DIY Stovetop Garden Potpourri: Make Your Home Smell Amazing

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Have you ever walked past someone, caught a whiff of their perfume, and been instantly brought back to a memory? Scent has the power to transport us and bring up long-forgotten experiences. You’ll love the magic of stovetop garden potpourri as you forge new core memories!

As someone who loves gardening and the smells associated with holidays, I’ve started creating these DIY fragrant teas as a solution to all the dried (or fresh) herbs and flowers I have gathered from the garden. These fragrant pots of simmering goodness will either have you dreaming of the next gardening season or putting you in the holiday mood.

Also, did you know using natural ingredients in your home can reduce indoor air pollution? It’s time to ditch artificial air fresheners and plug-ins and embrace the power of nature right from your own backyard. Fill your home with non-toxic scents using this simple DIY stovetop garden potpourri.

What is Stovetop Garden Potpourri?

Stovetop potpourri is an all-natural and easy way to make your home smell heavenly. No candles or oils are needed. This is not your grandma’s bathroom potpourri either. You know what I am talking about – that huge pile of super-hard dried pinecones and pomegranates. This updated and elevated version is a simmering pot of herbs, flowers, and fruit that doesn’t last for a decade.

This homemade air freshener is super basic: You slowly simmer ingredients from your garden (herbs, fruits, flowers, spices) in a small pot on the stove, or in a crock pot, to fill your home with natural fragrance. You could even drink the tea you make, but after simmering for a long time it may be a bit too strong to sip. Maybe just enjoy the fragrant herb combinations.

Why Use Stovetop Garden Potpourri?

I don’t know about you, but artificial scents immediately give me a headache. I love how a house can smell like the season it’s in, but I don’t want the pain that comes with lighting a candle or plugging in a weird gel. It is so homey and welcoming to walk into a home where you can feel the coziness, but I want it to be all-natural if possible. Essential oils and diffusers are also great, but some oils can be expensive, and you may not always have what you want on hand.

You won’t have to worry about any harsh chemicals, additives, or allergens. You can have a fragrant home with stovetop garden potpourri, and you get to decide what goes in! Plus, it’s super cheap to make when all you need is water, and some homegrown herbal goodies picked from your backyard garden. You’ll also be reducing your waste by using the herbal trimmings and fruit peels you’d normally throw away. As a bonus, you’ll have a homemade herbal humidifier putting moisture back into the air!

Don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of supplies in the garden, use what you have. You can buy dried herbs to have on hand for when you want to simmer some Stovetop Garden Potpourri or drink a cup of tea.

Essential Ingredients for Your Garden-Inspired Home Fragrance

There are no hard and fast rules on measuring or mixing ingredients, it’s mostly with your heart. You can change it up each time making it a seasonal, garden-inspired, or calming herbal blend​​​​​​​​​​​.

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Here is a list of common ingredients I have used for stovetop garden potpourri (definitely not exhaustive):

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Stovetop Garden Potpourri

Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients

You can cut fresh herbs and grab fresh fruit, or if you have dried that is great too. If you have some time in the summer to dehydrate your herbs and fruit, make a bunch to store so you’ll have them all winter with no need to run out and buy more.

Choosing Your Pot and Water Amounts

I like to use my small saucepan (or my new glass pot!) for my aromatic potpourri blends. 6 cups of water fit perfectly in mine, but if you want to use a smaller pot or a slow cooker go for it! A slow cooker is great if you don’t want to leave your stove on all day. I usually add between 1/2 to 1 cup total of herbs, spices and fruit for the perfect “aromatea” ratio.

Keep It Low

No matter if you are using a stovetop or a slow cooker, keep the temperature low- a slight simmer at most. You don’t want your DIY potpourri boiling over, evaporating too quickly, or burning.

Watch and Replenish

Be sure to watch your simmering potpourri for low water levels and add more as needed. You can keep the pot simmering for 2-3 days. You can also add additional ingredients if you feel the scent is diminishing. BE SURE to turn the stove or slow cooker OFF after you are done!

Storing and Reusing

If you are leaving the house, or there is quite a bit left in your pot before bed, you can store leftover potpourri “tea” covered in the fridge until you’re ready to use again. I would only store in the fridge for a day or two. Once you’re done simmering, you can compost, or throw it out, or water your garden with the tea.

Tips for Maximizing the Fragrance of Your Stovetop Potpourri

Best Practices for Making Blends

Stick with a few ingredients, don’t go overboard. I like to use 5 ingredients max, so I don’t end up with too many competing scents. A good equation would be to start with your favorite herb, add a complementary fruit, and then a flower or spice as an accent.

Drying Herbs and Fruit

You can dry most herbs from your garden by either leaving them on the counter on a paper towel for a week, or in a dehydrator on low for a day. For citrus peels and slices I recommend the dehydrator, so you don’t attract bugs or get any mold. You can also use fresh ingredients if you prefer!

I always recommend starting a garden by growing your own herbs. They are used for food, medicine, and even as an easy herbal home fragrance.

9 Irresistible Stovetop Garden Potpourri Recipes for Every Season

The possibilities are endless, you can go seasonal with your potpourri or just use your favorite herbs to make a fun fragrance.

• Fall Spice Mix: Dried apple slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and nutmeg
• Harvest Mix: Vanilla beans, pumpkin pie spice, and sage
• Cozy Mix: Vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, and cocoa powder
• Holiday Mix: Dried orange peels, dried cranberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and rosemary
• Wintery Mix: Pine needles, dried lemon slices, rosemary, and mint
• Fresh Spring Mix: Dried lemon slices, lavender, fresh mint, and thyme
• Summery Mix: Dried lime slices, hibiscus, basil, and rosemary
• Bright Florally Mix: Chamomile, lavender, rose petals, and lemon balm
• Relaxing Mix: Chamomile, rose petals, and vanilla beans

Stovetop Garden Potpourri as Gifts

These make super cute hostess or Christmas gifts. Just add all dried ingredients to a small mason jar or bag and tack on a fun ribbon with instructions! Download our free instructions card that you can print off and attach.

Isn’t it amazing how a simple mix of garden treasures can transform your home into a fragrant oasis? By creating your stovetop garden potpourri, you’re not just freshening your space – it’s an herbal experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different blends and find your signature scent(s). It’s time to fire up your stove and let your garden’s aroma fill your home!

Let us know in the comments if you’ve made your own Stovetop Garden Potpourri and what combinations have been your favorite.

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