No matter the season, I dream of sun-soaked afternoons by the grill, tongs in one hand and the smoky aroma of seasoned meats wafting through the air. That dream begins not on the patio, but in the garden with my homemade herb and spice blends.

Whether you’re an experienced grower or just getting your hands dirty for the first time, let’s talk about how to grow, harvest, dry, and grind 10 essential herbs and spices to stock your summer grilling pantry. Then, we’ll put those homemade flavors to use in easy, delicious rubs for beef, pork, and chicken.

10 Homegrown Herbs & Spices for Grilling

1. Basil
Start this summertime staple indoors and transplant it outside once the weather warms. Harvest just before the plant flowers for peak flavor. Dry the leaves in a warm, dark space until crisp, then grind into a powder. Your homemade basil will add a fresh, sweet punch to marinades and rubs.

2. Rosemary
This fragrant herb thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. Harvest sprigs when the needles are green and pliable, dry them thoroughly, and pulverize into a piney, earthy powder perfect for grilled pork or lamb.

3. Cumin
Grow cumin in sandy, well-drained soil and wait for the small white or pink flowers to form. Once seed heads dry and turn brown, collect, toast lightly, and grind into a warm, nutty spice that’s essential in dry rubs and spice mixes.

4. Thyme
Thyme is low-maintenance and loves sunlight. Harvest before it flowers for best flavor, then dry and grind into a powder that adds subtle complexity to grilled vegetables and chicken.

5. Paprika
Grow sweet red bell peppers, allow them to fully ripen, then dry and grind them into a rich, smoky paprika. You can also experiment with smoked varieties if you have a smoker or dehydrator. Homemade paprika adds beautiful color and mellow heat. Read our post on How to Make Your Own Paprika From Your Garden.

6. Garlic
Plant garlic in the fall, let it overwinter, and harvest in late spring or early summer. Dry the bulbs, peel the cloves, and dehydrate or oven-dry until crisp. Blend into a versatile, savory powder that enhances nearly any dish.

7. Oregano
Another sun-loving herb, oregano should be harvested just before flowering. Once dried and crushed into a powder, it adds a Mediterranean flair—especially good in pork or lamb rubs.

8. Coriander/Cilantro
Coriander is the seed of the cilantro plant. Once the seeds turn brown and start to fall, harvest, toast gently, and grind into a citrusy, slightly sweet powder that pairs beautifully with grilled pork and chicken.

9. Mustard
Grow mustard for its seeds, which you’ll harvest once they dry on the plant and rattle in their pods. Grind them for a zippy, pungent powder that’s perfect for spice blends and rubs with a little bite.

10. Chili Powder
Grow your favorite hot (or mild!) peppers, dry them completely, and grind into a fiery powder. For a more complex flavor, mix different varieties or add in smoked peppers for depth.

How to Store Your Homemade Herb & Spice Powders

To preserve the potency of your hard-earned herbs and spices, store them in airtight containers away from light, heat, and moisture. Mason jars, spice tins, or amber glass jars work well. When stored properly, most homemade powders will keep their flavor for up to a year.

DIY Grilling Rubs for Every Occasion

Now that your spice shelf is bursting with flavor, put it to good use! These simple rubs use your homemade herbs and spices to bring out the best in beef, pork, and chicken. Also, check out our post on how to make easy spice mixes for gifts.

Beef Rub
This smoky, savory rub adds bold flavor to steaks, burgers, or brisket.

• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pork Rub
Bright and herbal with a touch of tang—perfect for ribs or pork chops.

• 2 tbsp coriander
• 1 tbsp rosemary
• 1 tbsp mustard powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Chicken Rub
A balanced blend with mild heat and fresh undertones—great for grilled thighs or drumsticks.

• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp basil
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

The Summer Ahead for Homemade Herb Rubs and Seasonings

Planning your garden with these herbs and spices in mind will pay off come grilling season. Not only will your meals be bursting with fresh flavor, but there’s a special joy in knowing the seasonings came from your own backyard.

So start sowing those seeds, and get ready to spice up your summer—one homegrown blend at a time.

Happy gardening—and even happier grilling!