Growing herbs indoors is a great way to keep fresh flavors within arm’s reach, no matter the season. Some herbs adapt beautifully to life inside, thriving on your windowsill or kitchen counter.
But which herbs are easiest to grow indoors – and how can you keep them healthy and productive?
Let’s take a look at the top herbs for indoor gardening and how to help them flourish.
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. Basil
Dreaming of fresh basil? Grab a plant here or start from scratch with seeds here.
Basil is a popular herb to grow indoors. It’s valued for its aromatic leaves and versatility in cooking. With proper care, it thrives indoors all year long.
Place your basil plant in a sunny spot like a windowsill since it needs plenty of light. Regular watering is essential, but be sure the soil drains well to avoid root rot. You can enjoy fresh basil leaves by pinching off stems regularly to encourage bushy growth.
By the way…if you’re just getting started, check out our ultimate guide for how to start an indoor herb garden to make sure your herbs thrive!
Place your mint plant on a windowsill that gets morning sunlight. You can use mint for teas, desserts, and even in savory dishes. Regularly trimming the leaves encourages bushier growth.
Mint tends to spread quickly. It’s a good idea to plant it in its own pot to prevent it from overtaking other herbs. With a little care, you can have fresh mint all year round.
Want to really get creative with your herbs? 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!
3. Thyme
Want your own supply of thyme? Snag a plant here or seeds to grow your own here.
Thyme is a great herb to grow indoors because it’s hardy and doesn’t need much care. It’s perfect for adding flavor to your dishes and is also known for its medicinal properties. Plus, growing it indoors lets you have fresh thyme year-round.
This herb enjoys bright, sunny spots, so make sure it gets enough light. A south-facing window is ideal, but if that’s not possible, a grow light can help.
Water thyme sparingly – it’s tolerant of dry conditions. You can also prune thyme regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent leggy stems.
Snipping off the top leaves ensures your plant remains healthy. This also provides you with fresh sprigs whenever you need them.
Place the plant near a south-facing window to ensure it gets enough sunlight. Water them regularly, but make sure the soil drains well to prevent root rot. You might find chives useful in various culinary dishes, adding a mild onion flavor.
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Trim them regularly to encourage new growth and keep them healthy. You can use the cuttings immediately, adding them to your salads and soups. This ensures a steady supply of herb for your meals.
Water oregano regularly, but don’t let the soil stay soggy. It’s a low-maintenance plant, making it perfect for busy home gardeners. Oregano’s small size means it fits comfortably in most indoor spaces.
To get started, sow parsley seeds in a pot with well-draining soil. Make sure it gets about 6 hours of sunlight daily. Water it regularly, keeping the soil slightly moist but not too wet.
Trim the leaves whenever you need some for cooking. This encourages new growth. With proper care, parsley can thrive indoors and supply you with fresh herbs year-round.
Keep cilantro in a sunny spot, near a window that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. If natural light is limited, consider using a grow light to supplement. Regularly trim the tops to encourage fuller growth.
Harvesting can begin once the plant is about six inches tall. Use the leaves as needed in your favorite dishes for a fresh, zesty flavor.
8. Lemon Balm
Time to grow lemon balm at home? Find a plant here or some seeds here to get started.
Lemon balm is a fantastic herb for indoor growing. It has a refreshing lemon scent and can be used in teas or to add flavor to dishes. It’s quite easy to care for so you’ll find it suitable even if you’re new to gardening.
Ensure it gets plenty of light, ideally from a sunny window. Keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering to prevent root problems. Regular pruning helps maintain its growth and encourages more leaves.
This herb is also known for its calming properties. Some believe it’s good for stress relief and promoting better sleep. You can enjoy its benefits by simply rubbing the leaves to release their aroma.
Water the plant when the topsoil feels dry to the touch. You’ll also want to keep it in a room where the temperature is consistent.
Pruning encourages bushier growth, so don’t hesitate to trim it periodically. Sage can enhance recipes, adding a rich, earthy flavor. It’s a sturdy herb, making it a great choice for indoor gardening.
Place it in a sunny spot where it gets about six to eight hours of light each day. Water it sparingly, only when the soil feels dry. Keep trimming it to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from getting leggy.
11. Lavender
Excited to grow lavender? Start with a live plant here or plant some seeds here to watch it sprout.
Lavender can grow wonderfully indoors with the right care. Choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight, ideally about six hours a day. Make sure you’re using a well-draining potting mix to prevent water from pooling at the roots.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, but don’t overwater either. It’s important to prune your plant to encourage fuller growth and remove any dead or damaged stems. A pot with good drainage holes will help prevent root rot.
You’ll enjoy the plant’s fragrance and subtle beauty in your living space.