The Cost of Herbs

Herbs are a wonderful addition to both your kitchen and your medicine cabinet, but one common question people often ask is, "How much do herbs cost, and is it worth it to grow them yourself?" The cost of herbs can vary widely depending on whether you're purchasing them or cultivating them in your own garden. This article will explore the costs of both options, breaking down the financial aspects of buying and growing herbs for personal use.

Buying Herbs: The Cost Breakdown

Buying herbs from a store—whether fresh, dried, or in supplements—can be convenient, but the price can add up over time. The cost depends on the type of herb, the form it’s in, and where you purchase it. Let's take a look at a few examples:

1. Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs are often available at grocery stores, farmers' markets, and specialty stores like health food shops. On average, fresh herbs cost:

Basil: $2 to $3 for a small bunch (often about 1 ounce)

Mint: $1.50 to $3 per bunch

Rosemary: $2 to $3 per small bunch

Sage: $2 to $3 per bunch

Lemon Balm: $3 to $5 for a small bunch

Fresh herbs tend to be more expensive than dried versions, and the price can fluctuate depending on the season, region, and availability. If you live in an area where certain herbs aren’t locally grown, they might cost more.

2. Dried Herbs

Dried herbs are more affordable than fresh ones and are widely available in grocery stores and health food shops. A 1-ounce jar of dried herbs typically costs:

Basil: $2 to $4

Thyme: $2 to $3

Lavender: $3 to $5

Chamomile: $4 to $6

Echinacea: $5 to $8

Dried herbs are more concentrated, so you don't need to use as much as you would with fresh herbs. However, they also have a shorter shelf life than fresh herbs once they’re opened, so it's important to use them up relatively quickly.

3. Herbal Teas

Herbal teas can be bought either as pre-packaged tea bags or loose-leaf. The cost of these teas varies depending on the brand and the type of herbs used. On average, you'll find:

Lemon Balm Tea: $3 to $6 per 20 tea bags or 1 ounce of loose leaf

Chamomile Tea: $3 to $6 for 20 tea bags or 1 ounce of loose leaf

Holy Basil (Tulsi) Tea: $5 to $8 for 20 tea bags or 1 ounce of loose leaf

Peppermint Tea: $2 to $5 for 20 tea bags or 1 ounce of loose leaf

Specialty blends, especially those with multiple ingredients, tend to be more expensive. Organic or premium brands can also push the price higher.

4. Herbal Supplements

Some herbs, like Echinacea and St. John’s Wort, are sold as capsules or tinctures. The prices for these supplements tend to be higher due to the concentration of the active compounds in them:

Echinacea Capsules: $10 to $20 for 100 capsules

St. John’s Wort Tincture: $8 to $15 for 1 ounce

Turmeric Capsules: $10 to $20 for 90 capsules

These are often taken as part of a wellness routine for boosting immunity, improving mood, or reducing inflammation, and can be more expensive upfront.

Growing Herbs: The Cost Breakdown

Growing your own herbs can save you money in the long run, but there are some initial costs to consider. Here's a look at the financial aspects of growing herbs in your own garden or even on your windowsill.

1. Starting with Seeds or Seedlings

If you're starting your own herb garden, you'll first need to purchase seeds or seedlings. Seeds are usually more affordable, but you’ll need to wait for the plants to grow and harvest them.

Basil Seeds: $2 to $4 for a packet (often enough for multiple plants)

Mint Seeds: $2 to $3 per packet

Lavender Seeds: $3 to $6 per packet

Chamomile Seeds: $3 to $5 per packet

Rosemary Seedlings: $4 to $8 per plant (more expensive than seeds)

Thyme Seedlings: $3 to $5 per plant

Seed packets generally cost less than seedlings, but they take longer to grow. Seedlings are faster to start with, but they come at a higher initial cost.

2. Soil and Containers

If you're growing herbs in pots or containers, you'll need to purchase soil and possibly containers. The cost can vary depending on whether you're using standard garden soil or premium organic potting mix.

Potting Soil: $5 to $15 for a 10 to 20-pound bag

Containers: $3 to $10 for a simple planter

Raised Garden Beds: $50 to $100 for a small raised bed setup, if you prefer gardening outdoors

Herbs don’t require large or fancy containers, so you can start with a few basic pots. Additionally, many herbs like basil, mint, and thyme do well in small containers, making them perfect for apartment dwellers.

3. Water and Maintenance

While growing herbs at home isn’t a major drain on your water bill, it does require some regular attention. The cost of watering will vary based on your climate and how many plants you have. Indoor plants may require more frequent watering than outdoor ones, especially during dry seasons. However, herbs generally don’t require a lot of care beyond regular watering, occasional pruning, and ensuring they get enough sunlight.

Fertilizers: $5 to $15 per bottle (this can last for a season or more)

Watering Costs: Typically low, though outdoor herbs may require more water during hot months.

4. Harvesting and Replanting

Many herbs, such as mint, rosemary, and thyme, can be perennial, meaning they will come back year after year. Others, like basil, are annuals and will need to be replanted each year. Depending on the herbs you choose, your garden might require replanting every season, or you might have a lasting supply.

Cost Comparison: Buying vs. Growing

Let’s compare the costs for a few common herbs based on both buying and growing them:

Basil:

Buying Fresh: $2–$3 per bunch (lasting 1-2 weeks if used regularly)

Growing: Seeds cost $2–$4 for enough to grow multiple plants. A single plant can provide fresh basil for several months.

Mint:

Buying Fresh: $1.50–$3 per bunch (lasting 1-2 weeks)

Growing: Mint is hardy and grows quickly. A plant costs $3–$5, and you can harvest it multiple times per season. It often spreads, so you'll have a steady supply.

Rosemary:

Buying Fresh: $2–$3 per bunch (lasting 1-2 weeks)

Growing: Seedlings cost $4–$8 per plant, but rosemary is perennial and can live for several years with minimal care.

Lavender:

Buying Fresh: $3–$5 per bunch

Growing: Seeds cost $3–$6 per packet, but it’s a perennial that will last several years with proper care.

Is It Worth Growing Your Own Herbs?

Growing your own herbs can be a highly cost-effective option if you regularly use fresh herbs in your cooking or for medicinal purposes. Even with the initial investment in seeds, soil, and containers, the long-term savings are significant. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of harvesting your own fresh herbs, which can taste better than store-bought ones.

However, growing herbs requires time, space, and some knowledge about gardening. If you have limited space or don’t want to commit to the upkeep, buying herbs might be the better option for you. Fortunately, you can always opt for a mix of both—buying herbs that are difficult to grow in your climate and cultivating easy-to-care-for ones like mint, basil, or thyme in your garden or kitchen.

Conclusion

In the end, whether you buy herbs or grow them yourself depends on your personal preferences, budget, and available space. Buying herbs can be convenient and quick, but growing them offers long-term savings and the joy of cultivating your own plants. With just a small upfront investment, you can enjoy a steady supply of fresh herbs year after year.