconies, patios, renters
- Easy to control growth and watering
- Ideal for herbs like mint, basil, parsley and chives
- Simple to move for light, warmth or harvesting
👉 Explore: 10 Best plants every chef should grow
Soil‑based gardens (beds & raised beds)
Traditional soil growing remains highly productive when space allows.
Best for: gardens, allotments, larger crops
- Supports long‑term, high‑yield plants
- Works well for vegetables alongside hardy herbs
- Requires more space and planning
👉 Explore: Gardening tips for busy chefs
Indoor growing & windowsills
Perfect for keeping fresh herbs close to the kitchen, all year round.
Best for: small homes, kitchens, year‑round harvesting
- Excellent for soft herbs used daily
- Compact plants when harvested regularly
- Minimal equipment required
👉 Explore: Best herbs for indoor growing
Hydroponic growing systems
Soil‑free systems that use water and nutrients to drive fast, clean growth.
Best for: speed, consistency, modern kitchens.
- Very fast growth rates
- Clean harvesting with minimal mess
- Popular in professional and semi‑professional setups
👉 Explore: 5 most popular hydroponic kits
Aquaponic growing systems
A closed‑loop system combining fish and plants for efficient growing.
Best for: enthusiasts, sustainable growing, experimentation
- Continuous nutrient supply
- Low waste once established
- Highly productive for leafy crops and herbs
👉 Explore: aquaponic starter kits
Growing methods at a glance
- Simplest method – Pots & containers
- Smallest spaces – Indoor growing
- Fastest results – Hydroponics
- Most sustainable system -Aquaponics
- Largest yields – Garden beds & raised beds
Match the method to the crop
Different plants thrive in different systems. For best results, choose your crop first, then match it to the system that suits its growth habit, space requirements and harvest style.
Popular examples:
- Mint → Pots, indoor growing, hydroponics
- Basil → Pots, indoor growing, hydroponics
- Rosemary → Pots, raised beds
- Leafy greens → Hydroponic & aquaponic systems
Start growing smarter
Whether you’re growing a single pot of herbs or building a complete kitchen garden, choosing the right growing method makes everything easier – from maintenance to flavour on the plate.
Use the links above to explore each system in detail and build a setup that fits your space, your cooking and your lifestyle.