How to start a windowsill herb garden in a small apartment

Starting a windowsill herb garden in a small apartment is easy and rewarding, even if you’ve never grown anything before. First, take a look at your windows—herbs love sunlight, so pick the brightest spot you have, ideally one that gets about 6 hours of direct light. If your windows are shady, you can still grow herbs, but stick to varieties that tolerate less sun, like mint or parsley.

Choose herbs you actually want to use in your cooking. Basil, cilantro, chives, and thyme are popular options. You don’t need fancy pots; any container with drainage holes works. If you’re reusing jars or mugs, add some pebbles to the bottom to help excess water escape.

Fill your containers with potting mix, not garden soil—it drains better and keeps roots happy. You can start with seeds, but buying small starter plants from a grocery or nursery is faster and usually easier for beginners. Plant each herb in its own pot unless you’re sure they have similar watering needs.

Water your herbs when the top inch of soil feels dry. Don’t drown them—most herbs prefer slightly dry conditions. Rotate pots every few days if sunlight hits unevenly, so all sides get a chance to grow evenly. Snip leaves as you need them, but never take more than one-third of the plant at a time, or it might struggle to recover.

Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves or drooping stems; these often mean too much or too little water. If your herbs get leggy or thin, they might need more light. Sometimes, you can supplement with a small grow light if your apartment is particularly dim.

With a little attention and patience, your windowsill will soon become a mini kitchen garden. The bonus is you’ll always have fresh herbs on hand, and your apartment will smell amazing.