Starting an indoor herb garden is easier than you might think, and it’s a great way to have fresh herbs at your fingertips all year. With just a little planning, you can create a setup that’s both functional and beautiful.
But where should you begin – and what steps will help your herbs thrive indoors?
Let’s walk through everything you need to know to get your indoor herb garden growing.
Table of Contents
Quick Guide to Growing Herbs Indoors 💚
⭐ Want some? This indoor herb growing kit is perfect for getting started.
💧 Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Most herbs prefer consistent moisture but don’t like soggy soil.
🌱 Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix – I personally use this mix for my herbs. A mix with added compost or organic matter is great for supporting herb growth.
☀️ Light: Place herbs in a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of bright, direct light daily. If natural light is limited, consider using a grow light.
🌿 Fertilizer: Feed with a diluted, all-purpose fertilizer (my top pick is this Miracle-Gro one) every 2-4 weeks during active growth. Most herbs don’t need heavy feeding.
🌡️ Temperature: Keep herbs in a room that stays between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Avoid drafts and temperature fluctuations for steady growth.
1. Choose location with sunlight
Pick a spot in your home that gets plenty of natural light. Windows facing south or west typically offer the best light conditions for growing herbs indoors. Your herbs will thrive in these areas, especially during the colder months when sunlight is limited.
If you have space by a window, consider placing your garden there. A sunny ledge or table can work well, too. Make sure the area isn’t too cold or drafty, as this can affect your plants’ growth.
While natural light is ideal, you might need to supplement with grow lights. These lights can ensure your herbs get enough light year-round.
When it comes to which ones to get, I recommend these grow lights for your indoor herb garden. They’re the perfect size for most herb pots with all the technology you need. Plus, their full spectrum light means your herbs will thrive.
2. Select herb varieties
There are a few things to consider when choosing which herbs to add to your indoor garden. For example, you’ll probably want to choose herbs you often use in cooking. It’s also important to consider the space you have indoors when picking herbs.
Start with those that grow well in smaller pots. Think about your light conditions as well – some herbs need more sunlight than others. This choice will affect how well they thrive in your indoor garden.
Some easy herbs to get started with that love being indoors include:
- Basil – grab a plant here or start from scratch with seeds here
- Mint – get a plant here or sow some seeds here
- Thyme – snag a plant here or seeds to grow your own here
(I’d just start with the plants if I were you, but these herbs are super simple to grow from seed too if you’d prefer.)
Or want some other options? You can check out our picks for the best herbs to grow indoors for even more inspiration.
3. Purchase potting soil
Look for a well-draining potting soil mix (I use this potting mix for my herbs), which is crucial for healthy herbs. Make sure it retains some moisture but doesn’t get waterlogged. Quality soil often includes components like peat moss or coconut coir.
Avoid using garden soil as it can compact easily and doesn’t have the right nutrients. Consider soils with added organic fertilizers for an extra boost. Purchasing sterile potting soil reduces the risk of pests.
Professional Indoor Herb Plant Soil
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Give your indoor herbs the best chance to thrive with this ready-to-use, high-quality soil mix! Helps your plants soak up nutrients, keeps roots healthy with great airflow, and prevents overwatering for happy, thriving herbs
4. Get herb seeds or seedlings
I touched on this above, but you’ll need to decide between seeds or seedlings for your indoor herb garden at some point.
Consider yourself a houseplant pro? Take this quiz and prove it!
Seeds are definitely more economical, while seedlings offer a head start. Consider factors like growth time and ease of care when making your choice.
Local garden centers or online retailers are great places to buy seeds or seedlings – or just grab them online at the links I mentioned above!
When choosing seeds, look for ones with a high germination rate to ensure success. If opting for seedlings, select healthy plants with vibrant leaves and no visible damage.
Check if your chosen herbs are well-suited for indoor growth. Common options include basil, parsley, and mint. Depending on your space, choose plants that are compact and won’t outgrow their containers.
5. Select appropriate containers
Choosing the right containers is essential for a successful indoor herb garden. Opt for containers with drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating and causing root rot.
The size depends on the herb you want to grow, but generally, a container that’s 6 to 12 inches deep works well.
You can use clay pots, plastic containers, or even repurpose items like jars. Ensure they’re clean and sterilized before planting.
Consider the space you have available and the aesthetic you prefer. Different containers can add personality to your herb garden while being functional.
And to get really creative and channel a certain aesthetic, take a look at these ideas for growing your indoor herb garden. From mason jars to so much more, you’re bound to find some inspiration!
Alternatively, you could just give yourself the best chance of success with a smart herb garden like this one. Just set it up and you’re good to go!
6. Ensure proper drainage
Drainage is crucial for a healthy indoor herb garden. Without proper drainage, water can accumulate, leading to root rot. Ensure pots have holes at the bottom to allow excess water to escape.
Consider adding a layer of small stones at the bottom of your containers. This promotes drainage and keeps soil from blocking the holes. Use a well-draining soil mix; this helps prevent waterlogging.
Regularly check that water flows freely from the pots. If water sits in the saucer for too long, empty it to keep roots from sitting in water.
7. Label each herb
Labeling each herb is super helpful for keeping everything organized. It’s easy to mix up plants, especially when they’re young and don’t look too different. You’ll know exactly what you’re growing, which is handy if you’re planning recipes or need specific herbs.
Use small stakes or stickers for labeling. Include the herb’s name, and feel free to add the planting date or any care notes. This makes it easy to track your plants and give them the specific care they need.
8. Arrange herbs by sunlight need
Different herbs require varying amounts of sunlight to thrive. That’s why I always recommend grouping them based on their light preferences to ensure optimal growth.
For example, place sun-loving herbs like basil and rosemary near a south-facing window. On the other hand, herbs needing partial sunlight, such as parsley and cilantro, will do better with indirect light.
Ensure these receive enough light exposure, but not direct sunlight which can be overpowering. Some herbs, like mint, can tolerate lower light levels, making them suitable for less sunny spots.
By organizing herbs in this manner, you help them flourish and maintain healthy growth patterns.
9. Water herbs regularly
Consistent watering is key to keeping your herbs healthy. Water them regularly to ensure they don’t dry out. Most herbs prefer soil that is evenly moist but not soggy.
Check the top inch of soil before each watering. If it’s dry, it’s time to water. Overwatering can cause root rot, so be careful not to water too often.
Consider the climate of your indoor space as that can impact how often you need to water. Use containers with drainage holes to prevent water from sitting in the bottom. Adjust as needed throughout the seasons.
10. Use a water-soluble or liquid fertilizer
Using water-soluble or liquid fertilizer in your indoor herb garden is a simple way to ensure healthy plant growth – which is why I personally use this water-soluble Miracle-Gro fertilizer for my herbs.
We all know that fertilizing your plants supplies essential nutrients that your herbs need to thrive. This can improve soil health and boost the flavors of your herbs.
But in my experience, it’s much easier overall to use a fertilizer that’s either water-soluble or comes already in a liquid format. And we all know that this convenience makes it much more likely that you’ll actually fertilize them!
As always, be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging to avoid over-fertilization. Your herbs can definitely have too much of a good thing.
At the same time, regularly check your plants for signs of nutrient deficiency. Yellowing leaves or stunted growth could indicate a need for more nutrients. Adjust your use accordingly to keep your herbs flourishing.